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Park Side Credit Union board member named Montana Credit Union Volunteer of the Year

HELENA, MT (May 31, 2019) — Carl Thomas received the Montana Credit Union Volunteer of the Year Award at Montana’s Credit Unions Power Up conference on May 16, 2019, recognizing more than 20 years of dedication to his credit union and the Montana credit union movement.

Thomas has spent the majority of his life in the service of others, committing 22 continual years serving the Columbia Falls Aluminum Credit Union through its transition into Park Side Credit Union. During that time, he served two years as Vice Chair until he became Chair in 2005. He is still serving in that capacity today.

Thomas has chaired the credit union through multiple mergers while fostering a new board culture that incorporates remote technology. He developed a board succession plan that ensures a smooth transfer of duties when a board member retires or steps down to help ease the stress of change for those affected. In an effort to represent the demographic diversity of the membership, Thomas has expanded the supervisory committee and actively recruits new volunteers. Thomas’ dedication to lead the credit union through monumental growth, change and even hardships does not go unnoticed.

“Carl has always led us in the right direction,” said Jeremy Presta, CEO of Park Side Credit Union. “He has remained steadfast in his dedication to always do right by our members, employees and community. He has kept them both at the forefront of our discussions and decisions.”

From his active role as his church treasurer and the chairman for the local minor baseball league, to his service as a reserve officer with the Flathead Sherriff’s Office and Columbia Falls Police Department, Thomas actively volunteers in local causes he believes in. Thomas’ services expand far beyond his local efforts. Thomas proudly served our country for more than 20-years active and reserve duty and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant (E8), First Sergeant.

“Carl’s long-term volunteerism on behalf of the credit union movement has made such a noticeable impact on Park Side Credit Union and its members,” said Tracie Kenyon, president and CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions. “His initiative and drive to implement the credit union difference within his community has been recognized industry-wide.”

Each year, Montana’s Credit Unions recognizes one individual for their outstanding volunteerism in the credit union arena. Thomas received this award in recognition of more than 20 years of continued service as a credit union advocate in various capacities.

About Montana’s Credit Unions

Montana’s Credit Unions is the statewide trade association working to ensure the success, growth, and vitality of Montana credit unions. As not-for-profit financial institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve as part of the credit union philosophy.