Maurice Smith, president/CEO of Local Government Federal Credit Union, Raleigh, N.C., has been voted Credit Union Magazine’s CU Hero of the Year.

Smith continues to help his credit union’s members through tough financial times by providing mortgage loan modifications, alternatives to subprime debt, and unemployment protection options.

Credit Union Magazine readers also commended three other credit union leaders this year as CU Heroes:

• Ron Amstutz, executive vice president, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, Phoenix. He faced a devastating personal challenge when his son was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. His son recovered, and Amstutz paid it forward, helping his credit union become the No. 1 U.S. credit union for Children’s Miracle Network fund raising.
• Michael Bittle, CEO, Vanderbilt University Employees’ Credit Union, Nashville, Tenn. When his neighbors and members suffered damage from the May 2010 Nashville floods, he rolled up his sleeves and created a suite of flood-relief loan products to help them through the difficult days.
• Carol Schillios, founder of Schillios Consulting Group, Seattle. A microfinance entrepreneur, she has helped establish numerous cooperative programs in countries around the world. Her peers refer to her as “Ms. Credit Union.”

Voting took place online through May 13.

Smith will be honored at the America’s Credit Union Conference & Expo (ACUC) in San Antonio, June 19-22.

In addition to dozens of preconference, keynote, discovery, thought-leader, and executive series sessions, ACUC attendees will have plenty of time to network with the heroes among us who make daily differences in the lives of their members and in their communities.