CUNA Finance Council announces recipients of the 2020 CUNA Finance Council Awards, the most prestigious industry award for credit union finance professionals.

Bill Kennedy, CFO and vice president of finance, Securityplus FCU, Frederick, MD, has been named 2020 Professional of the Year. This award recognizes an individual who consistently excels in credit union financial management and has made a significant contribution toward the success of their credit union while showing commitment to advancing the credit union movement.

Kennedy, who earned the nickname “the credit union whisperer” when he was named a Credit Union Magazine 2019 Credit Union Rockstar, has a long history of helping small credit unions turn things around and stay relevant. Over his 32-year career, he has served as CEO and CFO—simultaneously on four occasions. “When you work in credit unions for a while, something gets in your blood,” he says. “It’s the ‘people helping people’ philosophy, and it aligns really well with who I am commissioned to be.”

Kennedy has been a CUNA Finance Council member since 2009. He served on the CUNA Finance Council’s Executive Committee from 2011-2014, was Chair of the Communications Committee from 2011-2014 and Vice Chair of the Education Committee from 2013-2014.

Diane Kotlewski, vice president of finance, Chaffey FCU, Upland, CA, received the 2020 Community Contributor Award.

The CUNA Finance Council Community is an online networking platform that connects credit union finance professionals with peers for the latest credit union ideas and strategies. This award showcases, and thanks, an active contributor who embodies the collaborative ideals of the movement. 

Kotlewski has been an excellent contributor – asking questions, answering posts, sharing files, and being a giving and helpful presence for members online. Be sure to connect with her in the Community!

CUNA Finance Councils Awards are celebrated annually at the 2020 CUNA Finance Council Conference. If you missed the awards presentation watch the recorded stream. Plans are in the works to transition this year's conference to a virtual event.