Recipients of the 24th Annual Wegner Awards |
 | Lifetime Achievement | |  Bill Eckhardt
President/CEO
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
In recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional leadership, and numerous contributions to the credit union industry, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) is pleased to announce William (Bill) B. Eckhardt, President and CEO of Alaska USA Federal Credit Union in Anchorage, Alaska, as one of two winners of the 2012 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“When you look at Bill’s achievements, you realize what an unassuming guy he is, having been involved in so many meaningful, wonderful projects,” said NCUF Awards & Recognition Committee Chairman Bob Schumacher. “It’s just that you had never put them all together until you read his biographical information. And then you have to wonder how he could have possibly accomplished all that!”
Soon after graduating from college, Eckhardt joined Alaska USA in 1971 as Assistant General Manager. In 1979, on his 30th birthday, he was appointed President/CEO of one of the nation’s 25 largest and most progressive credit unions, a position he and the organization has maintained for more than 32 years.
“Bill Eckhardt is and has been an extraordinary leader under extraordinary circumstances,” said David Chatfield, former President/CEO of the California Credit Union League. “Under his leadership, Alaska USA FCU has consistently achieved amazing advances in operational innovation and member services, despite what to others might seem insurmountable obstacles due to its remote location, vast geography, harsh environment, and extreme ‘boom and bust’ economic conditions. A lifetime in Alaska and exceptional management skills has enabled Bill to lead Alaska USA to not just survive, but thrive in its approach to operations and the unique ‘Alaska USA’ brand of member service.” |
|
|
| Lifetime Achievement | |  Tom Dorety
President/CEO
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and selfless commitment to the credit union industry, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) is pleased to announce Tom Dorety, President and CEO of Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union in Tampa, Fla., as one of two winners of the 2012 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“When you look at the lifetime efforts of Tom’s, you realize that this is the perfect description of dedication, compassion and success within the credit union world,” said NCUF Awards & Recognition Committee Chairman Bob Schumacher. “No matter what Tom does, it seems to turn into something good for someone else.”
“Most people are probably not aware of the extent of Tom's contributions to the credit union movement because he often lets others accept the accolades,” noted Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. “Tom has given so much to his profession, his credit union, and the greater credit union community over the years.”
Dorety has been President/CEO at Suncoast Schools FCU since April 1996, previously serving as a Senior Vice President for 8 years. Suncoast Schools FCU is the largest credit union in Florida and the 11th largest in the country, with almost $5 billion in assets. Prior to coming to Suncoast Schools FCU, he spent 13 years at State Employees’ Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C. Dorety has served as Chairman of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Filene Research Institute, National CEO Roundtable, and MEMBERS Trust Company. He currently serves on the boards of the CO-OP Financial Services Network, Hillsborough County Education Foundation, and All Children’s Hospital. |
|
|
Outstanding Program |  Invest in America
In just a few years, Invest in America (IIA) has made a notable impact on the credit union industry. Whether it’s raising awareness of the benefits of credit union membership, providing consumers with discounts, supporting credit unions with a program designed to increase member loyalty, or funding financial literacy initiatives such as Biz Kid$, IIA has proven to be a unique and beneficial credit union program. In recognition of this innovation and its positive effects on the credit union industry, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) is pleased to announce Invest in America as the winner of the 2012 Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Program.
“Rarely has the Awards and Nominating Committee collective scored a program so high,” said NCUF Awards & Recognition Committee Chairman Bob Schumacher. “When you look at the numbers that support Invest in America’s efforts, the outcome is so overwhelming, it’s hard to grasp or comprehend all its immensity.”
By participating in Invest in America, members save money on every day purchases, credit unions increase loans, income and member loyalty, while credit unions and their members simultaneously support American companies. Invest in America was first started in late 2008 by CUcorp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Michigan Credit Union League, which later became CU Solutions Group, a national marketing company which currently manages the program. Through IIA, credit unions could band together to promote and support not only their own products and services, but also those offered by collaborative American-based companies, such as General Motors (GM) or Sprint. Credit union members were given discounts to the companies, which in turn drove membership growth and loyalty. Invest in America has since grown to also become an enhancement program helping credit unions to add vehicle loans, increase debit/credit card transactions/balances and provide non-interest income opportunities. Nearly 3,000 credit unions nationwide, representing over 70% of credit union members, now support Invest in America.
“The Invest in America program has captured what it truly means to be an American credit union member,” noted Michael Atchison, Senior Vice President at the Arizona Credit Union League & Affiliates. “During these difficult times, working together and supporting not only each other but also the businesses that provide made in America products and services, helps us all. This program is the solution that unites these businesses and the credit union members.” |
|
|
|
|
