PALM DESERT, Calif.–Numerous individuals and credit unions were recognized for their work and accomplishments during the Credit Union Awards dinner at REACH 2025, which is put on by the state leagues in California, Nevada, and Utah.
The ceremony honored 24 distinguished leaders, volunteers, and organizations for their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the “people helping people” philosophy, underscoring that human leadership remains the core strength of the movement even as technology takes center stage, the league said.
The Winners
The winners include:
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, Gary Perez, CEO of USC Credit Union
“A leader known for his commitment to financial access and social impact, Perez was celebrated for over 35 years of service that has profoundly shaped the credit union movement, particularly within the greater Los Angeles area. His tenure highlighted successful strategies for engaging underserved communities, including USC Credit Union’s recognition as a Juntos Avanzamos-designated institution.”
California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions President Scott Simpson presented the awards.
“If you’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing Gary or spent even a few minutes talking with him, you’ve likely felt the energy, the sincerity, and the deep and abiding passion he brings to everything he does,” said Scott Simpson, president of California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions.
Definition of ‘Credit Unionist’
He noted that Perez is the very definition of a “credit unionist,” a tireless advocate and leader, and a true believer in the mission of “people helping people.” For over 35 years, Perez has served as the CEO of USC Credit Union, guiding it with vision and purpose. Under his leadership, the credit union has grown to over $700 million in assets and now serves nearly 80,000 members, a testament to Perez’s ability to lead with both strategy and soul.
“Gary has been an icon not just within his credit union, but across the entire industry, and has served on numerous boards, including the African American Credit Union Coalition and Inclusiv, and on several committees at the league,” Simpson said. “We admire him for always stepping up, offering his time and wisdom to others. Gary has been a friend, a mentor, and a champion for so many in this room, and I am proud to present Gary with this year’s Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Additional Winners
Other award winners included:
- Distinguished Service Award: Jennifer Oliver, CEO of Rize Credit Union.
- Social Impact Award (Individual): Doron Noyman, VP of Business Development and Community Relations, KeyPoint Credit Union.
- Social Impact Award (Organization): Patelco Credit Union, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, and Chaffey Federal Credit Union.
- Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award: Gary Burton, Board Chair of Orange County’s Credit Union; and Mitch Fox, Board Chair of Silver State Schools Credit Union.
- Tomorrow’s Star Award: Steward Pimienta, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Travis Credit Union; and Tyler Sanger-Boyett, Card and Fraud Manager, Bay Federal Credit Union
2024 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award
- Individual: Jake Harbour, CEO of Santa Barbara County Federal Credit Union
- Organization: Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union.
2025 Network Awards of Excellence
- Individual (Sacramento Valley Network): Lindsey Shores, Business Development Manager, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
- Network: Orange County Network.
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, Senior VP of Community and Government Relations, 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.
