LAS VEGAS–The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues honored the newest recipients of its League Awards, Advocacy Awards, and Network Awards during its REACH Conference here.
In all, 24 industry leaders, volunteers, professionals, credit unions, and organizations were honored during a luncheon.
“These leaders, volunteers, professionals, credit unions, and organizations have all make their unique and enduring mark on our movement,” Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the leagues, said in a statement. “For this, we celebrate their impressive work and spirit that has made them true leaders who we recognize as visionaries and heroes.”
Ito Honored
Among those honored were Lucy Ito, winner of the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, the leagues’ highest recognition and which honors excellence in credit union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the California credit union movement.
It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of the California credit union movement and founder of the California Credit Union League. Ito, who has a long career in credit unions, most recently served as interim president and CEO of Orange County’s CU.
“It’s other individuals who made it possible for me to have the career that I’ve had,” she said. “So many people have shaped me. Thank you, everyone. It is truly an honor to receive this award.”
The Winners
Other winners include:
- 2023 Distinguished Service Award, which honors credit union professionals’ ongoing and current contributions to the credit union community: Eric Estes, retired president and CEO of Boulder Dam CU.
- 2023 Social Impact Award (individual), which honors individuals who demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives: Erica Taylor, VP-communications and community relations for Golden 1 CU.
- 2023 Social Impact Award (organization), which honors credit unions that demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives: Comunidad Latina FCU, SAFE CU, Valley Strong CU.
- 2023 J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award, which honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities: Howard Welinsky, board member of First Entertainment CU; Mary Yasui-Yamabe, board member of Kinecta FCU.
- 2023 Tomorrow’s Star Award, which honors the efforts of up-and-coming credit union leaders aged 35 and under, and encourages the development of future leaders: Vanessa Torquato, VP-administration for Mocse CU; Megan Pieper, VP-marketing and eCommerce for WestStar CU.
- 2023 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award (individual), which honors individuals’ contributions to the success of Shapiro Group credit unions. Heri Garcia, president and CEO of Thinkwise CU
- 2023 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award (organization), which honors credit unions and other organizations’ contributions to the success of Shapiro Group credit unions: American Share Insurance/Excess Share Insurance
- 2023 Advocacy Awards, which honor those displaying extraordinary leadership in credit union advocacy and political action. California PAC Advocate of the Year: Jenna Lampson, president and CEO of Pacific Service CU. Nevada PAC Advocate of the Year: Sue Longson, advocacy specialist for Boulder Dam CU.
- Volunteer of the Year: Terrance Tremelling, chair, SAFE CU.
- Shapiro Advocate of the Year: Sara Klein, president and CEO of Organized Labor CU.
- Nevada Advocate of the Year: Jennifer Denoo, president and CEO of Great Basin FCU.
- California Advocate of the Year: Brett Martinez, president and CEO of Redwood CU.
- Political Professional of the Year: Flora Nafei, executive director of credit union affairs for Patelco CU
- Nevada Advocate Credit Union of the Year: Clark County CU
- California Advocate Credit Union of the Year: SAFE CU.
- Supplier of the Year: TruStage
- 2023 Network Award of Excellence, which honors excellence in volunteerism within League Chapters: Noreen Guevara, Silicon Valley Network (individual); Orange County Network (network).
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