SNELLVILLE, Ga. – The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has named three “deserving, illustrious leaders” as recipients of its 2026 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award, which AACUC said recognize “enduring contributions to the credit union movement and embodiment of AACUC’s mission.”
The recipients are:
- Mary McDuffie, president/CEO, retired, Navy Federal Credit Union
- Marsha Majors, president/CEO, Retired, U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
- Gary J. Perez, president/CEO, USC Credit Union
“Collectively, these three leaders represent the helm of the nation’s largest credit union, a historic first as the first African American female credit union CEO, and transformative growth that expanded one institution’s assets nearly 47 times its original size,” AACUC said.
The organization noted the award is named after Pete Crear, long-time AACUC member and retired and past president/CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. for pioneering significant advancements in the credit union ecosystem, the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes excellence in advancing the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
Honorees demonstrate significant impact through leadership, service, and contributions to credit union growth, infrastructure, advocacy, and community impact, AACUC added.
‘Extraordinary Leadership’
“There is extraordinary leadership across the credit union movement, and this year we are proud to recognize not one, but three exceptional leaders,” Renée Sattiewhite, president/CEO of AACUC, said in a statement. “Mary, Marsha, and Gary have each expanded access to financial services through innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.”
About the Winners
Mary McDuffie
Mary McDuffie served as the President/CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union from 2019 until her retirement in 2024, growing the financial institution from $97 billion to $171 billion. Prior to becoming president/CEO, she served in multiple executive positions. Outside of the credit union, she served as a member of the Visa Senior Executive Council and the regional board of the Richmond Federal Reserve.
Before joining Navy Federal, she worked for Star Systems, now part of Fiserv. She began her career with J. Walter Thompson advertising, working in the Washington, DC, and Jakarta, Indonesia offices. She graduated with honors from Wellesley College.
Marsha Majors
Marsha Majors is the retired president/CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque, NM, and has more than 40 years of financial services experience. As the first African American woman CEO to build and lead a billion-dollar-plus credit union, AACUS said Majors excelled at strategically transitioning her organization to forge new pathways to success.
“She is committed to mentoring and sharing her story to encourage other women,” AACUC said.
Majors is a recognized New Mexico Woman of Influence, 2022 African American Credit Union Hall of Fame inductee, recipient of the New Mexico Top CEOs for Banking and Finance, and CEO Progress. Majors enjoys life with her husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Gary J. Perez
Gary J. Perez has led USC Credit Union (USCCU) as president and CEO since 1988, transforming it from a $15 million campus-based institution into a $700 million full-service credit union serving the entire University of Southern California (USC) Trojan Family and surrounding underserved communities.
“Under his leadership, USCCU earned rare triple designations as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Minority Depository Institution (MDI), and Juntos Avanzamos credit union,” AACUC said.
With nearly five decades in the credit union industry, Perez has also served on multiple national and regional boards, including the AACUC board, advancing financial inclusion. A Los Angeles native, he holds degrees from Azusa Pacific University and USC, where his family maintains deep Trojan ties.
‘Highest Honor’
“The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award represents the highest honor within AACUC, recognizing individuals whose careers have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement,” said AACUC Chair Marvin York said in a statement. “This year’s honorees exemplify the vision, resilience and commitment to equity that continue to move our industry forward.”
Majors, McDuffie and Perez will be honored at the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony and Dinner during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia on August 5, 2026.
TruStage is the Event Title Sponsor for the Award Ceremony.
