You walk into a luncheon expecting chicken, a few speeches, and maybe a decent dessert. Instead, a state official hands you one of Indiana’s top civic honors, then a signed copy of the Congressional Record with your name in it. That was John McKenzie’s Oct. 2, and it wasn’t even over yet.
A Distinguished Hoosier
McKenzie, CEO of the Indiana Credit Union League, was named a Distinguished Hoosier by Gov. Mike Braun. Chris Dietz, Deputy Director of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, presented the award at the League’s Advocacy Luncheon. More than 200 credit union representatives from across the state were in the room.
The honor goes to people who have made significant contributions to their communities and earned the respect and appreciation of fellow Hoosiers. It ranks among the highest an Indiana citizen can receive.
Entered Into the Congressional Record
On Sept. 29, U.S. Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) entered a “Tribute to John McKenzie” into the Congressional Record. It spotlighted initiatives McKenzie has championed for Indiana’s credit unions, their leaders and employees, and the state’s 2.8 million credit union members. Among them:
- A card services program
- A self-insured association health plan for credit union employees, which, along with the card program, has saved participants millions of dollars
- A shared branching system
- Multiple advocacy wins on behalf of credit unions
Dietz gave McKenzie a signed, printed copy of the Record at the luncheon. He credited McKenzie with 40 years of legacy-building work that will keep benefiting credit unions and their members for generations.
Hall of Fame, Same Day
That evening, McKenzie was inducted into the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame. He joined the League in 1986 to oversee its Servicecorp division. Since then, he has led efforts that strengthened the state’s credit union movement, broadened the League’s advocacy and service capabilities, and helped build its financial strength.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity for a career supporting credit unions and helping the Indiana League become more successful,” McKenzie said. “It’s been a blessing to work with and be surrounded by such wonderful people throughout my career.”
What Comes Next
McKenzie plans to retire at the end of 2026. League President Chris Beaumont will succeed him as President/CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027. Over the coming year, watch for how the League handles the handoff, and whether the programs McKenzie built, from shared branching to the employee health plan, keep growing under new leadership.