ONTARIO, Calif.–California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions has named the recipients of this year’s Credit Union Awards, Advocacy Awards, and Network Awards.
In all, 24 industry leaders, volunteers, professionals, credit unions, and organizations — including Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gary Perez, CEO of USC Credit Union,— will be honored at a special ceremony during REACH 2025.
The REACH meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27-30 in Palm Desert, Calif.
This year’s award winners include:
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award
California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions’ highest recognition, honoring excellence in credit union philosophy and a lifetime of contributions to the credit union movement. It is named after Leo H. Shapiro, father of the California credit union movement and founder of California’s Credit Unions.
- Gary Perez, CEO of USC Credit Union.
Distinguished Service Award
Honors credit union professionals’ ongoing and current contributions to the credit union community.
- Jennifer Oliver, CEO of Rize Credit Union.
Social Impact Award (individual)
Honors individuals who demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives.
- Doron Noyman, vice president of business Development and Community Relations for KeyPoint Credit Union.
Social Impact Award (organization)
Honors credit unions that demonstrate an unyielding dedication to building stronger communities and improving members’ lives.
- Patelco Credit Union
- Kinecta Federal Credit Union
- Chaffey Federal Credit Union.
J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award
Honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities.
- Gary Burton, chair of Orange County’s Credit Union.
- Mitch Fox, chair of Silver State Schools Credit Union.
Tomorrow’s Star Award
Honors the efforts of up-and-coming credit union leaders aged 35 and under, and encourages the development of future leaders.
- Steward Pimienta, Senior Community Engagement Specialist for Travis Credit Union.
- Tyler Sanger-Boyett, Card and Fraud Manager for Bay Federal Credit Union.
2025 Advocacy Awards
California PAC Advocate of the Year
- Nicholas Ambrosini, CEO of Valley Strong Credit Union.
Nevada PAC Advocate of the Year
- Jennifer Denoo, CEO of Great Basin Federal Credit Union.
Volunteer of the Year
- Suzanne Curtin, Board Chair of Kinecta Federal Credit Union.
Shapiro Advocate of the Year
- Eric Bruen, CEO of Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union
Nevada Advocate of the Year
- Scott Arkills, CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union
California Advocate of the Year
- Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
Political Professional of the Year
- Matt Martin, SVP-Community and Government Relations for Redwood Credit Union
California Advocate Credit Union of the Year
- Wescom Financial
Nevada Advocate Credit Union of the Year
- Boulder Dam Credit Union.
Supplier of the Year
- TruStage.
2025 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Awards
Honors individuals, credit unions, and other organizations’ contributions to the success of Shapiro Group credit unions.
- Jake Harbour, CEO of Santa Barbara County Federal Credit Union (individual)
- Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union (organization).
2025 Network Awards of Excellence
Honors excellence in volunteerism within League Networks
- Lindsey Shores of the Sacramento Valley Network (individual) — Business Development Manager for SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
- Orange County Network (network).
“This year’s award recipients are a testament to the impact of credit unions,” said Scott Simpson, president and CEO of California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “They are true inspirations within their communities, embodying the spirit of the credit union movement as they put their members first. Their exceptional contributions, commitment to our industry, and tireless efforts have transformed thousands of lives. We are proud and look forward to celebrating their achievements during REACH 2025 in Palm Desert this October.”
