PLANO, Texas—The Cornerstone Credit Union League has introduced its initial trio of honorees as part of its Leave a Legacy recognition program.
“Those who leave a legacy have learned over the years that being an employee at a credit union is not just a job; it’s not just clocking in until it’s time to go home,” the league said in announcing its first winners. “It’s committing to acting like a leader, whether you’re managing people or aspiring to higher positions. It’s looking ahead and promoting the health and welfare of the credit union and its employees and the financial well-being of its members. It’s branching out of your comfort zone and activating that “servant’s heart” that is so emblematic of credit union people.”
The initial “trailblazers: are Randall Dixon, Ayn Talley, and Paul Trylko, all retired CEOs.
“All three leaders share a dedication to making a difference in numerous ways, advancing the credit union movement through advocacy and education, networking to spread one’s sphere of influence, and volunteerism on boards and in the community,” the Cornerstone league said.
The Winners
Randall Dixon
Dixon served as CEO of Energy Capital Credit Union in Houston from 1989 to 2017.
“While leading all aspects of the organization, Dixon developed an organizational fitness model for integration into Energy Capital’s performance-based model,” the CCUL said. “Under his leadership, the credit union grew from assets of $35 million to more than $230 million. But that’s not all. He founded four credit union service organizations that serve 150+ credit unions in five states.
The CCUL added that under Dixon’s leadership, the credit union was recognized frequently by the credit union industry, business entities, and community leaders, and that he also served on many boards in various positions, including chair and vice chair.
Ayn Talley
Talley, said the CCUL, is “well known for embodying the spirit of the credit union movement. Credit unions were her driving passion for 45 years.”
“Talley is a dynamic leader who made significant contributions to the credit union movement and distinguished herself among industry leaders,” the CCUL said. “Her leadership at credit unions resulted in strong membership and asset growth, increased financial strength, and enhanced member benefits. She also inspired the devotion of her staff, as she encouraged them to be their best.”
After 15 years at Communicators Federal Credit Union (now Primeway FCU) as EVP, Talley was named president/CEO Houston Police FCU.
Talley served on the Texas CU League board and on the board of Catalyst Corporate Federal Credit Union.
Paul Trylko
Trylko, who was inducted into Cornerstone League’s 2020 Hall of Fame, “devoted the last 30 years of his career to Amplify Credit Union, joining in 1989 as executive vice president. He became chief executive officer in 1998 and led Amplify through significant modernization, transformation, and expansions to five surrounding counties and locations.”
Trylko served as chairman of the Texas Credit Union League and helped guide the consolidation of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas leagues, which in 2013 became Cornerstone.
“During his tenure at the helm of Amplify Credit Union, Paul demonstrated extraordinary leadership and competence and an appreciation for ethics, integrity, and the power of strong collaboration with credit unions within the Cornerstone region, including serving as chair of the League,” said Tony Budet, president/CEO of University Federal Credit Union at the time Trylko was honored with the Hall of Fame award.
When Trylko became CEO, Amplify had 44 employees and $154 million in assets. Today the credit union has more than 200 employees and about $1 billion in assets with more than 60,000 members and six branches.