PALM DESERT, Calif.- The California and Nevada Leagues’ presented its awards here during its REACH meeting.
California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra commended these leaders on their guardianship of the industry and its ideals as they continue serving members. “Each honoree, whether an individual or an organization, has proven their commitment to the credit union movement in so many ways,” said President and CEO Diana Dykstra. “We want to commend them for doing great things in their communities and for their members.”
Among those honored was Jeff Napper, who was honored with the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, the league’s highest honor. Napper is president and CEO of LBS Financial CU.
“Jeff Napper is a strong advocate of credit unions because he believes in the collective power of credit unions,” Dykstra said. “He lives and breathes the philosophy of people helping people.”
Added Napper, “I am truly honored to receive this award, and I am in awe of the legendary names of previous winners and their contributions to our movement. Always do what’s best for your members and employees. Success will surely follow.”
The Winners
In addition to Napper, other winners include:
- 2022 Distinguished Service Award: Teresa Campbell, president and CEO of San Diego County CU; and Erin Mendez, president and CEO of Patelco CU. The award honors credit union professionals’ ongoing and current contributions to the credit union community.
- 2022 Social Impact Award — Individual: Elizabeth Carr, president and CEO of Santa Cruz Community CU; and Shaida Samimi, membership development specialist for Patelco CU. The award Honors individuals who demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives.
- Social Impact Award—Organization. Excite CU, Kinecta FCU, and Silver State Schools CUs. The award honors credit unions that demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives.
- 2022 J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award: Dr. Leslie Chan, board treasurer of Kaiperm CU; and Howard Sherer, Chair of Santa Cruz Community CU. The award honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities.
- 2022 Tomorrow’s Star Award: Alex Becerra, relationship manager for SAFE CU; and Alexandra Christopher, employee development coordinator for Great Basin FCU. The award honors the efforts of up-and-coming credit union leaders aged 35 and under, and encourages the development of future leaders.
- 2022 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award — Individual: Karen Introcaso, president and CEO of Kaiperm CU. The award honors individuals’ contributions to the success of Shapiro Group credit unions.
- 2022 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award — Organization. CUNA Mutual Group. The award honors credit unions and other organizations’ contributions to the success of Shapiro Group credit unions.
League Advocacy Awards
The league awards ceremony also recognized League Advocacy Award honorees for their ongoing commitment to political advocacy on behalf of credit unions and their members, as well as displaying extraordinary leadership within political action. Those winners include:
- 2022 California PAC Advocate of the Year: Eric Day, SVP-board advocacy and strategic initiatives for CU of Southern California.
- 2022 Nevada PAC Advocate of the Year: Scott Arkills, president and CEO of Silver State Schools CU.
- 2022 Volunteer of the Year: Rebecca Collier, board secretary for California CU.
- 2022 Shapiro Advocate of the Year: Jake Harbour, president and CEO of Santa Barbara County FCU.
- 2022 Nevada Advocate of the Year: Rick Schmidt, president and CEO of WestStar CU.
- 2022 California Advocate of the Year: Linda Rossi, president and CEO of Ventura County CU.
- 2022 Political Professional of the Year: Brent Tercero, executive director of Credit Union Advocacy for SchoolsFirst FCU.
- 2022 Nevada Advocate Credit Union of the Year: Boulder Dam CU.
- 2022 California Advocate Credit Union of the Year: California Coast CU.
- 2022 Supplier of the Year: ASI (American Share Insurance)
League Chapter Awards
Leagues Chapter Awards for 2022 were also presented to chapters and individuals for outstanding accomplishments, which (for this year) included:
2022 Chapter Award of Excellence (Honors excellence in volunteerism within League Chapters): Marvel Ford (Greater Valley Chapter) and Terrance Davis (Tri-County Chapter).
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