The CUNA CFO Council Awards, honoring outstanding work in the field of credit union finance, were presented live from the main stage at the CUNA CFO Council Conference, May 15-18 in Anaheim, California.
Winners:
2016 Professional of the Year
The CUNA CFO Council Professional of the Year Award was presented to Susan Gruber, senior vice president and CFO, Patelco Credit Union in Pleasanton, California. Gruber, who has more than 20 years of experience in financial services, was honored for her achievements and dedication to her credit union. Her accomplishments include introducing a lucrative new savings account for small savers and building a complete financial analysis team. Prior to her role at Patelco, she was the chief financial officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.
The CUNA CFO Council’s Professional of the Year honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in credit union financial management. In all aspects of their chosen profession, the Professional of the Year consistently excels for the benefit of their credit union and the advancement of ideals of the cooperative movement.
2016 Volunteer of the Year
Brian Hughes, vice president of finance, wealth & business solutions, Sun Federal Credit Union in Maumee, Ohio, was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognizes contributions to CUNA CFO Council, a member-led organization that relies on volunteers. Hughes served on the council’s Member Resources Committee and has worked in the credit union industry for more than 20 years.
Top Community Contributor Award
Paul Meissner, CFO, Credit Union of America, Wichita, Kansas, was presented with the Top Community Contributor Award. This award recognizes the value and expertise shared with peers through collaboration within Councils Community.
2016 Excellence in Finance Award
People Driven Credit Union in Southfield, Mich. received the Excellence in Finance Award for their post-merger financial reporting and process improvements/efficiencies entry. By assessing employee skill sets, establishing a robust cross-training program, developing deeper bench strength in technology, and being laser-focused on uncovering efficiencies, their Finance & Accounting Team was able to become more cohesive, nimble, and proactive. PDCU’s Values -- Proactive, Knowledgeable, Consistent, Accountable, and Consultative – are now clearly modeled by the team.
The Excellence in Finance Award recognizes the finance department that has made significant contributions or has taken an innovative approach in one of the following activities: board education, collaboration, credit risk management, expense reduction/control, financial literacy, innovative portfolio management, IRR management and project management.
“Choosing winners for these awards is seldom an easy task, but after considerable deliberation, Susan, Brian, Paul and the team at People Driven Credit Union emerged as the clear stand-outs” said Suzanne Weinstein, CUNA CFO Council Chair. “They are paragons of skill, service and achievement in the field of credit union finance.”
For more information on the 2016 Awards, visit http://cunacouncils.org/awards.