SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Credit union leaders in in two states have been recognized in two states.
During its ACCELERATE 24 Conference, the Minnesota CU Network presented its honors, including:
2024 Outstanding Professional the Year: Brian Volkmann, CFO and EVP of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
“The Outstanding Professional of the Year is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the people helping people credit union philosophy,” the MnCUN said. “(Volkmann) was instrumental in the financial and operational turnaround of the organization. Volkmann also championed the elimination of nonsufficient fund fees and radically restructured courtesy fees and overdraft guardrails – using data to identify how to help the members who need it most.”
Added Affinity Plus FCU President and CEO, “Brian lives out the credit union mission of financial inclusion and putting the needs of members and employees first and is a well-known and respected leader within the credit union industry - perhaps more important, Brian understands who we are and who we are not. He knows we are a not-for-profit financial cooperative.”
Outstanding Director of the Year: Lou Bruno, chairman, City & County Credit Union.
“The Outstanding Director of the Year Award is given to a credit union board member who best represents the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement,” the MnCUN said. “ Lou Bruno has been a board member for City & County Credit Union since 2014, has served as chair since 2016 and has played a vital role in City & County Credit Union’s growth and advancements within his time on the board. Since Lou has been chairman, City & County Credit Union grew to over $1 billion in assets, collaboratively merged with Mill City Credit Union, navigated through a global pandemic with an employee-first perspective and made strides and commitments to DEI initiatives.”
Added President and CEO Pat Pierce, “With his audacious passion for the industry, Lou Bruno stands out among the rest. He has transitioned the board to lead with the people helping people philosophy, while also moving the needle forward to think bigger, brighter and to the future.”
Honors in Virginia
Separately, during its IGNITE League Annual Meeting, the Virginia League presented its honors, including:
Eugene H. Farley Award of Excellence: Chris Williams
“The Eugene H. Farley Award of Excellence is awarded to an individual who has made substantial contributions over a period of two or three years. This year’s recipient, Chris Williams, CEO of Henrico Federal Credit Union, has exemplified exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the credit union mission on a local, state, and national level,” the VCUL said. “Williams has led Henrico Federal Credit Union through numerous strategic initiatives that have substantially improved operational efficiency and member services. His efforts have included the development of innovative financial education programs and expansion of community-based financial solutions that have bolstered local economic growth.”
James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award: Stan P. Leicester II
“The James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award honors Stan P. Leicester II, Executive Vice President of BayPort Credit Union, this year for his significant contributions throughout his career. Stan has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of BayPort Credit Union, demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to the community,” the VCUL said.
“Leicester has shaped the strategic direction of BayPort Credit Union, leading to substantial growth in member services and financial stability. His leadership has been crucial during key transitional periods, including overseeing major technological upgrades and expanding community outreach programs that have enriched the local community.”
James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award: Jeff Moscicki
The late Jeffery Moscicki, former Chairman of UVA Community Credit Union, was honored with the James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award. In his place, his widow, Mrs. Janet Moscicki, and sons, J.C. and Jarod Moscicki, received the award, the league said.
“Moscicki’s leadership at UVA Community Credit Union was marked by his commitment to innovation and member service. His initiatives have significantly enhanced the financial well-being of countless members and contributed to the development of robust community programs that continue to serve as a model for others,” according to the VCUL.
Red Scarf Award: Chris Anuswith
The league said the Red Scarf Award is a newly created honor designed to recognize significant impact on state and/or federal credit union advocacy within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The inaugural award went to Chris Anuswith, VP of risk at ABNB Credit Union, “acknowledged for his influential work on advocacy projects and his continued leadership in grassroots advocacy and VACUPAC fundraising,” the league said.
On Anuswith’s behalf, the award was accepted by newly-elected League board member, Charlie Mallonof ABNB FCU.
“Anuswith has been instrumental in strengthening the advocacy efforts of ABNB Credit Union, particularly in areas of legislative influence and fundraising,” the league said. “His leadership has led to significant advancements in policies favorable to credit unions, enhancing their ability to serve their members more effectively.”
How to Sign Up For the Best Daily News Email in Credit Unions? (It’s Free!)
Every workday CUToday.info delivers the most comprehensive, freshest daily newsletter with the day’s news headlines, including links to the related articles. The Fresh Today newsletter is the most timely, relevant and widely-read source of news and information in the CU community. And it’s free!
If you haven’t yet signed up for the new email solution on which CUToday.info has partnered with ResponseGenius, you can do so here. Signing up requires less than one minute of your time—and it’s free!
Please note that after signing up you may need to go to your Spam/Junk folder and mark the morning headlines email as safe. CUToday.info does not provide its list of readers and emails to outside parties,
And did we mention it’s free?