If the credit union world had an Oscars night, this would be it.
California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions just dropped the list of this year’s award winners, and it’s a who’s-who of industry rock stars. We’re talking 23 leaders, volunteers, and organizations who’ve made serious waves in the credit union movement—people who’ve dedicated their careers to the whole “people helping people” thing that makes this industry tick.
The headliner? That’d be Nader Moghaddam, President and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union, who’s taking home the Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award. That’s basically the industry’s highest honor, named after the guy who pretty much built California’s credit union movement from the ground up.
All these winners will get their moment in the spotlight at REACH 2026, the industry’s big annual conference happening November 2-5 in Palm Desert, California. Think of it as the Super Bowl for credit union leaders, minus the halftime show.
A Legacy That’s More Than 50 Years Strong
Here’s the cool part: this peer-nominated awards program has been running for over five decades. That means credit union folks are nominating other credit union folks—the people who actually know who’s doing the real work. No mysterious selection committees or political nonsense, just genuine recognition from peers who see the day-to-day dedication these winners bring.
Meet This Year’s Winners
2026 Credit Union Awards
Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award
This is the big one—reserved for someone who’s lived and breathed credit union philosophy their entire career. This year’s recipient is Nader Moghaddam, President and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union.
Distinguished Service Award
Recognizing ongoing contributions that keep the credit union community thriving:
- Tony Boutelle, President and CEO of Origence
- Dave Gunderson, President and CEO of Credit Union of Southern California
Social Impact Award (Individual)
For the people who won’t quit until their communities are stronger and their members’ lives are better:
- Kathryn Davis, President and CEO of Valley First Credit Union
- Dr. Rocio Flores, Chief Social Impact Officer of USC Credit Union
Social Impact Award (Organization)
Same idea, but for the credit unions making community impact a full-team sport:
- California Credit Union
- Silver State Schools Credit Union
- Redwood Credit Union
J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award
Because volunteers are the unsung heroes who keep this movement moving. This year’s winner: Kenji Coleman, Board Director of Rize Credit Union.
Tomorrow’s Star Award
Shining a light on the up-and-comers (35 and under) who are already making waves:
- Argelia Cardenas, Director of Retail Branches for Patelco Credit Union
- Alberto Diosdado, Director of Administration for Universal City Studios Credit Union
2026 Advocacy Awards
Because someone’s got to fight the good fight in the policy trenches:
- Advocacy Legacy: Marvel Ford, Chief Advocacy Officer of California Credit Union
- Advocacy Legacy: Eric Day, Director of Credit Union Advocacy for Credit Union of Southern California
- California PAC Advocate of the Year: Rob Greaff, President and CEO of Delta Schools Federal Credit Union
- Nevada PAC Advocate of the Year: Scott Arkills, Retired President and CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union
- Shapiro Advocate of the Year: Jason Mertz-Prickett, President and CEO of Upward Credit Union
- Nevada Advocate of the Year: Todd Sorenson, President and CEO of Elko Federal Credit Union
- California Advocate of the Year: Stephen Owen, President and CEO for First Entertainment Credit Union
- Political Professional of the Year: Erica Taylor, Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Public Relations Officer for Golden 1 Credit Union
- Supplier of the Year: Origence
2026 Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Awards
Celebrating contributions to Shapiro Group credit unions: Alen Torosyan, President and CEO of Parishioners Federal Credit Union.
2026 Network Awards of Excellence
Honoring standout volunteerism within League Networks:
- Argelia Cardenas of Mount Diablo Network, Director of Retail Branches for Patelco Credit Union
- Orange County Network
Why This Matters
Jeremy Empol, President and CEO of California’s and Nevada’s Credit Unions, summed it up perfectly: “Each year, these awards remind us why the credit union movement continues to thrive. From our Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Nader Moghaddam to every volunteer and advocate, these honorees embody the spirit of ‘people helping people’ that defines our industry. I want to congratulate and thank them for their extraordinary contributions—and for putting their members and communities first.”
Translation? These aren’t just fancy plaques to hang on office walls. They’re recognition for the people who show up every day choosing mission over profit, members over margins, and community over convenience. In an industry that’s all about putting people first, these 23 winners are the ones actually walking the walk.