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Awards of Excellence

Awards of Excellence honorees are the best of the best and never hesitate to go the extra mile for their members and the credit union industry. These awards continue to place a greater emphasis on honoring the people who make a difference by their personal embrace of the credit union system and its values and principles - the heroes and “credit union legends” among us who set examples for all to follow.

 

Awards of Excellence Nomination Guidelines

CEO OF THE YEAR

The Chief Executive Officer is at the heart of every credit union, responsible for a myriad of duties which ultimately define the organization’s culture and its success. Leading the credit union’s efforts to achieve growth in the many ways it serves its members; being an inspiration to the team by constantly motivating them to excellence; and engaging the community as the credit union’s chief ambassador are just a few of the requirements associated with the person who occupies the corner office.

Guidelines/eligibility: 
CEOs of affiliated credit unions may be nominated. 

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

People are the backbone of an outstanding credit union. Their dedication to cooperative values coupled with a willingness to go above and beyond to provide service quality to members distinguishes the credit union from its industry peers within the financial services marketplace. They make credit unions shine! Many of the stories describing their attitudes, commitment and service may sound like the folklore of legends, but in reality they describe the heroes of the credit union industry, the trend setters, whose example is for all a model to embrace and follow.

Guidelines/eligibility:
Paid professionals (excluding the CEO) of affiliated credit unions may be nominated.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Today’s young credit union professionals are tomorrow’s industry leaders, as evidenced by  their words and deeds and commitment to the values and principles defining the credit union’s cooperative business model. To nurture and support these up- and- coming professionals and help fuel their drive to one day occupy the corner office, the Cooperative Credit Union Association calls upon all of its member credit unions to participate in recognizing their achievements.

Guidelines/eligibility:  
Paid professionals (excluding the CEO) aged 40 and under of affiliated credit unions may be nominated.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Look beyond the walls of a credit union to discover a pillar of the industry, volunteers who have given freely of their time, energy, wisdom, and knowledge to help guide and nurture a credit union to success, year in and year out. Volunteers serve as members of the board and in other capacities of leadership and inspiration. Their service and commitment is legendary, truly an example of “people helping people.”

Guidelines/eligibility: 
Credit union directors, committee members at Association member credit unions may be nominated.

HALL OF FAME

Cooperative Credit Union Association Hall of Fame members have devoted their lives to the philosophy and success of the credit union movement, and they have made a significant impact on credit unions at the local, state, and / or national levels. Whether it’s inspirational leadership and bold decision-making, which resulted in growth and improvement; personal dedication and commitment in delivering exemplary service; or voluntary contributions of countless time and energy that have enriched the lives of all within the industry, such achievements are a testament to a career worthy of the highest respect, honor and recognition.

Recipients will be inducted into the Association’s prestigious Hall of Fame.

Guidelines/eligibility: 
Hall of Fame nominees should be from affiliated Association credit unions.

2023 Nominations Process

The nominating process is easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Nominations accepted from CCUA member credit unions.

2. Nominations in all categories must have credit union CEO OR Board Chair approval and signature.

3. Complete this form and send it along with the Nomination Essay (refer to Nomination Guidelines for essay requirements) in an email BY NOON ON July 24, 2023, to Communications@ccua.org.

The Nomination Form includes the following information:
•    Nomination category.
•    Candidate’s name and contact information (email, phone, etc.)
•    Your signature and contact information (email, phone, etc.)
•    Credit Union CEO or Board Chair approval and their signature.

The Nomination Essay must be accompanied with the Nomination Form and include the following:
•    Why you think the candidate deserves the recognition (1,000 words or less please) Use specific examples, sharing photos and other materials to support your story. Use a separate document to complete the essay.
•    Include a hi-res jpg photo of the candidate.

4. There are no limits to the number of nominations* a credit union can make!
*CCUA employees, board members, and awards committee members are not eligible for nomination in any category.
 

JUDGING AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

Entries received by the nomination deadline of NOON on Monday, July 24, 2023 will be judged by the awards committee made up of a panel of credit union representatives, and winners will be recognized at the CCUA Awards session during APEX 2023, scheduled October 11 – 13, 2023.

Winners will be notified no later than August 18, 2023.

For more information, please forward all questions to Janelle Mullen(jmullen@ccua.org)