Trailblazer Awards

Credit Union Times 2013 Trailblazer Awards

Credit Union Times is very excited to recognize the best the credit union community has to offer with our 8th annual Trailblazer awards. Apply today for recognition by the nation's leading source for credit union news and analysis. The deadline for applications is December 14th. Don't wait until the last minute!

Hundreds of credit union professionals turn out each year for Credit Union Times Trailblazer awards reception to help us honor the top credit union professionals and volunteers. Credit Union Times will host the 2013 reception Feb. 26, 2013 at the Renaissance in Washington, D.C, during CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference. Read more about the 2012 Trailblazer Awards winners and take in the scenes from the 2012 Trailblazer Awards reception which took place March 20, 2012 at the Renaissance.

Onsite Coverage: Trailblazers Award Reception at GAC in Photos

By Marc Rapport | February 27, 2013

WASHINGTON — Winners were feted and old friends greeted at Credit Union Times' Trailblazers reception Tuesday night at the GAC. (Photos by John Cooke)
Trailblazer Award: Political Action Honoree Thomas Renz Says He’s Always Been an Activist

By Heather Anderson | February 27, 2013

Thomas Renz, president and chief development officer for the $32 million Commodore Perry FCU, didn’t decide to become an activist when he appealed the credit union’s 2011 exam. Instead, the Credit Union Times 2013 Political Action Trailblazer Award winner contended that he’s always been one.
Trailblazer Award: Volunteer Carroll Beach Asks Management the Tough Questions

By Michelle A. Samaad | February 27, 2013

If you ask Carroll Beach his age, he’ll likely request a little clarity. “Is that chronologically or mentally? Chronologically, I’m 73. Mentally, I try to be aware of the new changes. I like to be aware and adapt. If you don’t do that, it will make your life miserable,” Beach suggested.
Trailblazer Award: Lending Officer Svehla Stumps for the Vital Role of Collections

By David Morrison | February 27, 2013

Not all trailblazers strike out for the frontiers. Sometimes blazing trails means leading people back through terrain they thought they knew in order to rediscover treasures they forgot they lost.
Trailblazer Award: IT Executive Chad Graves Takes Holistic Approach

By Marc Rapport | February 27, 2013

Like many executives, Chad Graves begins his day by reading The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and his local newspaper. Only Graves is not a CEO or CFO, he’s the chief technologist at Ent Federal Credit Union.
Trailblazer Award: CEO Joe Brancucci Fends Off Hornet’s Nest of Criticism

By Michelle A. Samaad | February 27, 2013

Don’t expect Joe Brancucci to back down from his convictions, especially when it comes to how credit unions have the choice of evolving or face extinction.
Trailblazer Award: Underserved Honoree Shreveport FCU Seek the Most Unwanted

By David Morrison | February 27, 2013

Many, if not most, credit unions would balk at the notion of adopting former state prison inmates as potential members. But it should tell you a lot about the 21,000-member $90 million Shreveport Federal Credit Union that the idea met with near universal approval from the first time it was...
Trailblazer Award: Marketer Kristen Mashburn Leverages Expertise on Behalf of Members

By Myriam DiGiovanni | February 27, 2013

Never tell Kristen Mashburn, director of marketing at Listerhill Credit Union, that marketing is little more than the latest ad campaign.
Trailblazer Award: CFO Scott Waite’s Leadership Extends Beyond Patelco

By Heather Anderson | February 27, 2013

The $3.9 billion Patelco Credit Union experienced its most profitable year in the Pleasanton, Calif.-based institution’s 76-year history, with a $55.5 million net profit and 1.48% return on assets. In fact, last year’s earnings were more than the total of $37 million earned from 2005 to 2011 combined.
Trailblazers 2012 Video Highlights

By Sarah Snell Cooke | May 14, 2012

Here are some of the highlights, including the acceptance remarks from the winners, at the 2012 Trailblazers Awards reception at the CUNA GAC.