NEW ORLEANS — Luminate, the trade association representing Louisiana credit unions, recognized credit unions and industry leaders during its 2026 annual conference, presenting awards honoring excellence in marketing, leadership, governance and service to the credit union movement.
According to Luminate, the annual awards program celebrates individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation and dedication to advancing credit unions across Louisiana.
Milestone Anniversaries Recognized
Luminate recognized several credit unions celebrating milestone anniversaries:
50 years
- CF LA Credit Union
- St. Mary Parish School Employees Federal Credit Union
- Total Choice Federal Credit Union
75 years
- Alexandria Municipal Employees Credit Union
- Alexandria T and P Federal Credit Union
- East Baton Rouge Teachers Federal Credit Union
- Louisiana Catholic Federal Credit Union
- Union Federal Credit Union
Radiance in Marketing Awards
Luminate presented its Radiance in Marketing Awards in four categories, with winners divided by asset size.
Annual Report
- $0-$50 million: UNO Federal Credit Union
- $50-$150 million: University of Louisiana Federal Credit Union
- More than $150 million: Southwest Louisiana Credit Union
Community Outreach
- $0-$50 million: UNO Federal Credit Union
- $50-$150 million: Ascension Credit Union
- More than $150 million: OnPath Federal Credit Union
Integrated Campaign
- $0-$50 million: St. Tammany Federal Credit Union
- $50-$150 million: First Pioneers Federal Credit Union
- More than $150 million: Centric Federal Credit Union
Social Media
- $0-$50 million: St. Tammany Federal Credit Union
- $50-$150 million: POE Federal Credit Union
- More than $150 million: CSE Federal Credit Union
Enlighten Award
According to Luminate, the Enlighten Award was presented to Instep Credit Union in recognition of its commitment to the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.”
Luminate said Instep Credit Union, nominated by Pelican Credit Union, was recognized for its participation in shared branching, collaborative financial education initiatives, advocacy efforts, disaster recovery assistance and partnerships with other credit unions and community organizations.
Luminate said the credit union, under the leadership of CEO Helen Delin and its staff, has helped strengthen advocacy efforts, shared industry knowledge, expanded financial education and improved access to financial services while demonstrating “cooperation over competition.”
Emerging Leader Award
Austin Doucet, assistant vice president and branch manager of Neighbors Federal Credit Union’s Perkins Road branch, received Luminate’s Emerging Leader Award.
According to Luminate, Doucet transformed what had been a historically underperforming branch into one of the credit union’s highest-performing locations, earning Branch of the Year recognition and leading the branch to its highest production rankings in 2026.
Luminate said Doucet also was recognized for employee development, coaching, leadership development, volunteer service, financial counseling and community outreach, noting that he exemplifies the cooperative philosophy of “People Helping People.”
Governance Excellence Award
Gary Crockett of Pelican Credit Union received the Governance Excellence Award.
According to Luminate, Crockett was recognized for more than 30 years of volunteer leadership, having served on Pelican Credit Union’s board since 1991 in multiple leadership roles, including board chair and vice chair.
Luminate said Crockett helped guide the credit union’s growth from approximately $22 million to more than $800 million in assets while promoting stronger governance, board education, advocacy and financial access for underserved communities.
Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame
Luminate and the Luminate Foundation inducted eight individuals into the Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame.
The 2026 inductees are:
- Annette Thames, Pelican Credit Union
- Bill Mullinnix, Pelican Credit Union
- George “Jack” Haynes, EFCU Financial
- Judy London, La Capitol Federal Credit Union
- Samuel McDaniels, Pelican Credit Union
- Sharlene Begnaud, Ascension Credit Union
- Threntha “Lynn” Ratliff-Etienne, New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- Willie Woodard, Centric Federal Credit Union
Legends Award
Luminate presented its Legends Award to Sharlene Begnaud of Ascension Credit Union and Jeffrey K. Conrad of Pelican Credit Union.
According to Luminate, the two were selected for decades of leadership, advocacy and service that have advanced Louisiana’s credit union movement.
Luminate said Begnaud and Conrad were recognized for their commitment to innovation, collaboration, mentorship and the cooperative philosophy of “People Helping People,” adding that their leadership has had a lasting impact on credit unions, their members and communities across the state.
‘Some of the Very Best’
“These award recipients represent some of the very best of the credit union movement in Louisiana,” Luminate President and CEO Juan Fernandez said in a statement. “From innovative marketing and community outreach to exceptional leadership, governance, advocacy, and service, each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of their members and communities. Their achievements reflect the power of the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, and we are proud to celebrate their lasting impact on our industry and the future they are helping to build.”
