ORLANDO–The CUNA CFO Council presented its 2017 Awards during its annual meeting here.
The ceremony featured four categories of achievement and recognized excellence, innovation and service in the field of credit union finance.
“This year’s winners are uniquely remarkable, they all demonstrate ingenuity, courage and dedication,” said Bryanna Tapley, CUNA CFO Council chair and VP of operations, Flint Area School ECU, Flint, Mich. “If you’re looking for the best of finance—not just in the credit union movement, but in general—here it is.”
The Excellence in Finance Award, which recognizes credit unions that exemplify excellence in finance and promote credit union philosophies through leadership, was presented to Ent CU in Colorado Springs, Colo. By skillfully utilizing derivatives, arbitrage, the mortgage pipeline and dollar rolls, the credit union successfully raised its net worth more than 12% in 2016 while keeping interest rate risk low.
The Professional of the Year Award, which honors an outstanding individual in credit union finance, was awarded to Paul Meissner, SVP/CFO, Credit Union of America, Wichita, Kans., for his more than 40-year career defined by persistent personal growth, risk taking, and bold, creative thinking that has produced incredible results.
Julie Renderos, EVP/CFO Suncoast CU, Tampa, Fla., won the Volunteer of the Year Award, which honors a CUNA CFO Council member who has amply, admirably and enthusiastically served the organization.
Finally, the Top Community Contributor Award, recognizing an exceptional contributor to the CUNA CFO Council Community, the Council’s online communications platform, went to Amanda Brown, vice president finance, Heritage Trust FCU, Charleston, S.C.
Separately, the CUNA CFO Council also announced its 2017-2018 Executive Committee. The new committee features one departure: Suzanne Weinstein, CEO, Orlando FCU in Florida, is leaving her seat after completing her term.
Filling Weinstein’s vacancy on the executive committee is Shari Weber, chief financial officer, Honor CU, Berrien Springs, Mich., who has been elected to her first three-year term.
Tapley will remain as chair for the 2017-2018 year. Also remaining in their current roles are Steve Arbaugh, CFO, SECU, Baltimore, as vice chair and Andrew McGeorge, CFO, Service CU, Portsmouth, N.H., as second vice chair.
Rounding out the Executive Committee are returning members:
- Brad Barnes, chief financial officer, Air Academy FCU, Colorado Springs, Colo;
- Susan Gruber, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Patelco CU, Pleasanton, Calif;
- Sonya Jaynes, chief financial officer, Red River EFCU, Texarkana, Texas;
- Ashlee Micale, executive vice president and chief financial officer, San Diego County CU, San Diego, Calif;
- Justin Mouzoukos, chief financial officer, Mazuma CU, Kansas City, KS;
- Bob Schuckmann, senior vice president finance and technology, Heartland CU Association, St. Louis, Mo; and
- Brandon Smith, chief financial officer, Reliant FCU, Casper, Wyo.