Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2025) |
Keith Sias, senior vice president, government affairs of the Illinois Credit Union League, was recognized with the 2025 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) on Saturday evening.
This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association professional 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. It also represents personal values and commitment to purpose and integrity, as well as exhibiting substantial participation as a leader and cooperator.
"Keith's dedication to the Illinois credit union movement is truly exceptional,” said Libby Calderone, President/CEO at the Illinois Credit Union League. “For over three decades, he's been a force for positive change, not just within our state, but on the national stage. This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment, integrity, and the remarkable results he's delivered. We couldn't be prouder to have Keith as part of the ICUL team, and this recognition is richly deserved."
Keith Sias has dedicated his career to the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL), serving with distinction since March 1, 1993, most recently as the Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.
“During his 32 years of unwavering commitment to advancing the credit union movement, Keith continually delivers extensive contributions, strong leadership, and steadfast commitment to the core values of the credit union system,” praised AACUL President Brad Miller. “His well-earned reputation for honesty, earnestness, and transparency is valued by legislators at the state and federal level.”
Sias’ advocacy work has drastically improved the operating environment for credit unions in Illinois, as Sias’ efforts have resulted in improvements to the State Credit Union Act every year for the past two decades.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments in Illinois, Sias has been influential nationally as well. He is an active leader on the national stage, participating in political advocacy with AACUL and America’s Credit Unions, leading as a vocal collaborator among league advocacy professionals, and serving on the AACUL Advocacy Committee and previously on the legacy-CUNA Advocacy Committee.
AACUL Vice Chair and MD|DC Credit Union Association President/CEO John Bratsakis shared about Sias,
“Collaboration is one of Keith’s strongest attributes: advocacy professionals across the League System benefit from his advice and assistance. He shares his experience freely, including openly discussing the challenges he has faced - which is of extreme value to his colleagues. Keith’s ability to bring people together for a common purpose exemplifies the cooperative spirit that is at the heart of the credit union movement.”
