African American Credit Union Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington.
Nearly 400 credit union executives, volunteers and industry partners gathered for the celebration, held in conjunction with the annual America’s Credit Union’s Governmental Affairs Conference.
The AACUC said that now in its eleventh year, the Hall of Fame has recognized more than 80 trailblazers whose leadership has expanded access to financial capital and strengthened economic opportunity for African Americans and majority-ethnic communities nationwide. Originally established as a fundraising initiative, the program has evolved into a signature AACUC event honoring transformative impact within the credit union movement, the organization added.
‘True Leadership’
“This Hall of Fame affirms what our industry knows to be true: leadership rooted in service and access transforms communities,” AACUC Chair Marvin York said in a statement. “Our 2026 inductees represent the very best of the credit union movement — executives who have championed financial inclusion, strengthened institutions and expanded pathways to capital. Their collective impact is measured in growth and in opportunity created for generations to come.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Scott Simpson, underscoring the critical role inclusive leadership plays in sustaining the cooperative model, AACUC said, adding that throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the movement’s enduring commitment to expanding access, strengthening communities and ensuring the credit union system remains responsive to a changing national landscape.
When Credit Unions are Strongest
“The credit union movement has always been at its strongest when it expands access and develops leaders who reflect the communities we serve,” AACUC President/CEO Renée Sattiewhite said in a statement. “This year’s inductees embody that legacy. Their careers demonstrate that inclusion is a strategic imperative that drives growth, relevance and long-term sustainability for our industry.”
2026 African American Credit Union Hall of Fame Inductees
The inductees included:
Creighton P. Blackwell, Chief Community Impact & Public Affairs Officer, Coastal Credit Union
A seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience, Blackwell oversees community impact and public affairs initiatives at Coastal Credit Union. His career spans executive leadership in corporate affairs, retail banking and community engagement. A recognized advocate for economic development, sustainability and financial education, he serves on multiple nonprofit boards and holds executive credentials from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Stanford University.
Leigh Brady, President and CEO, State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina
Brady leads one of the nation’s largest credit unions, serving more than 2.9 million members. With 38 years of service at SECU, she has held numerous operational leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer. Brady serves on the Carolinas Credit Union League Board and the Executive Committee of America’s Credit Unions CEO Council and is a member of the International Women’s Forum of the Carolinas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Meredith College.
Carolyn Jordan, Chief Growth Officer, Neighborhood Credit Union
Jordan oversees digital banking, data analytics, marketing, product development and advocacy at Neighborhood Credit Union. She also serves as President of the AACUC Texas Regional Chapter and the Neighborhood Credit Union Foundation. A respected industry leader with 46 years of experience, she has been recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as a C-Suite Leader and Woman in Technology and has contributed her expertise to national and Federal Reserve advisory councils. She holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Texas A&M-Commerce and marketing certification from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.
Sati Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Diversified Members Credit Union
Smith has guided Diversified Members Credit Union into a new era of strategic growth and enhanced member experience. With more than 20 years in financial services, she is a passionate advocate for financial inclusion and economic empowerment. She serves on several nonprofit boards in Michigan and is an ambassador for the Voices of Black Women cancer research study.
Max Villaronga, President/CEO, Raiz Federal Credit Union
Since 2014, Villaronga has led Raiz Federal Credit Union with a focus on human dignity, culture transformation and inclusive leadership. His career includes executive experience across multiple industries, including service in the U.S. Marines. Villaronga holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and professional designations including Certified Chief Executive and Development Educator. He serves on several national civic and philanthropic boards including NLCUP as well as in the El Paso region.
