DANA POINT, Calif. — George Latham, deputy commissioner of credit unions, Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions, is the winner of the NASCUS 2006 Pierre Jay Award. First presented by NASCUS in 1997, the Pierre Jay Award is named after the first Commissioner of Banks in Massachusetts. NASCUS said the award was created “to recognize those who have surpassed the expectations of duty. It is presented to those whose contributions have benefited the state credit union system in a significant way. Recipients of the award best demonstrate outstanding service, leadership and commitment to NASCUS and the dual chartering system.” As this year's winner, Latham joins the list of past Pierre Jay Award honorees including: Ella Robinson, retired Kentucky regulator; Mike Fitzgerald, former Michigan regulator; Gary Oakland, president/CEO, BECU, Seattle; Gavin Gee, Idaho regulator; Gary Mielock, former Michigan regulator; Richard Murakami, former California regulator; James Forney, Iowa regulator; and Jim Blaine, president/CEO, State Employees' CU, Raleigh, N.C.