Executive of the Year: Lessons & Legacies
By Inanna Carter, Communications & Media Specialist, CrossState Credit Union Association
It’s one thing to carry out the duties of a leader, but it’s another to do so while staying true to the credit union movement and community. CrossState Credit Union Association’s William W. Pratt Executive of the Year Award, dedicated to a man whose credit union career spanned over three decades, recognizes an exceptional professional who lives and leads by the “people helping people” philosophy.
This year’s recipient was Robert Flanyak, retired President and CEO of CHROME Federal Credit Union. Flanyak’s journey to his executive role was a long one, but some might say he was born to do it. “While my name is on this award, I didn’t get here alone,” said Flanyak. “It started with my first mentor: my dad.”
In the Beginning
At a young age, Flanyak was exposed to the power of credit unions when his father, Robert Flanyak Sr., served on a local credit union board for 29 years. After Flanyak Sr.’s retirement from the board, he rejoined the credit union industry as the CEO of Auto Workers Federal Credit Union and, later, Sun East Federal Credit Union.
“When my dad became CEO, he hired Mike Kaczenski, who stood on this very stage and accepted this award in 2022,” noted Flanyak during Awards Night at CrossState Connect Annual Convention in May. “Seeing the ‘people first’ philosophy passed from my dad to Mike back to this stage is a reminder that our work is not in spreadsheets but the leaders we help to build.”
1981–1999: Account VP/Sales Manager, CUNA Mutual Group
A key lesson Flanyak took from his father was driving organizational success through people, and that foundation was solidified during his 17 years at CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage). He spent a decade in Vermont serving as a financial pioneer and helping 74 credit unions across the region protect and prepare for the future. Following his promotion in the 90s, his journey continued in New Jersey, where he worked with some of the largest credit unions to improve cross sales and lending processes—including United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union.
1999–2008: VP, Retail Delivery, United Teletech Financial FCU
In 1999, Flanyak was hired away from CUNA Mutual Group to join United Teletech Financial. During his career there, he implemented a needs-based sales program, focusing on building performing loans with credit-challenged members, managing rebranded initiatives and targeted offerings, and integrating brand into community. Most importantly, he grew to understand the importance of incorporating values into the how of serving members and staff at a fundamental level.
2008–2012: VP, Member Service, Andrews FCU
Always trying to get back home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Flanyak eventually went from New Jersey to Maryland to work at Andrews Federal Credit Union. He managed retail delivery activities for the 98,000-member credit union and oversaw a division of 105 associates that delivered product sales using a needs-based approach. Under his eye, growth exceeded in the areas of net membership, loan balance, checking account sales, and service scores.
2012–2015: VP, Retail Banking, Apollo Trust Company
For a brief time, Flanyak took a job at a small community bank in the Pittsburgh area, working in retail sales and operations as well as marketing and community relations. While there, he recognized the difference between banks and credit unions, the biggest one being community. After having so many community-focused ideas that didn’t align with this job’s profit priority, Flanyak finally made his way to CHROME.
2015–2026: Various, CHROME FCU
The last decade of Flanyak’s career was spent at CHROME, where he held multiple leadership positions. After just two years, he was promoted to President and CEO, where he forged an enduring legacy by implementing a people-first leadership and emotional intelligence strategy—and that started with his staff.
On an employee’s first day, Flanyak personally dedicated the initial five hours of onboarding to educate them on the credit union difference, CHROME’s distinct identity, and the importance of service from every position. This ensured they not only understood the mission but also shared it, guaranteeing its impact for generations to come.
Aside from his dedication to investing in his people, he strove for better financial education. Through CHROME’s local school district partnerships, Flanyak planned eight Financial
Reality Fairs—an interactive, hands-on financial activity— which reached over 1,500 students in two years. He also pioneered the opening of a student-run CHROME branch in a local high school while committing to hiring 10 student employees to provide them with essential, hands-on job training.
May 2026: Retired
This past spring, Flanyak retired from his credit union work, leaving behind a legacy he’s proud of and a future he believes in. “We should never take for granted the importance of our industry,” he said in his acceptance speech. “We are changing lives and supporting the communities we call home in ways that for-profit banks never will be able to. Hearing from young professionals tonight, I’m certain that the future of our industry is bright.”
Originally published in the 2026 special edition of CU Edge
Nominate an Executive of the Year
Learn more about the Lifetime Achievement Awards and submit a nomination for someone who’s made an impact! Submissions close December 11.