Distinguished Director Award Winners

2026 Award Winner

Ken Ampy

Director (Immediate Past Board Chair)
Virginia Credit Union

Richmond, VA

Ken Ampy has served on the Board of Directors for Virginia Credit Union (VACU) for 10 years, including four as Board Chair, demonstrating visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the cooperative movement. A defining highlight of his chairmanship was guiding the credit union through its landmark merger with Member One Federal Credit Union, creating a $7 billion-plus organization serving nearly 500,000 members. Under his strategic guidance, VACU achieved remarkable financial performance—generating $56.5 million in net income in its first full year post-merger—while remaining steadfastly focused on member value, governance excellence, and long-term sustainability. 

Ampy has consistently championed initiatives that expand access to affordable financial services and build community wealth. He spearheaded a multi-year effort to open and relocate branches in historically under-resourced Richmond neighborhoods and championed affordable housing programs, including down payment assistance and community land trust partnerships. Under his leadership, VACU commits more than $1.3 million annually to financial education, reaching more than 337,000 youth and adults, establishing campus Financial Success Centers at Radford University and VCU, and earning the 2026 Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award. 

A firm believer in workplace excellence and continuous learning, Ampy has applied insights from CUES governance programs to inform board strategy, helping VACU earn the prestigious Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for four consecutive years. Outside the boardroom, he co-founded Astyra Corporation, an award-winning staffing and workforce solutions firm that has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list seven times. His business acumen and passion for mentorship make him a frequent speaker at university programs and young professional networks. 

Guided by his personal motto, "If you want to effect change, you have to be involved," Ampy’s civic and industry influence includes seven gubernatorial appointments under five Virginia governors and eight years on the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, where he served as Board Chair. He serves as Vice Chair and Treasurer for ChamberRVA and actively shares governance insights across the industry, including service on the ALM First Board of Directors Advisory Board. A CUES member since 2016, Ampy's extraordinary legacy of advocacy, engagement, and servant leadership exemplifies the highest ideals of credit union governance.