COLUMBUS, Ohio —The Ohio Credit Union League recognized several outstanding Ohio credit union leaders during its recent annual conference.
Honored were:
Louise McCarren Herring Movement Advancement Award
Gary Soukenik, retired president and CEO of 7 17 Credit Union, Warren, Ohio, was honored for long-term contributions to the credit union movement, according to the league.
“A 46-year credit union champion in the Mahoning Valley, Gary is a visionary leader who transformed the credit union into a thriving financial powerhouse that today serves more than 100,000 members in six counties,” the OCUL said. “Under his leadership, 7 17 was one of the first financial institutions in the area to launch ATMs and ITMs. He championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and helped drive legislative action that supported credit unions. Gary’s commitment to fostering cooperative principles and cementing 7 17’s values into its brand promise has left an indelible mark on the credit union movement.”
Robert Kloss Professional Achievement Award
Michael Barr, President and CEO of Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union, Oak Harbor, Ohio, was recognized for “embodying the cooperative spirit of the credit union community.”
“Under Mike’s leadership, Commodore Perry Federal Credit Union has secured Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) grants totaling more than $3.5 million, allowing them to extend outreach into underserved communities,” the league stated. “Mike generously shares this expertise with other credit unions navigating CDFI grants and core conversions. Mike also has been a staunch supporter of credit unions becoming eligible depositories for public funds, working with the League to advance the role and influence of credit unions in the financial marketplace.”
Claude Clarke Advocacy Impact Award
James Tebbutt, General Counsel of KEMBA Financial Credit Union, Gahanna, Ohio, was awarded for outstanding dedication to advocacy on behalf of the credit union movement.
“As a member of the League’s Advocacy Action Committee, Jim paved the way for credit unions to participate in Ohio’s suite of linked-deposit programs including the recently-launched Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program,” the OCUL stated. “Jim has willingly shared KEMBA Financial’s experience with other credit unions, helping more Ohio credit union members achieve a brighter financial future.”
‘Lasting Contributions’
“These individuals have made lasting contributions to their credit unions, members, communities, and the advancement of the Movement,” Paul Mercer, president of Ohio league, said in a statement. “Their commitment to the people-first philosophy has propelled their organizations forward, and inspired credit union leaders across Ohio to work harder, and together, to improve the lives of 3.2 million Ohioans.”
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