DURHAM, N.C. — For his volunteer work in the credit union field, John Herrera, chairman of Latino Credit Union, recently received the Ronald J. Hutchins Credit Union Person of the Year Award.

The award is given annually to the persons who “demonstrate exceptional qualities of leadership in his/her own credit union and who display outstanding dedication to the credit union movement,” according to the credit union. Herrera received the award during the North Carolina Credit Union League's annual meeting on June 9.

“Through determination and education John has 'made it in America' and, now he gives back through his compassion and commitment to his country, his community and his credit union,” said Jim Blaine, president, State Employees' Credit Union. “Read his story, John is truly one of my favorite, new American heroes.”

Herrera's daytime job is vice president of Latino/Hispanic Affairs for the Center for Community Self-Help. Herrera is also a board member of the North Carolina MinoritySupport Center, a statewide Community Development financial Institution intermediary, which provides support to community development credit unions that provide services to minorities, primarily African Americans and Latinos. He serves an alderman in Carrboro, N.C.