CUES Hall of Fame Inductees

2023 Award Winners

Jan Roche

Jan Roche

CEO (Retired)
State Department Federal Credit Union

Alexandria, Virginia

Jan Roche's professional journey commenced with earning a CPA designation in 1984, paving the way for a remarkable 40-year career in auditing, accounting, and credit union leadership. During her tenure, she achieved impressive growth at SDFCU, elevating its assets from $700 million to a substantial $2.8 billion, a feat made possible through her leadership and the support of the Board of Directors. Jan's dedication to the credit union industry was evident through her service on the Filene Research Institute's Administrative Board from 2008 to 2019. Her transformative contributions and expertise in the field were recognized when she received the prestigious "Top Woman to Watch" award from Credit Union Times, further cementing her as a standout figure in the credit union community.

Robert Trunzo

Robert N. Trunzo

President Emeritus
TruStage

Madison, WI

Robert N. Trunzo, as the influential CEO of TruStage, has left an indelible mark with his impact on TruStage employees, the communities they serve, the U.S. credit union system, and the global credit union movement. His inclusive leadership is exemplified by the addition of "Inclusion" to TruStage's core values, reinforcing his commitment to diversity and equity. Under his guidance, TruStage has made substantial financial investments, allocating $30 million annually to support vital initiatives within the credit union system. Moreover, Robert Trunzo embodies the cooperative principles that define credit unions, while also championing their cause at state and federal levels, particularly when their tax status is under threat, highlighting the benefits these institutions provide to their members.

Tony Budet Tony Budet

CEO (Retired)
University Federal Credit Union

Austin, Texas

Tony Budet, a dedicated 38-year veteran at UFCU, with 23 of those years spent as President and CEO, has left an enduring mark on the credit union and beyond. His influential leadership, grounded in the philosophy that "relationships are all there is," fostered significant credit union growth and granted him substantial influence in local business and legislative circles. Beyond UFCU, he took on the pivotal role of chairman at the Credit Union National Association, overseeing the merger negotiations in 2022-23 with NAFCU. In his personal life, Tony is an active member of the Austin Ridge Bible Church and finds immense joy in his family, blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law, and three beloved grandchildren.

 

Bill Kiss

Jeff Shewfelf

Bill Kiss

Co-CEO
Gulf & Fraser

Burnaby, British Columbia

Jeff Shewfelt

Co-CEO
Gulf & Fraser

Burnaby, British Columbia


Bill Kiss and Jeff Shewfelt, exemplifying a unique and successful Co-CEO collaboration since 2011, harness their 30 years of collaborative experience to bolster their collective effectiveness. Their contributions extend beyond their organization as Bill's notable nine-year service on the board of directors of Central 1 has played a pivotal role in influencing key initiatives that benefit credit union employees and members alike. On the other hand, Jeff champions cooperation among cooperatives and chairs industry initiatives to enhance the welfare of all credit unions. His commitment to community values and philanthropy is evident through his role as Trustee Emeritus of the Credit Union Foundation of British Columbia, where he passionately supports students in need of financial assistance, reinforcing their outstanding contributions to the credit union movement. 

 

Barry


Barry Nelson, CCE

Retired CEO
Travis Credit Union

Vacaville, California

 

 

Erin Mendez


Erin Mendez, CCE

President/CEO
Patelco Credit Union

Pleasanton, California

 

 

 

Sterling Nielson


Sterling Nielsen, CPA

President/CEO
Mountain America CU

Sandy, Utah 

 

 

Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly

Retired CEO
connectFirst Credit Union

Calgary, Alberta

 

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Ed Bergen
Ed Bergen, CCD, CCE

President/CEO
Sunova Credit Union Limited
Selkirk, Manitoba

 

 

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Tyrone Muse
Tyrone Muse

President/CEO
Vision Federal Credit Union
Endicott, New York

 

 

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Kit Snyder
Kit Snyder, CCE

President/CEO
Consumers CU
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Stu Ramsey
Stewart Ramsey, CCD, CIE, CCE

Retired President/CEO
Pen Air Federal Credit Union

Pensacola, Florida

Check out his Award Video!

 

 

Maurice SmithMaurice Smith

President/CEO
Local Government Federal Credit Union
Civic Federal Credit Union

Raleigh, North Carolina

Check out his Award Video!

2019 Hall of Fame Inductee Joe HearnJoe Hearn, CCE

President/CEO
Dupaco Community Credit Union

Dubuque, IA

 

 

2019 Hall of Fame Award Inductee Steph SherroddStephanie Sherrod, CCE

President/CEO
TDECU

Lake Jackson, TX

 

 

2019 Hall of Fame Inductee Greg SmithGreg Smith

Retired President/CEO
PSECU

Harrisburg, PA

 

 

2019 Hall of Fame Inductee Kim SponemKim Sponem

President/CEO
Summit Credit Union

Madison, WI

 

 

2019 Hall of Fame Award Inductee Al SuraciAl Suraci, CCE

Retired CEO
Northern Credit Union

Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario

2018 Hall of Fame Inductee Marty Komsa

Marty Komsa

Retired President/CEO
Windsor Family Credit Union

Windsor, Ontario

 

 

 

2018 Hall of Fame Award Winner Elieen Rivera

Eileen Rivera

Retired President/CEO
Skyone Federal Credit Union

Hawthorne, CA

 

 

2018 Hall of Fame Award Winner Cathie Tierney

Cathie Tierney, CCUE

Retired President/CEO
Community First Credit Union

Appleton, WI

2017 Hall of Fame Inductee Douglas Fecher

Douglas A. Fecher, CCE

President/CEO
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc.

Fairborn, OH

 

 

 

2017 Hall of Fame Award Winner Mike Valentine

Michael G. Valentine

President/CEO
BCU

Vernon Hills, IL

 

2016 Hall of Fame Inductee Sally DischlerSally A. Dischler, CCUE, CCE

President/CEO
Heartland Credit Union

Madison, WI

 

 

2016 Hall of Fame Inductee Joseph Melbourne

Joseph A. Melbourne, Jr.

President/CEO
CFE Federal Credit Union

Lake Mary, FL

 

 

2016 Hall of Fame Inductee William Raker

William A. Raker, CCE

President/CEO
Firefly Credit Union

Burnsville, MN