For his longtime work and commitment to the credit unionindustry, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues recently named JoeSchroeder, president/CEO of the $624 million Ventura County Credit Union in Ventura, Calif., as therecipient of the Unsung Hero Award.

The award honors deserving individuals within the credit unionindustry with at least 20 years of service who also have madesignificant contributions in the community.

Schroeder was selected by the 2012 League Awards Committee forhis two-plus decades of credit union leadership experience,including serving as president/CEO at three of SouthernCalifornia's largest credit unions. He has served on theboard of CO-OP Financial Services and the audit committee ofFinancial Service Centers Cooperative (now part of CO-OP SharedBranching).

Schroeder—who the leagues said is respected in the industry asan operational and marketing expert—was a founding member of theMarketing Association of California (now Marketing Association ofCredit Unions), and served as president.

He is currently a member of the leagues' Government AffairsCommittee and has served on CUNA's Consumer ProtectionSub-Committee. He was recently added to the board of MemberBusiness Lending, a CUSO out of Salt Lake City. He is also vicechair of FOODShare, Ventura County's local food bank.

In addition, he was an early supporter of the World Council ofCredit Unions' Global Women's Leadership Network, which connectscredit union women and leaders from around the world and engagesthem in professional and personal development.

Leagues' EVP/ COO Lucy Ito presented Schroeder with the awardJan. 30 at a Ventura County CU board meeting.

“It has been wonderful to be a part of the credit union movementthrough the years. I'm thankful for the opportunities I have had atgreat credit unions, with supportive staff and boards over theyears, along with the opportunity to serve on various boards andcommittees within the credit union industry. I look forward to manymore years of service in the industry,” Schroeder said.

The Unsung Hero Award, established by the leagues' HistoricalPreservation Committee, is now coordinated by the leagues' AwardsCommittee. Individuals, chapters and other affiliates, both inCalifornia and Nevada, are encouraged to nominate deservingrecipients.