BISMARCK, N.D.–Credit union leaders have been honored by the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas and the Cornerstone Credit Union League.
The Credit Union Association of the Dakotas named Greg Tschider, long-time attorney for the CUAD, into its Hall of Fame. The induction took place during the association’s Annual Summit Awards Banquet that was held at the Embassy Suites in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The CUAD Hall of Fame Award gives recognition to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and given outstanding service to the credit union movement in the Dakotas. Tschider has represented credit unions since 1973, advocating on behalf of their interests at the local, state, and national level, the CUAD said. “As an accountant, CPA, and lawyer, his expertise has been a valuable asset for the association and for credit unions all across the Dakotas. In addition, the example of leadership and professionalism he has displayed throughout the years has served as inspiration to many in the industry.”
Also named to the CUAD Hall of Fame was Arlene Elliot, long-time board member of Aberdeen Federal Credit Union.
Elliott has been a volunteer member of the board of directors at Aberdeen Federal Credit Union since 1997. In her 21st year of service, she presently serves as First Vice Chair. “In addition to supporting her credit union, Arlene has been a powerful advocate for the greater credit union industry by serving on the South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee, on the Credit Union National Association Volunteer Committee, and also on the Community Investment Fund Committee,” the CUAD said. “Along with serving credit unions, Arlene’s spirit of volunteerism is evident as she has also served on the boards of the National Active Retired Federal Employees, the South Dakota Federation of Active Retired Federal Employees, and the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. Those in the Aberdeen area know Arlene and her husband, Wes, as “Santa and Mrs. Claus.” Each year on Christmas Eve, the two have dressed up and visited the Aberdeen hospitals, bringing holiday cheer to many patients. Arlene has also been an active member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1995 and is a Distinguished Alumni of Northern State University.”
Liz Clay Inducted into CCUL Hall of Fame
Meanwhile, the Cornerstone CU Association, which serves Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, said longtime credit union champion Elizabeth "Liz" Clay was inducted into its Hall of Fame at a special awards dinner during the Annual Meeting in Little Rock, Ark.
According to the CCUL, Clay began her credit union career in 1977 when she became CEO of Sid Richardson Employees Credit Union. She moved the credit union to her home in 1979, and there it remained until 2000, when she retired.
“But it came as no surprise to anyone who knew her that when Liz announced her ‘retirement’ what she really meant was volunteer opportunities.’ From 2000 to 2017, she served as secretary, treasurer, and director for the board of directors of Complex Community Federal Credit Union,” the CCUL said.
On presenting the award, Vice Chairman of the Cornerstone Recognition Committee Kenny Harrington said of Clay, "Our Hall of Fame award winner has been a beloved colleague and mentor to most everyone she's ever known. She is renowned for her generosity of spirit and her welcoming nature to all who come to her door."
“But Liz Clay was always a volunteer dynamo. For 32 years, she advocated for credit unions in the Permian Basin Chapter, including serving as its president. Every single year, she served as a member, chairman, officer, or trustee on several committees and boards for the league, the Foundation, the Permian Basin Chapter, and many other professional organizations. The list of her good works is as extensive as it is impressive,” the CCUL said. “Liz is also a superb fundraiser, whether for the Foundation, the Children's Miracle Network, credit union political action committees, or other community causes.”
"Only the most accomplished individuals are inducted into the Cornerstone Hall of Fame," said Cornerstone President/CEO Caroline Willard. "Liz Clay's myriad accomplishments, her rich history of service to credit unions, and a reputation that is beyond reproach make her the ideal inductee into Cornerstone's Hall of Fame. I sincerely congratulate her on this well-deserved honor."
Sean Cahill Named Professional of the Year
The 2018 Professional of the Year award was presented to Sean M. Cahill. On presenting the award, Vice Chairman of the Cornerstone Recognition Committee Kenny Harrington said of Cahill, "He is renowned for thinking outside his own credit union box. He assists other credit unions when he can, from supplementing their staffing needs to imparting his knowledge, advice, and resources whenever needed. Our Professional of the Year has earned our deep admiration and respect, and we are proud to honor his achievements."
According to the CCUL, Cahill has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years, in credit unions with asset sizes ranging from $75 million to $2 billion. Most recently, as CEO of Odessa-based Southwest 66 Credit Union, he led the co-op to one of its biggest growth years ever in 2017. Year-over-year assets rose 12.93%, and loans rose 11.66%.
“This is even more remarkable when you realize that the Permian Basin, where his credit union is located, has been suffering for years in a depressed oil market,” the league said. “Under Cahill's leadership, his credit union has been so successful, they received CUNA Community Credit Union of the Year honors two years in a row. Cahill has always had a focus on his community and on financial education. While attending Southwest CUNA Management School, he was voted president of his class and led his colleagues to the single greatest scholarship contribution to the Cornerstone Foundation in the history of the school. He also achieved the Award of Excellence for graduating at the top of his class.”
"The 2018 Professional of the Year award is bestowed upon a visionary who values inclusivity and holds a fierce belief in the credit union movement," said Willard. "I congratulate Sean Cahill for the many endeavors that have placed him in this top tier of credit union professionals."
James Tuggle Wins Small CU Achiever’s Award
The Small Credit Union Achiever's Award, which is designed to recognize the exemplary efforts of credit union professionals dedicated to serving credit unions under $50 million in assets, was presented to James Tuggle, president/CEO of Houston-based Transtar Federal Credit Union.
In presenting his award, Vice Chairman of the Cornerstone Recognition Committee Kenny Harrington said, "James is known for his personification of the people helping people philosophy. As a champion of credit unions, he encourages and inspires staff, volunteers, leaders, and members throughout his community. Just one example of his selfless efforts came during Hurricane Harvey. When the storms ravaged the Gulf Coast, James provided water, supplies, and financial assistance to people in need from small credit unions."
The CCUL said Tuggle, who has led Transtar FCU since 2001, has served with the Houston Chapter of Credit Unions and held each officer position. He mentors people in small credit unions within his Chapter and around the region.
“He has even processed the home equity loans of small Houston credit unions so they could offer such loans to their membership,” the league said.
"James Tuggle's many contributions within and outside of Transtar have made a substantial and indelible impact on his community, on neighboring small credit unions, and on the larger credit union movement," said Willard. "He has earned our admiration and respect, and I congratulate him on earning the Small Credit Union Achiever's Award for 2018."