MADISON, WI – October 8, 2024 – CUES is proud to unveil this year’s roster of CUES Award winners, celebrating one exceptional credit union and a select group of visionary industry leaders. Each year, these prestigious awards applaud the industry’s highest achievers, inspiring future leaders to shape the future of the credit union movement.
The following honorees distinguished themselves in five distinct categories, exemplifying excellence and embodying the highest standards of the credit union movement.
John Pembroke Catalyst for Change - Unitus Community Credit Union, Tigard, OR
The John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award celebrates advancements in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space—specifically the efforts of credit unions to bring forth positive change within the industry, their workplace, and/or their community. This year’s recipient, Unitus, demonstrated its deep commitment to fostering DEI across all facets of their operations, including a comprehensive DEI Action Plan that embeds DEI principles into the credit union’s strategic planning.
Outstanding Chief Executive Award—April Clobes, President and CEO, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), East Lansing, MI
April Clobes was honored with the CUES Outstanding Chief Executive Award, celebrating exceptional leaders at the CEO level. Clobes is being recognized for promoting lifelong learning among her team and furthering the industry through thought leadership.
Exceptional Leader Award—Damita Robinson, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Suitland, MD
The CUES Exceptional Leader Award recognizes executive officers not yet at the C-level. The 2024 Award goes to Damita Robinson, who throughout her Andrews Federal career has proactively sought to enhance the lives of the credit union’s employees. Robinson has also shown a remarkable ability to navigate challenges and deliver results, even in challenging times.
Distinguished Director Award—Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Cobalt Credit Union, Papillion, NE
The 2024 CUES Distinguished Director Award goes to a board or committee member whose achievements have strengthened their credit union. During 15 years of service on the Cobalt Credit Union board, Cronin-Gilmore has played a crucial role in the institution’s exponential growth, taking assets from $400 million to over $1.2 billion.
CUES Hall of Fame Award—Kelly Marshall, CCD, ACCD, CCD, President/CEO, Summerland Credit Union, Summerland, BC, Canada, and Director/Immediate Past CUES Board Chair
CUES Hall of Fame inductees are recognized for their contributions to their profession and industry, involvement in community service, and contributions to CUES. Kelly Marshall’s visionary leadership exceeds these high standards. Among his notable achievements are serving as CUES board chair for over 8 years, where he skillfully guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of president/CEO John Pembroke in 2022.
This year marks the first time CUES will host private celebrations taking place at each award winner’s individual credit union. This new format offers honorees an opportunity to celebrate among their colleagues and within their own communities.
Visit cues.org/awards-recognition to learn more. Discover more about CUES at cues.org.
About CUES
For over 60 years, CUES has advanced the credit union movement by developing exceptional purpose-driven leaders who meet the unique needs of their organizations and the communities they serve. CUES partners with credit unions to elevate the leaders of today and tomorrow through exclusive networking and event opportunities, programs that facilitate personal and professional development, and unmatched digital and in-person learning experiences. Visit CUES.org to learn how CUES plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of credit unions.