Forty-one years at the helm of one organization, growing it from a modest $35 million operation into a billion-dollar financial powerhouse.
That’s the career legacy of Alvin Cowans, President and CEO of McCoy Federal Credit Union, and it’s exactly why The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates just handed him their 2025 Distinguished Service Award at ENGAGE 2026.
This isn’t just a “thanks for showing up” kind of award. The Distinguished Service Award goes to people who’ve spent a lifetime shaping the credit union movement—folks whose impact ripples far beyond their own institution’s walls.
From $35 Million to $1 Billion: The Numbers Tell a Story
Cowans didn’t just keep the lights on at McCoy Federal Credit Union. Under his leadership, the organization exploded from serving a modest membership base to reaching more than 80,000 members across 15 locations. That’s the kind of growth that comes from smart strategy, not luck—including multiple field of membership expansions and strategic mergers that actually worked.
But here’s the thing: building a billion-dollar credit union is impressive on paper, but it’s what you do with that growth that matters.
A Movement Leader, Not Just a CEO
Cowans spent more than four decades making waves beyond his own credit union. He’s held leadership positions with The League and its predecessor organizations, served as a Region III Director for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, and even advised the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on behalf of community financial institutions. That’s the resume of someone who understands the bigger picture.
“I am truly thankful for this honor,” Cowans said. “My 43 years in the credit union movement have been a labor of love. I am grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of so many members and help make a difference, and I’m especially thankful to have supported others as they began their careers and built their lives. I appreciate the committee for recognizing this work while I’m still here to celebrate it.”
That last bit hits different, doesn’t it? Recognition while you’re around to enjoy it is refreshingly honest.
What Legacy Actually Looks Like
Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, put it perfectly: “Alvin’s career is a reflection of what true leadership looks like in the credit union movement. His impact goes far beyond growth and milestones. He has built something lasting through his commitment to people, his community, and the values that define our industry. This recognition honors a legacy that will continue to influence the movement for years to come.”
The League Awards exist to spotlight credit unions and professionals who embody the cooperative spirit—those who lead with service, innovation, and integrity. Cowans checks every single box, with decades of receipts to prove it.
Congratulations to Alvin Cowans on an award that’s been four decades in the making. Here’s to leaders who show up, do the work, and lift others up along the way.