2025 Award Winner
Joe Hearn, CCE
CEO
Dupaco Community Credit Union
Dubuque, Iowa
Joe Hearn’s visionary leadership has transformed Dupaco Community Credit Union into a dynamic, innovative, and community-centered organization.
Since 2012, membership has grown from 68,000 to over 173,000, with assets tripling to more than $3.5 billion.
Joe champions employee development and creates a culture of continuous learning, with Dupaco staff completing over 20,000 training hours in 2024. His support for partnerships with Dale Carnegie and community colleges enriches expertise and engagement. The annual Dupaco Connect Conference offers a day of learning and engagement for all employees, exemplifying his commitment to inspiring his team.
Under Joe’s leadership, Dupaco launched award-winning initiatives like the Learning Lab branch concept, where branches focus on financial education. These branches also test emerging technologies and member-centric branch designs.
Recognized as a Top Workplace Outstanding Leader, Joe’s authentic, empathetic style inspires loyalty and support throughout the organization and community. His strategic vision and dedication have made a lasting difference for employees, members, and the community.
Previous Winners
April Clobes
President/CEO
MSU Federal Credit Union
East Lansing, Michigan
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Check out this Article on CU Management about April's accomplishments, and her Award Video.
Carla Cicero
President/CEO
Numerica Credit Union
Spokane Valley, Washington
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Carla's accomplishments, and her Award Video.
Linda Hoover, CCE
President/CEO
Educators Credit Union
Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Linda's accomplishments, and her Award Video.
Thomas Ryan, CCE
President/CEO
Langley Federal Credit Union
Newport News, Virginia
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Tom's accomplishments!
Garth Warner, CCD
President/CEO
Servus Credit Union
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Garth's accomplishments, and his Award Video!
Sterling Nielsen
President/CEO
Mountain America Credit Union
Sandy, UT
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Check out this Article in CU Management about Sterling's accomplishments!
Joseph H. Newberry
President/CEO
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Huntsville, AL
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Joseph's accomplishments!
Charles M Purvis, CCE, CLE, CUDE
President/CEO
Coastal Federal Credit Union
Raleigh, N.C.
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Chuck's accomplishments!
David O Brock, CIE, CCE, CCUE
Chief Executive Officer
Community Credit Union
Rockledge, FL
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Check out this Article on CU Management about David's accomplishments!
Gerry Agnes, CPA, CIE
President/CEO
Elevations CU
Boulder, CO
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Gerry's accomplishments!
Tony Budet, CCUE
President/CEO
University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)
Austin, TX
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Check out this Article on CU Management about Tony's accomplishments!
Ken Oram, CSE, CCE
President/CEO
Idaho Central Credit Union
Chubbuck, ID
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Check out this Article in CU Management about Ken's accomplishments!
Bert J. Hash Jr.
Retired President/CEO
Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU)
Baltimore, MD
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Check out this Article in CU Management about Bert's accomplishments!