Baton Rouge, LA (June 24, 2026) |
Luminate proudly celebrated outstanding accomplishments within the Louisiana credit union community at the 2026 Luminate Awards Ceremony held June 23 during the Luminate Conference in New Orleans. The event recognized individuals and credit unions for their exceptional contributions to the credit union movement, underscoring their dedication and innovation.
Award Highlights
Milestone anniversaries were celebrated for the following credit unions:
- 50 years: CF LA CU, St. Mary Parish School Employees FCU, and Total Choice FCU
- 75 years: Alexandria Municipal Employees CU, Alexandria T and P FCU, East Baton Rouge Teachers FCU, Louisiana Catholic FCU, and Union FCU
Radiance in Marketing Awards recognized outstanding marketing efforts across four categories:
- Annual Report: UNO FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), University of Louisiana FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Southwest Louisiana CU ($150+ million in assets)
- Community Outreach: UNO FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), Ascension CU ($50-$150 million in assets), and OnPath FCU ($150+ million in assets)
- Integrated Campaign: St. Tammany FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), First Pioneers FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Centric FCU ($150+ million in assets)
- Social Media: St. Tammany FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), POE FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and CSE FCU ($150+ million in assets)
Enlighten Award went to Instep Credit Union. This award celebrates credit unions that exemplify the sixth cooperative principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Instep CU was nominated by Pelican CU for its outstanding commitment to the cooperative principles that strengthen the credit union movement. Through active participation in shared branching networks, collaborative financial education initiatives, advocacy efforts, disaster recovery support, and ongoing partnerships with fellow credit unions and community organizations, Instep consistently demonstrates cooperation over competition. Under the leadership of CEO Helen Delin and a dedicated team, the credit union has helped advance industry advocacy, share knowledge and best practices, support community resilience, and expand access to financial services and education. Its sustained commitment to collaboration, service, and innovation has created a lasting positive impact on both the communities it serves and the broader credit union system.
Emerging Leader Award went to Austin Doucet of Neighbors FCU. Doucet was recognized with this award for his exceptional leadership, commitment to professional growth, and ability to drive meaningful results while developing those around him. As AVP Branch Manager of Neighbors Federal Credit Union’s Perkins Road branch, Austin transformed a historically underperforming location into one of the organization’s top-performing branches, earning Branch of the Year recognition and leading the branch to the highest production rankings in 2026. Through innovative coaching, employee development, and a people-first leadership style, he has helped team members achieve significant performance growth while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service. Austin’s dedication to the credit union movement is further demonstrated through his active involvement in leadership development programs, industry engagement, volunteer service, financial counseling, and community outreach initiatives. By combining strategic vision with a genuine commitment to helping others, Austin exemplifies the next generation of credit union leadership and the cooperative philosophy of People Helping People.
Governance Excellence Award was presented to Gary Crockett from Pelican CU. Crockett was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to credit union leadership, governance, and advocacy over more than three decades of dedicated volunteer service. Since joining Pelican Credit Union’s Board in 1991, Gary has served in numerous leadership roles, including Board Chair, Vice Chair, committee member, and mentor, helping guide the organization’s growth from $22 million to more than $800 million in assets. His vision for stronger governance led to meaningful board engagement initiatives that fostered diverse perspectives, innovation, and progressive leadership. A passionate advocate for members and the credit union movement, Gary has championed financial access for underserved communities, promoted director education and certification, mentored future leaders, and represented credit unions at the state and national levels. Through his unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and belief that leadership should make a difference, Gary has left a lasting impact on Pelican Credit Union, the broader credit union industry, and the communities it serves.
Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame, a prestigious program co-sponsored by Luminate and the Luminate Foundation, inducted eight distinguished individuals. The 2026 inductees are:
- Annette Thames, Pelican Credit Union
- Bill Mullinnix, Pelican Credit Union
- George ‘Jack’ Haynes, EFCU Financial
- Judy London, La Capitol FCU
- Samuel McDaniels, Pelican Credit Union
- Sharlene Begnaud, Ascension Credit Union
- Threntha ‘Lynn’ Ratliff-Etienne, New Orleans Firemen’s FCU
- Willie Woodard, Centric Federal Credit Union
Legends Award was presented to Sharlene Begnaud from Ascension Credit Union and Jeffrey K. Conrad from Pelican Credit Union.
Conrad and Begnaud were selected for their decades of leadership, advocacy, and service that have advanced the credit union movement and positively impacted countless members, communities, and professionals across Louisiana. Through their commitment to innovation, collaboration, mentorship, and the philosophy of People Helping People, both have left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the future of the credit union industry.
During the 2026 Awards Ceremony, individual tribute videos were presented honoring each recipient and highlighting their remarkable contributions to the credit union movement. View Sharlene Begnaud's tribute video here and Jeffrey K. Conrad's tribute video here.
A full announcement highlighting their achievements is available here.
“These award recipients represent some of the very best of the credit union movement in Louisiana,” said Juan Fernandez, President and CEO of Luminate. “From innovative marketing and community outreach to exceptional leadership, governance, advocacy, and service, each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of their members and communities. Their achievements reflect the power of the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, and we are proud to celebrate their lasting impact on our industry and the future they are helping to build.”
