The 2017 CUNA CFO Council Awards were presented during a live ceremony at CUNA CFO Council Conference, held May 21-24, 2017, in Orlando, Fla. The ceremony featured four categories of achievement, the awards honor excellence, innovation and service in the field of credit union finance.
“This year’s winners are uniquely remarkable, they all demonstrate ingenuity, courage and dedication,” said Bryanna Tapley, CUNA CFO Council Chair and VP of Operations, Flint Area School ECU, Flint, Mich. “If you’re looking for the best of finance—not just in the credit union movement, but in general—here it is.”
The Excellence in Finance Award, which recognizes credit unions that exemplify excellence in finance and promote credit union philosophies through leadership, was presented to Ent CU in Colorado Springs, Colo. By skillfully utilizing derivatives, arbitrage, the mortgage pipeline and dollar rolls, the credit union successfully raised its net worth more than 12% in 2016 while keeping interest rate risk (IRR) low.
The Professional of the Year Award, which honors an outstanding individual in credit union finance, was awarded to Paul Meissner, SVP/CFO, Credit Union of America, Wichita, Kans., for his more than 40-year career defined by persistent personal growth, risk taking, and bold, creative thinking that has produced incredible results.
Julie Renderos, EVP/CFO Suncoast CU, Tampa, Fla., won the Volunteer of the Year Award, which honors a CUNA CFO Council member who has amply, admirably and enthusiastically served the organization.
Finally, the Top Community Contributor Award, recognizing an exceptional contributor to the CUNA CFO Council Community, the Council’s online communications platform, went to Amanda Brown, vice president finance, Heritage Trust FCU, Charleston, S.C.
To learn more about CUNA CFO Council, please visit cunacouncils.org.
Dan Leclerc, Julie Renderos, Paul Meissner, Amanda Brown