GREAT FALLS, Mont.-Credit union professionals and volunteers in two states have been honored by their respective peers.
In Montana, Annamarie DeYoung, president and CEO of Sky Federal Credit Union in Livingston, has been named Professional of the Year by Montana’s Credit Unions.
DeYoung received the award at a banquet in Great Falls that included a surprise visit from her children and grandchildren.
“With a credit union career spanning 36 years, DeYoung is well known in the industry for her championing of the credit union movement and her support of young professionals, industry conferences and committees, and as a trustee for the Health Insurance Trust,” the Montana Credit Union Network said. “She is also a great support to her local community, having served on the hospital board of Livingston HealthCare for 16 years, and playing the piano and organ for St Mary’s Catholic Church in Livingston for many years.”
DeYoung was nominated for the award by Rhonda Diefenderfer, CEO of Altana Federal Credit Union, who described her as “a strong, independent and vibrant person that has always represented herself as an engaged professional.”
Jeremy Presta, Montana’s Credit Unions board vice chairman, presented DeYoung with her award, thanking her for the influence she has had on his career from the very beginning.
Maine Honorees
Meanwhile, in Maine, as part of its 80th annual meeting and convention, the Maine Credit Union League presented its Annual Awards to five individuals who, combined, have nearly 125 years of experience in with Maine's credit unions.
Recognized by the league were:
- Alexander Ferguson Award for Outstanding CU Volunteer – Theresa Coffin, board member at Katahdin Federal Credit Union, with offices in Millinocket and Island Falls. Coffin, who has served on the board since 1992 was recognized for her strong “involvement and participation on behalf of the credit union and its members.” Tina Jamo, president/CEO of Katahdin FCU, said, “Theresa is a great volunteer, she is always ready and willing to help and her enthusiasm is contagious.”
Said Coffin, “I love being part of the credit union and to be honored in this way makes me very happy and proud.”
- James M. Gratto Award for Outstanding Credit Union CEO – Dan Byron, president/CEO of Eastmill FCU in East Millinocket. Carol LeVasseur, board secretary at Eastmill FCU, praised Byron, who has served as the CU’s leader since 1991, as “someone who goes above and beyond every day. It’s just who he is.” Byron thanked the board for nominating him but said that this award “should be shared by my entire staff who do so much to help me and the credit union.”
- Jeannette G. Morin Award for Outstanding CU Employee – Christine Allen, VP of Financial Services at Central Maine FCU of Lewiston. Allen was praised by president/CEO Vicki Stuart as “someone who is always willing to step up and do whatever it takes to help. Her dedication to our members is second to none. From helping our members to volunteering in the community, Christine is an asset to all.”
Allen, who the league said was completely surprised by the Award, said, “I love what I do and just want to say thank-you for this honor.”
- Diane L. Oceretko “People Helping People' Award” – Betsy Sibley, VP of marketing and business development at Community CU, with branches in Lewiston, Auburn and Turner. Sibley was noted as someone who “lives” to help others. Her president/CEO, Jen Hogan, added, “Betsy is a tireless volunteer who is devoted to giving her time not only on behalf of the credit union but on so many other causes, too. I don’t know how she finds the time to do all that she does, but our community is much better for Betsy being part of it.”
Sibley said she her work in her family’s general store “instilled a sense of community in me. Helping people is part of who I am, and I appreciate the credit union’s willingness to let me do that in many ways.”
- League President’s Award – Rick Lachance, President/CEO of Connected CU of Augusta. Lachance, who stepped down after serving on the Maine Credit Union League’s board for the past 13 years, including the past two as chair, was honored for “being the consummate professional with a steady and thoughtful approach to leadership.”
Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine CU League, thanked Lachance for his service and leadership. “Rick has been a mentor and a friend, who provided invaluable assistance during my transition this past year.”
Lachance said the “opportunity to serve on the league board happened by chance but it has been an honor and a wonderful experience.”