WASHINGTON–The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) has presented a number of honors to individuals for their accomplishments.
Among those honored were:
Pam Leavitt, senior vice president of regional grassroots/political programs and legislative affairs for Oregon with the GoWest Credit Union Association.
Leavitt was recognized with the 2024 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award.
“This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association executive who has demonstrated visionary leadership at the state and national levels,” the AACUL said. “This includes delivering superior results organizationally and financially, developing services and programs for credit unions, and focusing on cooperation within the credit union system. It also represents personal values and commitment to purpose and integrity, as well as exhibiting substantial participation as a leader and cooperator.”
‘Humbled’
“I am humbled to receive this award. We worked one credit union at a time to make the case for advocacy engagement, and quickly, the Oregon credit union family leaned in and engaged in the process at every step – every in-person event, call to action, candidate fundraising, and committee service that helped define credit union priorities,” Leavitt said. “It’s exciting to know Oregon credit unions worked with us to develop an advocacy model that is being used across the nation.”
Leavitt began her executive association profession with the Oregon Credit Union League (now GoWest Credit Union Association) in 1994 and “effectively built a culture of enthusiastic engagement in advocacy efforts from credit unions across Oregon which has been embraced by credit unions across the GoWest region and beyond. Her successful initiatives include engaging credit unions to develop relationships with legislators, to participate in rallies at the state capitol, to host policymakers at branches, and to support political fundraising,” according to the AACUL.
‘Beyond Borders’
“Pam’s efforts have spread beyond Oregon’s borders and even beyond the borders of GoWest. The ways Pam has motivated credit unions to engage in advocacy efforts serve as a model for leagues across the country,” said AACUL President Brad Miller. “For years Pam has actively participated in both national and regional league advocacy collaborations. She proactively shares advice with her league peers when potentially threatening legislation is introduced as well as offers success strategies to advance beneficial legislation.”
Additional Praise
Also praising Leavitt:
- AACUL Chair and CrossState Credit Union Association President/CEO Patrick Conway: “Pam leads by example in galvanizing collaboration among credit unions to advance priorities that help all credit unions better serve their members and communities. Whether it be starting Credit Union Day at the Capitol, development of CULAC month, commitment to the cooperative structure, or building avenues to encourage credit unions to share best practices, Pam’s strong ethics, respect for others, and true love for the credit union system shine through.”
- Troy Stang, GoWest’s president and chief executive officer: “Pam joined the Oregon Credit Union Movement directly from her service in the US Senate with a vision for successful credit union advocacy. It was dependent on the engagement of the credit unions at every level. She worked with our members to sustain it and expand on it. Today, the grassroots program Pam’s team created defines a role for any credit union employee. It’s exciting to see the deep engagement model she established, used by leagues throughout the country, helping to raise credit union awareness, stave off threats, and pass legislation that supports world-class service to members.”
Scott Sullivan, Nebraska Credit Union League President/CEO
Sullivan was recognized with the 2024 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership.
“This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association executive who has demonstrated visionary leadership at the state and national levels,” the organization said. “This includes delivering superior results organizationally and financially, developing services and programs for credit unions, and focusing on cooperation within the credit union system. It also represents personal values and commitment to purpose and integrity, as well as exhibiting substantial participation as a leader and cooperator.”
Honor & a Privilege
Added Sullivan, “It’s an honor and a privilege. I started at the league right out of college, and the rest is history. You make lifelong friends in this movement, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many friends here tonight.”
Sullivan has served as the president/CEO of the Nebraska Credit Union League for more than 24 years. He joined the credit union movement in April 1989 when he began his tenure with the Nebraska Credit Union League. He began as a governmental affairs specialist before becoming the director of governmental affairs then the vice president of governmental and public relations and finally president/CEO.
Praise Offered
Among those offering praise for Sullivan:
- AACUL President Brad Miller: “Scott has been a leader and cooperator at the national level throughout his years of service in Nebraska. In addition to being an active and engaged member of AACUL, he served on the CUNA board of directors and as chairman of AACUL’s State Issues Advocacy Committee. Scott leads by example, fully supporting integral national efforts – with time and resources - such as Credit Union House, the National Advocacy Fund, CULAC, and other key systemwide campaigns.”
- AACUL Chair and CrossState Credit Union Association President/CEO Patrick Conway: “Scott has always fully supported and encouraged cooperation among the national credit union association, state associations and credit unions. Scott has been an innovative collaborator with his league peers. Under his direction, the League has partnered with other states for successful joint annual meetings and conventions, webinars, virtual workshops, CEO/Leadership Summits, and more.”
Diana Dykstra, President and CEO, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagu
Dykstra was recognized with the 2024 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award.
“This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association president who has demonstrated visionary leadership at the state and national levels. This includes delivering superior results organizationally and financially, developing services and programs for credit unions, and focusing on cooperation within the credit union system,” the AACUL said. “It also represents personal values and commitment to purpose and integrity, as well as exhibiting substantial participation as a leader and cooperator.
‘Deeply Honored’
“I am deeply honored for everything the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award represents,” Dykstra said. “There are many individuals in our movement who have paved the way up to this moment through their diligence, sacrifice, and commitment to our industry. I am grateful I’ve been afforded the opportunity to be part of it, and I look forward to seeing other league/association leaders do their part to strengthen our credit unions and our shared future.”
According to the AACUL, the credit union movement has benefited from Dykstra’s leadership for 42 years. For the past 14 years, she has served as the president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. Prior to her tenure there, she served as CEO of San Francisco Fire CU, CEO of CoastHills FCU, senior vice president for Patelco CU, and senior vice president for Golden 1 CU.
Praise Offered
Among those offering praise for Dykstra:
- Brad Miller: “Throughout her years of service to the Leagues and credit unions, Diana has championed collaboration. The examples of her dedication to cooperative efforts are seemingly endless. Whether it be her service as AACUL Chair, WOCCU Chair, her leadership on many other industry boards, her dedication to DEI initiatives, her energy for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Credit Unions for Kids, or her devotion to advancing financial well-being and literacy initiatives through the RMJ Foundation, Diana leads collaboratively, boldly, encouragingly, and with a heart for serving others.”
- Patrick Conway: “Diana is an inspiration. She firmly believes that credit unions’ success is intertwined with the well-being of society at large. Through her passion for innovation and cooperation, she encourages leaders around her to think outside ourselves and focus on the importance of serving the entire credit union movement.”
Sackett Named Chair of NCUF
Separately, Royal Credit Union Board Member, John Sackett, to serve as Chair of the Foundation’s board of directors. Sackett joined the Foundation board in 2016 and served as Secretary in 2020 and vice chair from 2021-2023.
“We’re honored to have John, a long-time board member and committed credit union advocate, steward the Foundation’s board of directors,” stated Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation.
Added Sackett, “I am humbled to have been elected by my fellow board members to serve as chair. I look forward to continuing to support the Foundation’s efforts to promote financial well-being for all.”
Incumbents Reappointed
Three other incumbent board members were appointed to another term, including Robert Cashman, president/CEO of Metro Credit Union; Christine Cordell, SVP/chief project & learning officer of Blaze Credit Union; and Debbie Smith, president/CEO of Georgia United Credit Union.
New members appointed to the board include Enrique Delgadillo, President/CEO of BALANCE, Juan Fernandez, president/CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League, David Sweitzer, chief experience Officer of TruStage, and Jenny Vipperman, president/CEO of ORNL Federal Credit Union.
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