GREENSBORO, N.C. - A 40-year career veteran of North Carolina credit unions has been named recipient of one of the industry's highest honors, the Larry Johnson Order of Merit Lifetime Achievement Award. He is Tom C. Welch, president/CEO of Piedmont Aviation Credit Union in Winston-Salem, who was awarded the honors at ceremonies during the annual conference of the North Carolina Credit Union League held in Pinehurst.

Welch is only the second to receive the award named after the retired president/CEO of the league who left in 2003.

"The Johnson Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to promoting the credit union philosophy, and whose leadership to North Carolina credit unions and related organizations has been or was sustained throughout their career," said the league.

Welch began with Hennis CU in 1967 and later took over PACU in 1973, which at the time held $5 million in assets, 3,500 members and five employees. Today the CU has 87,000 members with 115 employees.

"Tom Welch has been singular in his leadership," said NCCUL President John Radebaugh. "He is a great listener who always adds a valuable perspective in any important discussion." Welch is retiring from PACU later this year.