WASHINGTON. – Debbie Smith, CEO of Georgia United Credit Union and founder of the Georgia United Foundation in Duluth, Ga., was presented with the Councils’ 2025 Greg Inman Servant Leadership Award during the GAC here.
“I have witnessed Debbie’s servant leadership firsthand, and she truly exemplifies the credit union movement’s ‘people helping people’ mission,” America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Jim Nussle said in a statement. “She is generous, determined, and works hard to uplift everyone around her. Debbie’s efforts have elevated the credit union difference and given us all something to aspire to.”
Smith was recognized for her commitment to developing and helping others, strong leadership, service to the Georgia community, and efforts to advance the entire credit union system, ACU said.
‘My Cup Runneth Over’
“For me this is like going to prayer meeting on Wednesday night and getting my cup filled,” said Smith, “and my cup runneth over today. To be compared to Greg’s legacy is an honor…But I stand before you today because of the people that lifted me, that prayed for me, who believed in me, and most of all because of our Georgia United team.
“I encourage all of us to embrace our differences to become better servant leaders,” Smith added.
About the Award
The award honors and values the principles of servant leadership and was created by the Councils in 2022 to honor the legacy of Greg Inman, COO of Neighbors FCU in Baton Rouge, La., who passed away in 2021.
To receive the annual award, an individual must have a past or current connection to the credit union industry (a credit union employee or volunteer; a league, association or CUSO executive; and a recognized industry provider/ supporter). “Through their work and actions, the recipient demonstrates key servant leadership principles,” ACU said, including:
- Believing, serving and listening to others
- Helping others to learn and grow
- Building and supporting community
- Leading, by establishing goals and taking initiative
- Distributing leadership through facilitating and sharing of power
- Being authentic, open and accountable.