ARLINGTON, VA — The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) has named Janet M. Powell, chief of Regulation and Supervision—Credit Unions at the Oregon Department of Financial Regulation, as the winner of its prestigious 2025 Pierre Jay Award.
“With more than 33 years of service, Powell has been a steadfast leader, mentor, and innovator within the state credit union system,” NASCUS said.
It added that since joining the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation in 1992 and being appointed to lead Oregon’s credit union program in 2004, “she has helped shape one of the strongest and most progressive state charters in the nation.”
“Janet exemplifies the qualities of leadership, collaboration, and innovation that strengthen the state credit union system,” Brian Knight, president and CEO of NASCUS, said in a statement. “For more than three decades, her work has ensured that Oregon’s credit unions—and the millions of members they serve—have benefited from a safe and resilient charter. Janet’s recognition through the Pierre Jay Award underscores the vital role state regulators play in advancing a strong dual-charter system.”
List of Accomplishments
According to Knight, under Powell’s leadership:
- No Oregon state-chartered credit unions failed during her tenure, even through the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- She safeguarded credit unions from unnecessary federal conservatorship, while providing regulatory oversight and guidance that strengthened institutions in times of challenge.
- She partnered with the GoWest Credit Union Association and state leaders to modernize the Oregon Credit Union Act, expand community field of membership opportunities, preserve business lending flexibility, and enact legislation allowing unlimited public funds deposits in credit unions.
- She championed regulatory innovation, including frameworks for marijuana-related businesses, while maintaining strong consumer protection and fair examination practices.
‘Exceptional Leadership’
Several people issued statements of support.
- “As a regulator, Janet has demonstrated exceptional leadership which has made a positive and enduring impact on our community,” Amy Nelson, CEO of Point West Credit Union and NASCUS Advisory Council board vice chair said in a statement. “Her belief in collaboration and her trust in management teams was critical in helping Point West overcome challenges and thrive. Janet’s remarkable career culminates with her having never experienced a credit union failure in 33 years of service—a truly incredible accomplishment.”
- “I’m thrilled to recognize the extraordinary and tireless leadership of Janet Powell in receiving the prestigious Pierre Jay Award,” Troy Stang, president and CEO of the GoWest CU Association said in a statement “Over the course of her 33-year career at the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, Janet demonstrated unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to maintaining a vibrant and safe credit union system for Oregon’s 2.3 million credit union members. We congratulate Janet on her decades of work to protect and support people and credit unions.”
- “The combination of a progressive charter, honest and open feedback, and fair examination practices have helped Oregon become one of the strongest state-chartered networks in the U.S.,” said Steven Stapp, president and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union, in a statement. “Janet Powell’s leadership has been the catalyst for this strength. If every state had a Janet Powell, we would have a much stronger credit union system.”
‘Valued Member’
NASCUS said Powell’s reputation for transparency, collaboration, and fairness has extended far beyond Oregon, and she has been a “valued member of NASCUS, serving as both a mentor and a trusted voice for regulators nationwide.”
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Pierre Jay Award than Janet Powell. Her care for credit unions is genuine, her support unwavering, and her leadership inspiring. She is truly a role model,” said Amy Hunter, director of Credit Unions, Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, and NASCUS Regulator Board vice chair, in a statement.
