Celebrating Leadership, Service, And Impact: CUES Announces 2026 Award Recipients And Hall Of Fame Inductee
By CU Today Staff —
MADISON, Wis.—CUES has named its 2026 award recipients, recognizing three credit union leaders and organizations for executive leadership, governance, diversity and inclusion, and lifetime contributions to the credit union movement.
University of Illinois Community Credit Union CEO Chris Harlan was named CUES Outstanding Chief Executive, while Kenneth Ampy, immediate past chairman of Virginia Credit Union, received the CUES Distinguished Director Award. LAFCU received the John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award, and retired Elevations Credit Union CEO Gerry Agnes was selected for induction into the CUES Hall of Fame.
Following are the 2026 award recipients, along with CUES’ commentary on each honoree:
CUES Outstanding Chief Executive: Chris Harlan, CEO, University of Illinois Community Credit Union
This award recognizes leaders at the CEO level who display professional achievement, support employee motivation, and are dedicated to their community. From 2019 to 2026, Harlan helped University of Illinois Community Credit Union double its assets and grow its membership by more than 35%. His focus on empowering employees helped the credit union earn the Top 25 Best Credit Unions to Work For in America designation for five consecutive years. Harlan also established a partnership program with organizations in the community to bring financial education to employees and families.
CUES Distinguished Director: Kenneth Ampy, CCD, Immediate Past Chairman, Virginia Credit Union
The CUES Distinguished Director Award honors a volunteer whose achievements have strengthened their credit union. Ampy provided steady, strategic leadership through periods of significant change, including the challenges following the pandemic and Virginia Credit Union’s recent merger process. Known for sound judgment, integrity, and a collaborative approach, Ampy helped the board remain focused on members, employees, and long-term organizational strength. A graduate of CUES Strategic Growth Institute and CUES Governance Leadership Institute, Ampy has also demonstrated a sustained commitment to learning and effective governance.
John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award: LAFCU
The John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award recognizes credit unions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful, lasting ways. LAFCU has built an inclusive culture grounded in empathy, action, and accountability. Under the leadership of Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, DEI has become an organizational priority reflected in day-to-day interactions, a representative employee committee, thoughtful learning experiences, and multicultural celebrations that have grown from an internal initiative into a community event.
CUES Hall of Fame Inductee: Gerry Agnes, Retired CEO of Elevations Credit Union
The CUES Hall of Fame honors lifetime achievement and significant contributions to the credit union movement, including service to one’s organization and industry, community involvement, continuing education, and contributions to CUES. Agnes reflects that standard through a sustained commitment to learning, leadership, and service. Before retiring in February 2026, Agnes served as CEO of Elevations Credit Union for 17 years and was a CUES member for 25 years. His CUES involvement included eight years on the CUES Arizona/Southern California Council Board and six years on the CUES Board.
“These honorees exemplify the leadership, courage, and commitment that move the credit union industry forward,” said Brian Cacic, CUES VP/member experience. “From delivering meaningful growth and strong governance to creating cultures of belonging and modeling a lifetime of service, their impact reaches far beyond their own organizations. CUES is proud to celebrate their achievements and the example they have set for leaders across the movement.”
The CUES Distinguished Director Award and John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award will be presented at CUES Directors Conference, Dec. 6-9, 2026, San Antonio. The CUES Outstanding Chief Executive Award and CUES Hall of Fame induction will be honored at CUES Symposium, Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2027, in Marco Island, Florida, during a newly added Awards & Recognition Luncheon presented by Visa. Learn more about CUES Awards at cues.org/Awards. Learn more about CUES at cues.org.
Originally reported by CU Today.