2025 Hall of Fame
Charles E. (Chuck) Fagan III
President/CEO
Velera
St. Petersburg, FL
As president and CEO of Velera, Chuck has demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding the organization through transformative advancements in digital payments, technology, and member engagement. His visionary approach has consistently positioned credit unions for long-term success, fostering sustainability and operational excellence.
During his tenure as CUES CEO, he advanced leadership development and collaboration across the industry, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen credit union executives today.
Chuck's dedication extends beyond his organization. Throughout his career, he has championed industry-wide talent development. His advocacy work, including serving on advisory boards and speaking at industry events, underscores his passion for empowering others and shaping the future of financial services.
A respected community leader, Chuck’s impact is also evident in his philanthropy and regional influence. He was honored with the 2025 Corporate Hero Award from the PenFed Foundation and recognized on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 list. His involvement in local initiatives and nonprofit work exemplifies his commitment to service and community building.
Previous Winners
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Barry Nelson, CCE
Retired CEO
Travis Credit Union
Vacaville, California
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Erin Mendez, CCE
President/CEO
Patelco Credit Union
Pleasanton, California
—
Sterling Nielsen, CPA
President/CEO
Mountain America CU
Sandy, Utah
—
Paul Kelly
Retired CEO
connectFirst Credit Union
Calgary, Alberta
—
Ed Bergen, CCD, CCE
President/CEO
Sunova Credit Union Limited
Selkirk, Manitoba
Tyrone Muse
President/CEO
Vision Federal Credit Union
Endicott, New York
Kit Snyder, CCE
President/CEO
Consumers CU
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Stewart Ramsey, CCD, CIE, CCE
Retired President/CEO
Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Pensacola, Florida
Check out his Award Video!
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Maurice Smith
President/CEO
Local Government Federal Credit Union
Civic Federal Credit Union
Raleigh, North Carolina
Check out his Award Video!
Joe Hearn, CCE
President/CEO
Dupaco Community Credit Union
Dubuque, IA
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Stephanie Sherrod, CCE
President/CEO
TDECU
Lake Jackson, TX
—
Greg Smith
Retired President/CEO
PSECU
Harrisburg, PA
—
Kim Sponem
President/CEO
Summit Credit Union
Madison, WI
—
Al Suraci, CCE
Retired CEO
Northern Credit Union
Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario
—
Marty Komsa
Retired President/CEO
Windsor Family Credit Union
Windsor, Ontario
—
Eileen Rivera
Retired President/CEO
Skyone Federal Credit Union
Hawthorne, CA
—
Cathie Tierney, CCUE
Retired President/CEO
Community First Credit Union
Appleton, WI
—
Douglas A. Fecher, CCE
President/CEO
Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc.
Fairborn, OH
—
Michael G. Valentine
President/CEO
BCU
Vernon Hills, IL
—
Sally A. Dischler, CCUE, CCE
President/CEO
Heartland Credit Union
Madison, WI
—
Joseph A. Melbourne, Jr.
President/CEO
CFE Federal Credit Union
Lake Mary, FL
—
William A. Raker, CCE
President/CEO
Firefly Credit Union
Burnsville, MN
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