HELENA, Mont.–Credit union leaders in Montana and Louisiana have been recognized for their accomplishments.
In the Treasure State, Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) announced seven award recipients for awards from 2020 and 2021 during the annual Power Up Conference & Expo. The awards recognize credit union ambassadors throughout the state who have advanced the credit union movement in Montana.
Among the winners:
The Professional of the Year Award: Bernie Neibauer, president and CEO of Russell Country Federal Credit Union, for 2020, and Leslie Womack, president and CEO of President/CEO, Montana Educators’ Credit Union for 2021. The award was designed to honor certain individuals whose work and dedication stand out in Montana's credit union landscape. Both recipients have dedicated nearly four decades serving within the industry.
The Volunteer of the Year Award: Pete Stiles, board chair at Vocal Credit Union, for 2020, and Harvey Urdahl, former board chairman at Daniels-Sheridan Federal Credit Union for 2021. The award recognizes one individual each year for their outstanding volunteerism in the credit union arena.
The Young Professional of the Year Award: Laci Rose, CFO of Ravalli County Credit Union, for 2020, and Kelsey Wegley, real estate loan processor assistant at Horizon Credit Union for 2021. Rose and Wegley were the first two recipients of this new award, the league said, adding the award is designed to celebrate the “go-getters and young leaders within the credit union industry who are transforming the future of the credit union experience for future generations.”
The Philosophy in Action Award: Noreen Cady, business development and community outreach coordinator at Park Side Credit Union. The MCU award recognizes one individual for their outstanding commitment to exemplifying the credit union philosophy in all that they do.
‘Bettering Communities’
“Each of these honorees are committed to bettering the communities they serve and advancing the credit union industry,” said Tracie Kenyon, president and CEO of MCU. “It is a pleasure to work alongside and learn from passionate advocates who fully embody the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ in all that they do. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to recognize them for their support and want to reiterate our sincere thanks for their efforts.”
Louisiana Awards
Separately, the Louisiana CU League has named a group of seven Emerging Leaders.
“The seven individuals selected for this year's program represent the elite among the promising credit union professionals across the state of Louisiana,” the league said.
The LCUL’s Emerging Leaders program, which is co-sponsored by the Louisiana CU Foundation, recognizes the achievements of exceptional individuals who consistently integrate themselves into the industry through development, service and engagement.
The Winners
Recognized were:
- Tammy Barrow, CSE FCU,MSR Support/IRA Specialist
- Jose Montero, Meritus CU, Accounting Manager
- Marlon Owens, Ouachita Valley FCU, Assistant Vice President of Lending
- Armand Parvazi, The New Orleans Firemen’s FCU, Chief Administrative and Development Officer
- Carla Thomas, Neighbors FCU, Member Experience Specialist
- Abby Warnke, First Pioneers FCU, Branch Manager
- Ashley Yrle, NAS JRB CU, Loan Specialist
According to the LCUL, league directors as well as out of state industry leaders evaluated all nominees to determine who would be represented in the statewide competition. The Class of 2021 Emerging Leaders receive a full scholarship to LCUL’s 2021 Annual Meeting & Convention held August 4-6 in New Orleans, when the overall winner will be announced on the main stage, receiving a full scholarship to CUNA’s four-day Emerging Leader Institute along with the coveted title.
‘Paving the Way’
"One of the most significant things we can do as the state trade association is elevate the profiles of individuals paving the way and provide opportunities such as this to strengthen and amplify their leadership skills,” said Lacey Weaver, LCUL senior vice president. “The collective experiences of this class have made waves on local, state, and national levels. We look forward to working with them and witness their emergence as not only leaders in the movement but role models for future influencers of the industry.”