UNCASVILLE, Conn.–The Cooperative Credit Union Association has named the winners of its Awards of Excellence. The awards are being presented during the association’s annual meeting at the Mohegan Sun Resort here.
The winners include:
Professionals of the Year
Rachel Oakes, Loan Officer/Financial Counselor, Franklin First Credit Union
“In addition to being our resident financial coach, Rachel is also a Loan Officer. She has taken her knowledge of loans to help craft products that can assist members that may be in a tough spot, financially,” said Franklin First CEO Michelle Dwyer, as reported by the CCUA. “These products include our Credit Builder Loan, Fuel Assistance Loan, and Sub-Prime Auto Lending; and, she is currently working with our Chief Lending Officer to create Micro-Business Loans and a loan for tech school students to be able to purchase the items they need coming out of school so they can begin their careers.”
Steve Silva, VP-marketing, Hanscom FCU
“Steve’s fingerprints can be found on every marketing initiative Hanscom FCU undertakes, sometimes literally,” Hanscom FCU said. “From concept to strategy, to implementation and project performance metrics, Steve is usually the driving force behind the project, whatever it is.
And when we said his fingerprint is on it, we mean that if signage needs to be delivered to a new branch and no one is available to do it, Steve will be there putting the signs up with his own two hands. There is no task beneath him; in fact, he wouldn’t even think about it.”
CEOs of the Year
John Bissell, Greylock Federal Credit Union
Bissell joined Greylock FCU in 2003 as VP-marketing and human resources and was promoted to senior vice president in 2007. He was appointed executive vice president in 2010 prior to being elevated to CEO/president in 2015. In 2017, he was elected to the board.
“John’s commitment to community development, financial empowerment, service to others, and diversity and inclusion personifies the credit union ideology,” the CCUA said. “His driving principles are embodied in Greylock’s mission, vision, and values. Guided by his leadership, Greylock launched an extensive inward critique of what it means to be Greylock. The results of this organization-wide reflection led to a rebranding effort to better align Greylock’s culture with its mission, vision, and values.”
Joseph A. Walsh, Direct Federal Credit Union
The CCUA quoted Direct Federal as saying Walsh is “the embodiment of the credit union movement’s founding principles coupled with the modern-day drive and passion to push the industry forward; modest in character, big in heart, and incredibly witty. He’s a leader with strong values and convictions who continually seeks opportunities that will allow him to serve.
“If you walk around our offices, you’ll find under Joe’s direction we’ve all morphed into expert problem solvers. Joe leads by teaching and serving,” the credit union continued. “Some of us continue to be perplexed by the fact that he recalls every single partner, child, or friend we’ve ever introduced to him. Others immediately recognize his rare and down-to-earth charisma. Our success is his number one priority. We consider PEOPLE, a key tenant of our strategic plan, his biggest achievement. Joe’s consecration can be witnessed through his commitment to his employees, the community, and our industry.”
Volunteers of the Year
Giulio Greco has served as an extremely active member on the Leominster Credit Union Board of Directors since 1978. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1994 to 1998, and then again from 2008 to 2011. Currently, Giulio serves on the Executive Board as Clerk and as a member of the Audit Committee.
“He is a valued member of our community and has made a positive impact on Leominster Credit Union,” the credit union told the CCUA. “His upbeat demeanor is truly an inspiration to everyone.”
Hall of Fame
Gene Foley, CEO, Harvard University ECU
The CCU noted 2019 marks Gene Foley’s 40th year at Harvard University Employees Credit Union, the last 25 years of which he has served as president/CEO.
“When Gene started as president/CEO, Harvard University Employees Credit Union was still a relatively small operation with assets of less than $90 million. In the years that followed, Gene expanded product offerings to include checking accounts and credit cards,” the CCUA said. “The field of membership expanded to include students and alumni. Harvard University Employees Credit Union deployed ATMs as well as expanded its branch network. He led the Credit Union through a successful core conversion, and as the digital revolution began to take hold, Gene established its first web presence for the organization and introduced online banking…Gene Foley exemplifies passion and dedication. His commitment to Harvard University Employees Credit Union and to the industry is unparalleled, and through his tireless efforts he has not only developed an outstanding organization, but has brought positive and meaningful changes to the credit union.”
Paul Marotta, Hanscom FCU
Paul Marotta has served Hanscom Federal Credit Union and the credit union movement with honor since 1976. He was first on the Hanscom FCU Supervisory Committee then served as a Director beginning in 1988. He was elected Chairman of the Board in 1992, a role he performed with distinction through May 2019, noted the CCUA.
“Today, Paul continues to serve as a Director and holds the position of Chairman Emeritus, providing advice and counsel to upper management and the Board of Directors. He also serves as Chairman of the Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation. Paul continues to set precedent for active board involvement and member volunteerism that keeps Hanscom FCU true to traditional credit union values. He worked strategically to develop better ways to serve Hanscom FCU’s members. For example, he was instrumental in creating the Hanscom Insurance Agency CUSO to assist members with their home and auto insurance needs, providing significant savings and convenience.”
Stewart Steele, Quincy CU
Stewart Steele has been the CEO of the Quincy Credit Union since early 1979. “He
truly is the heart of QCU, spearheading its growth from being a credit union with
assets of 8 million dollars and 4,500 members, who were serviced by seven employees, into a credit union which has increased to $557 million in assets and 35,000 members which are serviced by 74 employees.
“His positive style of leadership has led to the development of a professional, dedicated and long serving senior management team. Because of this, the Quincy Credit Union has been able to successfully conduct business operations, which have provided excellent and comprehensive financial services and products to each and every member,” the CCUA said in announcing the award.
Charles Hamburg, Franklin First
Charles Hamburg has served in one position or another on Franklin First’s Board of Directors for 19 years. “Charlie–as he is affectionally known—has held the position of Chair, Secretary, and most recently and most important, as treasurer,” the CCUA said. “As treasurer, he also chairs Franklin First’s Asset/Liability Committee, which is where his knowledge and commitment shines.”