2025 Award Winner
Dr. Rick Will
Board Chair
USF Credit Union
Tampa, FL
Dr. Rick Will has been a driving force behind the strength, cohesion, and forward momentum of USF Credit Union’s board and mission. His leadership, insight, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on the credit union, its members, and the broader credit union movement.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Will has championed board engagement, fostering a culture of open dialogue, accountability, and continuous learning. He models active participation by remaining consistently informed and prepared, ensuring every board member feels valued, heard, and empowered.
A strategic leader, he has led the board in hosting its own annual volunteer strategic planning session—an innovative, board-led initiative that strengthens alignment, sharpens governance, and ensures directors are shaping the credit union’s future with purpose and clarity.
Dr. Will is visible, accessible, and involved—regularly engaging at credit union events, from GAC to community outreach, member appreciation, and professional conferences. His active participation exemplifies his belief that directors should be present, connect meaningfully, and represent the credit union’s core values.
Beyond governance, Dr. Will advocates for industry advancement. He champions the cooperative philosophy of “people helping people,” actively supporting non-profit partnerships and mentoring the next generation of credit union leaders. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom to strengthen community ties and foster impactful collaboration.
Dr. Will’s impact is widely acknowledged. Over the past three years, he has received numerous commendations for his leadership and service—highlighting his unwavering commitment to community, education, and the credit union movement.
Previous Winners
Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Cobalt Credit Union
Papillion, Nebraska
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CCheck out this Article on CU Management about Julia's accomplishments, and her Award Video.
Scott Burt
Board Chair
Mountain America Credit Union
Sandy, Utah
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Scott's accomplishments, and his Award Video.
John Sackett
Board Member
Royal Credit Union
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
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Check out this Article on CU Management about John's accomplishments!
Joan Nelson
Board Chair
Coastal Credit Union
Raleigh, North Carolina
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Joan's accomplishments!
Linda Medina
Board Chair
Guadalupe Credit Union
Santa Fe, NM
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Linda's accomplishments!
James Sackett
Director
Firefly Credit Union
Burnsville, MN
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Jame's accomplishments!
J. Marvin Hawk, CCD
Board Chair
Fort Knox Federal Credit Union
Radcliff, KY
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Check out this Article on CU Management about J. Marvin's accomplishments!
Peter Hanelt, CPA
Board Chair
Patelco Credit Union
Pleasanton, CA
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Peter's accomplishments!
Frank Branca
Board Chair Director
Digital Federal Credit Union
Marlborough, MA
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Frank's accomplishments!
Howard Williams, CCD
Former Director
Fort Knox Federal Credit Union
Radcliff, KY
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Howard's accomplishments!
Ron Seaman
Board Chairman
SAFE Credit Union
North Highlands, CA
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Ron's accomplishments!
Martin D. Gillis, CCD
Chairman/Board
Windsor Family Credit Union
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Martin's accomplishments!