2023 Award Winners
Jan Roche
CEO (Retired)
State Department Federal Credit Union
Alexandria, Virginia
Jan Roche's professional journey commenced with earning a CPA designation in 1984, paving the way for a remarkable 40-year career in auditing, accounting, and credit union leadership. During her tenure, she achieved impressive growth at SDFCU, elevating its assets from $700 million to a substantial $2.8 billion, a feat made possible through her leadership and the support of the Board of Directors. Jan's dedication to the credit union industry was evident through her service on the Filene Research Institute's Administrative Board from 2008 to 2019. Her transformative contributions and expertise in the field were recognized when she received the prestigious "Top Woman to Watch" award from Credit Union Times, further cementing her as a standout figure in the credit union community.
Robert N. Trunzo
President Emeritus
TruStage
Madison, WI
Robert N. Trunzo, as the influential CEO of TruStage, has left an indelible mark with his impact on TruStage employees, the communities they serve, the U.S. credit union system, and the global credit union movement. His inclusive leadership is exemplified by the addition of "Inclusion" to TruStage's core values, reinforcing his commitment to diversity and equity. Under his guidance, TruStage has made substantial financial investments, allocating $30 million annually to support vital initiatives within the credit union system. Moreover, Robert Trunzo embodies the cooperative principles that define credit unions, while also championing their cause at state and federal levels, particularly when their tax status is under threat, highlighting the benefits these institutions provide to their members.
Tony Budet
CEO (Retired)
University Federal Credit Union
Austin, Texas
Tony Budet, a dedicated 38-year veteran at UFCU, with 23 of those years spent as President and CEO, has left an enduring mark on the credit union and beyond. His influential leadership, grounded in the philosophy that "relationships are all there is," fostered significant credit union growth and granted him substantial influence in local business and legislative circles. Beyond UFCU, he took on the pivotal role of chairman at the Credit Union National Association, overseeing the merger negotiations in 2022-23 with NAFCU. In his personal life, Tony is an active member of the Austin Ridge Bible Church and finds immense joy in his family, blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three beloved grandchildren.
Bill KissCo-CEO
|
Jeff ShewfeltCo-CEO
|
|
Previous Winners
Barry Nelson, CCE
Retired CEO
Travis Credit Union
Vacaville, California
—
Erin Mendez, CCE
President/CEO
Patelco Credit Union
Pleasanton, California
—
Sterling Nielsen, CPA
President/CEO
Mountain America CU
Sandy, Utah
—
Paul Kelly
Retired CEO
connectFirst Credit Union
Calgary, Alberta
—
Ed Bergen, CCD, CCE
President/CEO
Sunova Credit Union Limited
Selkirk, Manitoba
Tyrone Muse
President/CEO
Vision Federal Credit Union
Endicott, New York
Kit Snyder, CCE
President/CEO
Consumers CU
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Stewart Ramsey, CCD, CIE, CCE
Retired President/CEO
Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Pensacola, Florida
Check out his Award Video!
—
Maurice Smith
President/CEO
Local Government Federal Credit Union
Civic Federal Credit Union
Raleigh, North Carolina
Check out his Award Video!
Joe Hearn, CCE
President/CEO
Dupaco Community Credit Union
Dubuque, IA
—
Stephanie Sherrod, CCE
President/CEO
TDECU
Lake Jackson, TX
—
Greg Smith
Retired President/CEO
PSECU
Harrisburg, PA
—
Kim Sponem
President/CEO
Summit Credit Union
Madison, WI
—
Al Suraci, CCE
Retired CEO
Northern Credit Union
Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario
—
Marty Komsa
Retired President/CEO
Windsor Family Credit Union
Windsor, Ontario
—
Eileen Rivera
Retired President/CEO
Skyone Federal Credit Union
Hawthorne, CA
—
Cathie Tierney, CCUE
Retired President/CEO
Community First Credit Union
Appleton, WI
—
Douglas A. Fecher, CCE
President/CEO
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc.
Fairborn, OH
—
Michael G. Valentine
President/CEO
BCU
Vernon Hills, IL
—
Sally A. Dischler, CCUE, CCE
President/CEO
Heartland Credit Union
Madison, WI
—
Joseph A. Melbourne, Jr.
President/CEO
CFE Federal Credit Union
Lake Mary, FL
—
William A. Raker, CCE
President/CEO
Firefly Credit Union
Burnsville, MN
—