William W. Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Lynn Stephenson
CrossState Credit Union Association has awarded Lynn Stephenson, President & CEO of West-Aircomm Federal Credit Union, with the William W. Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025 Credit Union Executive of the Year. Stephenson was presented the award during CrossState’s Annual Convention, Connect, Awards Night held at the Wind Creek Hotel in Bethlehem, PA, on May 21.
Click on the image to the right to view Stephenson’s award night presentation, honoring her years of service and dedication.
The William W. Pratt Executive of the Year Award recognizes outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement and its guiding philosophy of “People Helping People.”
With more than 40 years of service, all at West-Aircomm, Stephenson’s rise from a part-time loan clerk to the role of CEO is a testament to her resilience, vision, and deep belief in cooperative principles. Under her leadership, West-Aircomm’s assets grew from $215 million in 2017 to over $360 million at her retirement earlier this year. She championed community partnerships, expanded member services, and oversaw the opening of the credit union’s fourth branch—all while maintaining a sharp focus on financial stewardship and member impact.
“I am honored to be named the 2025 William W Pratt Executive of the Year,” said Stephenson. “During my many years at West-Aircomm, I’ve been proud to be associated with many of the previous winners and nominees for this award. I worked closely with several of them and admired all of them for their dedication, knowledge, and the time they shared promoting credit unions. To be added to the list of these executives is truly special.”
Throughout her tenure, Stephenson was active in the broader credit union ecosystem, serving on the boards of Keystone Lending Alliance, United Way of Beaver County, and Member Business Financial Services. Her leadership and mentorship have inspired countless credit union professionals across the region.
“Lynn demonstrated the ability to inspire the employees at West-AirComm and she brought out the best in her team,” said Phil Pietrandrea, Chairman of West-AirComm’s Board of Directors. “Lynn’s leadership not only steered the organization toward success but also cultivated an environment where innovation and collaboration flourished. Her dedication to the credit union made a positive impact in which she will be remembered for years to come.”
“Lynn’s career is a model of steady, principled leadership,” said Patrick Conway, CEO & President of CrossState Credit Union Association. “Her unwavering focus on service—both to her members and her community—reflects the very best of what it means to be a credit union executive. It’s an honor to recognize her contributions with this lifetime achievement award.”
“Lynn has devoted her entire 44-year career to West-Aircomm, including the past eight years as the CEO, said Raymond Brunner, West-Aircomm Board Treasurer and former CEO. “I congratulate her on this award and hope she enjoys the new phase of her life after her recent retirement—she’s earned it!”
The William W. Pratt Award honors the legacy of a former Association Executive Director whose 30-year tenure helped double the number of credit unions across Pennsylvania—from 550 in 1942 to nearly 1,300 by his retirement in 1965.