ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—Credit union leaders and individual CUs have been recognized across three states for their accomplishments.
CrossState Credit Union Association recognized credit union leaders and institutions from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania during its 2026 Connect Conference, honoring achievements in executive leadership, volunteer service and financial literacy initiatives, according to the association.
During the conference held at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, CrossState presented its top annual awards and recognized programs designed to strengthen financial education and community engagement.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive of the Year
Former CHROME Federal Credit Union President and CEO Robert Flanyak received the William W. Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award as the 2026 Credit Union Executive of the Year. According to CrossState, the award recognizes leadership and commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
“We should never take for granted the importance of our industry,” Flanyak said in a statement. “We are changing lives and supporting the communities we call home in ways that for-profit banks never will be able to.”
CrossState President and CEO Patrick Conway said Flanyak demonstrated mission-driven leadership and a commitment to workplace culture throughout his career.
According to CrossState, Flanyak began his career in 1981 at CUNA Mutual Group and later worked at United Teletech Federal Credit Union, Andrews Federal Credit Union and a community bank before joining CHROME. CrossState said his work included launching eight Financial Reality Fairs that reached more than 1,500 students in two years, opening a student-run branch in a local high school and creating employment opportunities for students.
Volunteer of the Year
CrossState also named Terry Hessler, a director at Belco Community Credit Union, as its 2026 Credit Union Volunteer of the Year and recipient of the Calvin H. Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes volunteer service and honors the legacy of longtime credit union advocate Calvin H. Jackson, according to CrossState.
CrossState said Hessler began volunteering in 2002 on Belco’s Supervisory Committee before joining the board in 2010 and later serving as board chair during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the association, Hessler led governance modernization efforts that included peer director reviews, a formal CEO evaluation process and volunteer recruitment initiatives.
The association further said Hessler also promoted financial literacy initiatives and helped connect Belco with local school districts to develop a financial education curriculum for high school students in the West Shore School District.
Five CUs Recognized
Separately, the CrossState Credit Union Foundation recognized five credit unions during its annual Leaders in Financial Literacy Luncheon for advancing financial education efforts in their communities.
The 2026 Leaders in Financial Literacy Award recipients were:
- Cross Valley Federal Credit Union — WealthWise
- Everence Federal Credit Union — Youth Program
- Members 1st Federal Credit Union — Fraud Awareness with Consumer Advocate Mary Bach
- Pheple Federal Credit Union — THRIVE Financial Wellness Pathway
- Credit Union of New Jersey — Neurodivergent-Friendly Financial Well-Being Initiative (Collaboration Category)
According to CrossState, each recipient received a grant from the foundation to support ongoing financial education work.
“This is the credit union way and the heart of credit unions,” Sue Ward-Diorio said, according to CrossState. “Offering affordable access to financial services, educating folks to create financial wellness, and providing them with hope—together we are creating hope in our communities.”
Montana’s Credit Unions Honors Individuals
Separately, Montana’s Credit Unions recognized outstanding leaders from across the credit union movement during its annual Power Up conference, “celebrating individuals who are helping ignite the future of the industry through leadership, innovation, and service.”
According to Montana’s Credit Unions, this year’s awards highlight professionals who embody the credit union philosophy of people helping people — not just in words, but through meaningful, measurable impact in their organizations and communities.
Professional of the Year: Eddie Black, Vocal CU
“With a career spanning more than three decades, Eddie Black was recognized for his sustained leadership, strategic vision, and ability to drive lasting change. From leading organizational turnarounds to strengthening partnerships at the state and national level, his career reflects a deep commitment to advancing both the credit union movement and the communities it serves,” Montana’s Credit Unions said.
Young Professional of the Year: Micah Bevans, Montana CU
Micah Bevans earned recognition as an emerging leader making an immediate impact. In just six years, Bevans has demonstrated remarkable growth — advancing through multiple roles, driving process improvements, and embracing continuous learning. Their forward-thinking approach and dedication to innovation exemplify the next generation of credit union leadership.
Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year: Con Malee, Southwest Montana Community FCU
Con Malee was honored for more than a decade of exceptional volunteer service. A collaborative and thoughtful leader, Malee has played a key role in guiding his credit union through growth and change while consistently advocating for strong governance and community impact. His dedication reflects the vital role volunteer leaders play in shaping the credit union difference, the organization said.
Philosophy in Action Award: Brandon Scala, Valley CU
Brandon Scala received one of MCU’s most meaningful honors for consistently turning values into action. Through leadership grounded in integrity, mentorship, and community partnership, Scala has championed initiatives that expand access to education and opportunity while inspiring others to lead with purpose.
‘Very Best of Our Movement’
“These recipients represent the very best of our movement,” MCU President/CEO Gerry Singleton aid in a statement. “Each of them, in their own way, is helping ignite the future of credit unions — by leading with purpose, investing in people, and making a real difference in the communities they serve.”
