MADISON, Wis.––The CUNA Finance Council has named the winners of its annual award for CU finance professionals.
Recognized were:
- Bill Kennedy, CFO and vice president of finance, Securityplus FCU, Frederick, Md., has been named 2020 Professional of the Year. “This award recognizes an individual who consistently excels in credit union financial management and has made a significant contribution toward the success of their credit union while showing commitment to advancing the credit union movement,” the Council said. “Over his 32-year career, he has served as CEO and CFO—simultaneously on four occasions.”
“When you work in credit unions for a while, something gets in your blood,” said Kennedy. “It’s the ‘people helping people’ philosophy, and it aligns really well with who I am commissioned to be.”
Kennedy has been a CUNA Finance Council member since 2009. He served on the CUNA Finance Council’s Executive Committee from 2011-2014, was chair of the Communications Committee from 2011-2014 and vice chair of the Education Committee from 2013-2014.
- Diane Kotlewski, vice president of finance, Chaffey FCU, Upland, Calif., received the 2020 Community Contributor Award.
The CUNA Finance Council Community is an online networking platform that connects credit union finance professionals with peers for the latest credit union ideas and strategies. This award showcases, and thanks, an active contributor who embodies the collaborative ideals of the movement, the Council said.
“Kotlewski has been an excellent contributor – asking questions, answering posts, sharing files, and being a giving and helpful presence for members online,” the Council said.