To celebrate CU Times' 25th anniversary, we asked readers which leaders have influenced the credit union industry most since 1990.
Based on our readers' picks, we compiled a list of 64. Now it's time to vote. There's no login required, just select "Vote Now." Today is the last day to vote on all 16 match-ups to ensure your picks make it to the next round before the clock runs out at 11:59pm ET. Round three begins on Sunday.
The following match-ups are in a dead heat:
Sarah Canepa Bang, president/chief strategy officer, CO-OP Shared Branching (2012- present) and former FSCC CEO (1999-2012) greatly expanded branch access to consumers and continues to promote technological innovation in the industry.
Dick Ensweiler is president/CEO of the Cornerstone Credit Union League and has also led the Minnesota and Illinois leagues. He created Juntos Avanzamos Hispanic Outreach program, Midstates Corporate FCU, Plan America, and state foundations and political action committees in two leagues.
Chip Filson, former NCUA executive and co-founder of consultancy firm Callahan & Associates, influenced the NCUSIF, CLF, credit union balance sheets and strategy.
Gary Oakland is the retired president/CEO of BECU (1980-2012), the nation's fourth-largest credit union. He promoted the use of technology in member service, served as a leadership role model and championed assistance to low-income credit unions and supplemental capital.
Susan Frank, president/CEO of Desert Schools FCU since 1999, became the first female CEO of a credit union with more than $1 billion in assets.
Judy McCartney, retired president/CEO Orange County's CU, grew the credit union from $66 million to $600 million. Active in advocacy, she created the first credit union chief political officer position.
Harriet May, former president/CEO of GECU (1978-2011) and former CUNA chair, earned a reputation as a tireless crusader for financial education and counseling for housing, credit and foreclosure prevention.
Jim Blaine, president/CEO of North Carolina's SECU, has remained true to pure credit union philosophy while growing his credit union to the second largest in the country. He continues to influence the industry as a blogger.
John Tippets was president/CEO of American Airlines FCU and came out of retirement to serve as interim president/CEO of North Island CU.
Stan Hollen, CO-OP Financial Services CEO and former CEO of Liberty Enterprises, greatly influenced credit union products and services and increased access for members.
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