CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.–Credit union professionals and volunteers have been honored in Tennessee and Maine.
Two people have been inducted into the Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame. Honored by the Tennessee CU League and The Tennessee Credit Union League (TCUL) and Volunteer Corporate Credit Union (VolCorp) during the recent league Annual Convention and Expo were Ms. Nadine M. Freeman and Randal Braker.
The awards recognize the commitment, leadership, and dedication that deserving individuals from the state have made to the credit union movement, according to the TCUL and Volcorp.
Freeman is the retired CEO of EPB Employees Credit Union in Chattanooga.
“For 45 years, Nadine Freeman faithfully served the members of EPB Employees Credit Union,” the organizations said in a statement. “Nadine is a charter member of EPB Employees Credit Union, going back to its opening in 1954. Because of her strong support of the credit union, she was hired as one of EPB's first full-time employees. From 1954 until 1987, Nadine worked in every segment of the credit union's operations. In 1987, Nadine was named CEO, where she lovingly served for 27 years, retiring at the age of 81. Nadine once served as secretary for the Chattanooga Chapter of Credit Unions, and enjoyed attending many TCUL and VolCorp meetings, CEO conferences, and annual meetings.”
‘Faithful, Tireless Servant’
The second inductee, Randal Braker, is a director with Ascend Federal Credit Union in Tullahoma, Tenn.
“Randal Braker is a faithful and tireless servant in his voluntary, unpaid position with Ascend Federal Credit Union,” the organizations said. “Through regular attendance at board meetings as well as his participation in numerous committee meetings and the annual Strategic Planning Session, Mr. Braker's service is vitally important to the purpose, mission and vision of the credit union. During his chairmanship, Mr. Braker ratified a unique partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee. Potential members seeking access to Ascend can join the Conservancy by making a contribution of at least $25. Since 2011 Ascend has raised nearly $300,000 for the Conservancy and their efforts to protect the natural areas of the state.
“A strong advocate for making a difference in the lives of our members, Mr. Braker has played a vital role in Ascend's member return. Over the past 14 years, Mr. Braker and his fellow Board members have voted to return more than $77 million to members in bonus dividends and loan interest refunds. Mr. Braker has enjoyed attending many industry conferences and conventions during his tenure, and has received numerous awards from CUNA through its Volunteer Achievement Program.”
Honored in Maine
Separately, during its annual meeting, the Maine Credit Union League honored a number of people for their contributions.
“Our league’s awards program recognizes the exceptional work of our credit union network’s employees and volunteers,” said Cheryl Lancaster, EVP of the Maine Credit Union League. “Each day, in every county across Maine, we have credit union representatives going above and beyond to serve their communities and their members. These awards are our way of recognizing their commitment and expressing appreciation for their service.”
The Honorees
Recognized were:
- Anne Marie Lane, EVP with TruChoice FCU, who was named winner of the Jeannette G. Morin Award for Outstanding Credit Union Employee
- Mason Pottle, chair of Downeast CU, who won the Alexander Ferguson Award for Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer
- Steve Vaillargeon, CEO of Penobscot County FCU, who was named winner of the James M. Gratto Award for Outstanding Credit Union CEO
- Dan Bagley, EVP with The Country FCU, who won the Diane L. Oceretko ‘People Helping People’ Award for Community Service
- Dave Desjardins, CEO of Acadia FCU, who won the League President’s Award for Outstanding League Volunteer