SEATAC, WA (October 21, 2019) — The Northwest Credit Union Association presented its highest honors – the Summit Awards – to credit union teams and individuals who’ve demonstrated outstanding service to the Credit Union Movement and its millions of consumer members. The awards were presented at the Association’s annual MAXX Convention in Spokane, Washington.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Debie Keesee, CEO of Spokane Media Federal Credit Union. While serving as the credit union’s CEO for 22 years, Keesee also has successfully advocated for state and federal legislation. She was an early champion of legislation, allowing municipal governments in Washington state to deposit public funds in credit unions, resulting in choice and better returns on taxpayer deposits. She was also a leading Northwest advocate for the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act last year. Keesee serves on the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Board of Directors, where part of her mission is to give voice to 361 small credit unions across the western U.S.
“Debie has personally helped to make the Credit Union Movement what it is today,” said NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang. “All credit unions deeply appreciate her collaboration and unwavering dedication to the Credit Union Movement.”
A large delegation of family, friends, mentors, and credit union colleagues hid backstage until the award was announced. They surprised Keesee for the presentation.
“I am blown away,” said Keesee. “How blessed I am that I found my passion a long time ago. I found my passion in credit unions. How blessed I am to have a family that supported me.”
Other credit union leaders honored with Summit Awards include:
NWCUA also honored 10 credit unions for outstanding community service and impact.
Nine credit unions serving the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area received the Cooperation in Action Award for jointly holding a job fair to raise awareness about the benefits of working in not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions. The honored credit unions included Unitus Community, Advantis, Clackamas Federal, First Tech Federal, iQ, Point West, Rivermark Community, SELCO Community, and Trailhead.
Meridian, Idaho-based CapEd Credit Union received the Members on Main Street Award for its Get $100 and Give $100 program, resulting in more than $80,000 in contributions benefitting 243 local schools. CapEd deposited $100 in each new member’s High Yield Checking Account, which members were then able to direct to the school of their choice. The funds supported school projects such as reading programs, study toolkits, classroom organization tools, and computer technology.
“Every credit union and every individual honored has made a positive difference in the lives of credit union members and their communities,” Stang said. “The People Helping People philosophy isn’t just an idea; it’s a way of life and Northwest credit unions and their teams are living it.”
Debie Keesee accepts the Lifetime Achievement award.
Mary Vasquez accepts the Young Credit Union Leader Award. Pictured with Vazquez (center) are Troy Stang, NWCUA President and CEO, Amy Nelson, President and CEO, Point West Credit Union, Tiffany Pillars, last year’s YCUL Award winner, who helped to present the honor. Tiffany is AVP of Finance at Milwaukie, Oregon-based Providence Federal Credit Union. On the far right is Jennifer Wagner, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, NWCUA.
The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for- profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 8.1 million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union. For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com
Lynn Heider
503.329.7208 | lheider@nwcua.org
Jenny Miller
jmiller@nwcua.org
208.713.9596 (Mobile)
