Lifetime Achievement Awards
Celebrating Those Committed to the Credit Union Movement
CrossState Credit Union Association is pleased to recognize the leaders and volunteers committed to the People Helping People philosophy of the credit union movement through the Lifetime Achievement Awards, which selects one person as Credit Union Executive and one person, or a team, as Credit Union Volunteer of the Year.
Nominations for 2026 are closed.
Credit Union Executive of the Year – William W. Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award
In honor of William W. Pratt, a former Association Executive Director whose credit union career spanned over 30 years, the Credit Union Executive of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding professional involved in daily credit union operations.
The nominee must be a full-time CEO or direct management of a member credit union. The person should be in good standing in the community, understand the credit union philosophy, promote the credit union idea, and actively demonstrate loyalty to the credit union movement.
*Please note that current CrossState Board Members are ineligible.
2026 Executive of the Year: Robert Flanyak
In 2026, we are recognizing Robert Flanyak, Preisdent and CEO of CHOME Federal Credit Union, as the William W. Pratt the Executive of the Year. Flanyak’s winning nomination comes from more than 40 years of experience in the credit union space, during which he has defined a legacy by making culture the number one strategic priority. His emphasis on people has helped him lead the way in the industry for employee engagement.
The award will be presented during Awards Night at CrossState Connect Annual Convention in Atlantic City, NJ, on May 20.
Credit Union Volunteer of the Year – Calvin H. Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award
In honor of Calvin H. Jackson, an outstanding citizen and credit union volunteer for St. James A.M.E Church credit union, the Credit Union Volunteer of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a volunteer who has selflessly given time, effort, and talent to the betterment of the movement with little or no monetary compensation.
The nominee(s)* should be in good standing in the community, a person or people who understands and works to promote the credit union philosophy, and who has demonstrated loyalty to the credit union movement. Only activities conducted as a volunteer will be considered for former employees of a credit union.
*Nominate one person, or a whole team of volunteers!
2026 Volunteer of the Year: Terry Hessler
The 2026 Calvin H. Jackson Volunteer of the Year award goes to Terry Hessler, longtime volunteer with Belco Community Credit Union. From his time on the Supervisory Committee to his selection as Board Chair in 2020, Terry’s commitment to continuous learning has pushed him to not only pursue his own development but also actively encourage fellow board members to join him, creating a welcoming environment for new volunteers.
The award will be presented during Awards Night at CrossState Connect Annual Convention in Atlantic City, NJ, on May 20.