/LSCU_announces_recipients_of_the_2012_LSCU_Awards

LSCU announces recipients of the 2012 LSCU Awards

The LSCU is proud to recognize these professionals, volunteers, and credit unions that have made outstanding contributions to the development and growth of the credit union movement in Alabama and Florida. Congratulations to the following recipients of the LSCU's prestigious awards: Distinguished Service Award: James G. “Jimmy” Lankford/Alabama CU James G. Lankford served as president of Alabama CU for 36 years, during which it grew from 300 members and $101,000 in assets to 14,114 members and $87 million in assets. His credit union career began in 1959 as assistant manager of Tuscaloosa Credit Union. He has served on boards of ACUA and its predecessor, AL State Banking Department’s Bureau of Credit Unions and was an organizer/charter member of AL Credit Union Managers Association and was named its CEO of the Year in 1994.

He currently serves in consulting & business development role for ACU - Assists with preparation of monthly financials, maintains policy manual, written a complete history of credit union, and completes the quarterly 5300 NCUA report.

Professional of the Year: Rich Helber/Tropical Financial CU Rich Helber became president/CEO at Tropical Financial Credit Union in 2010 at which he guided the credit union from net worth ratio low of 6.83% to 8.02% in 2011. Helber served as EVP/CFO of GTE FCU for 10 years, president/CEO of Central Corporate Credit Union for nine years, and vice president of financial operations & services for U.S. Central CU for 11 years.

He was past chairman of FCUL/LSCU boards being very instrumental in the consolidation of the Alabama and Florida Leagues. Rich’s support of political action is proven in him attending the last 25 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conferences.

Volunteer of the Year: Martha Frasier/Space Coast CU 2012 marks Martha Frasier’s fifty-third year of involvement with Space Coast Credit Union. She presently serves as vice chair of the credit union’s board, on which she’s been a member of the credit union’s board for 26 years, serving as chair one year, treasurer for 11 years, and secretary several years.

Martha was the first woman CEO of Space Coast and was CEO when the CU reached $1 m in assets. She retired from credit union after 27 years of employment, 11 of which she was CEO. Brother’s Keeper: Pen Air FCU

Pen Air Federal Credit Union loaned its mobile service center (MSC) to Community Credit Union in Rainsville, AL after its branch was totally wiped out by the tornadoes that came through Alabama in April. The MSC allowed Community Credit Union to continue branch operations so members and local residents had access to funds while tornado-damaged office was repaired Pen Air also donated supplies to AL areas including 1200 bottles of water and 100 packs of baby wipes. Pen Air branches also served as drop-off points for donations and supplies.

Credit Union of the Year: - Up to $100 million in assets: Monroe County Teachers FCU Gerald P. “Jerry” Bolduc, is CEO of the $15.13 million asset-size Monroe County Teachers FCU in Key West, FL. It’s assets have grown $4.7m from 12/10 – 12/11. With a net worth of 9.10 percent and an ROA of 2.17 percent, the membership, share, loan, asset, net worth growth, and ROA have been in 99 percentile ranking to peers in 2011.

The credit union is one of only a handful of businesses awarded highest level of involvement in “Tom Sawyer 5-Star Program” for three straight years. MCTFCU’s association – Stand Up For Education (SUFE) – awarded $1,500 (six $250 contributions) to kids Coverdell Educational SAs in 2011 ($4,000 since inception in 2008).

- $100 - $500 million in assets: Alabama CU Steve Swofford is CEO of the $479 million asset-sized Alabama Credit Union located in Tuscaloosa, AL. Assets have grown $91.8m from 12/10 – 12/11; net worth is 9.1 percent; and its ROA is 1.42 percent.

Advocacy is a priority for Alabama CU. Its staff is regularly educated on the issues, participates in the payroll deduction for CULAC, and regularly takes part in League Action Alerts. The credit union involves its members in calling on Congress.

Its “Secret Meals for Students” program grew from 48 to 52 schools and 900 to over 1,000 students in 2011, raising over $140,000 for Secret Meals.

- Over $500 million: Army Aviation Center FCU Jim Mitchell is the CEO of this $1.03 billion asset-sized Army Aviation Center FCU located in Daleville, AL. It reached $1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2011, and has an ROA of .97 percent (above peer average of .73 percent). It has received a 5-star rating from Bauer Financial for more than 15 years.

It’s given an average of $8,000 to various non-profit organizations raised by employees paying to wear jeans on Fridays.

The awards will be presented during the LSCU AC&E Closing General Session on Friday June 16, 2012 in Orlando, FL.