CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Hein has been honored nationally as the 2016 recipient of the Buck Levins Award. The distinction was established 15 years ago to recognize one credit union CEO, staff or board member who demonstrates exceptional leadership in advocacy.
Hein’s selection was announced from the main stage at the Credit Union National Association’s Governmental Affairs Conference last Tuesday in Washington DC. Hein is the first Northwest credit union advocate to ever receive the prestigious honor.
Levins was CUNA’s Chairman during the historic era in which the Credit Union Membership Access Act passed in 1998.
“Rick Hein exemplifies the criteria being considered for the Buck Levins Award,” said Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) Board Chair Jack Fallis, Vice Chair Brooke Van Vleet, and Treasurer John Zmolek in their nomination of Hein. “He not only supports all areas of advocacy—from an internal culture to his leadership on national fundraising, to engaging his members in Action Alerts—he is constantly encouraging his peers to go above and beyond the status quo.”
NWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang also nominated Hein. “While Rick holds his team to a high standard of advocacy, he holds himself to an even higher level.”
In accepting, Hein said, “I’m humbled and honored for this recognition. I thank my board of directors and the NWCUA for the leadership they show in making advocacy a priority.