Join Us for the 2025 Awards Gala
February 11, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets include the reception starting at 5:00 and dinner beginning at 6:00. Cocktail attire is encouraged. The professional photographer will begin photos at 4:30 for award winners. Returning is our awe-inspiring emcee, Creighton Blackwell, a Board member at the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and Coastal Credit Union’s Chief Community and Public Affairs Officer.
Ticketing and Sponsorship Details
Registration is underway for the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s Annual Awards Gala held in conjunction with the Carolinas Credit Union League’s LAUNCH conference at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Individual tickets are $175 and sponsorships are also available. The Awards Gala serves as the Foundation’s premier fundraising event, showcasing and honoring the tremendous accomplishments of credit unions and hero professionals in our industry. The Awards Gala is always a sell-out so secure your tickets today for a night filled with inspiring and empowering examples of our People Helping People philosophy.
For questions or to be invoiced for an Awards Gala sponsorship, please contact Lauren Whaley at [email protected].
(Download PIN: 5385)
If you are an industry partner interested in sponsorships, please click here.
2025 Hero Awards Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sandy Milton
Chief Operating Officer | Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
The Foundation proudly recognizes Sandy Milton as the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for her more than four decades of exceptional service to the credit union movement. Through nearly 29 years at Truliant Federal Credit Union and 12 years at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, Sandy has consistently modeled leadership rooted in integrity, collaboration, and care. Her expertise in streamlining member services, marketing and operations, paired with her commitment to training and mentoring future leaders has strengthened credit unions and the communities they serve. The Foundation celebrates Sandy’s enduring legacy of excellence and her profound impact on Carolinas’ credit unions.
Advancing Equity Award
Southern Regional Chapter (SRC) of AACUC
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation proudly recognizes the Southern Regional Chapter (SRC) of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) as the recipient of the Advancing Equity Award, honoring the chapter’s outstanding commitment to advancing the 8th Cooperative Principle of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Since its founding in 2018, the SRC has become a beacon of progress, uniting credit union professionals across ten southern states through transformative programs, courageous conversations, and a shared dedication to building a more inclusive movement.
The Foundation celebrates the dedication of the 2025 SRC Chapter Officers: President: Jamie Keith (SECU), Co–Vice Presidents: Grace Thompson (CIVIC FCU) & Erin Coleman (Callahan & Associates), Secretary: Jazzmine Goodwin (SECU), Co–Treasurers: Kimberly Plant (Firefly Consulting) & Kirshunda King (Carrick Professionals), Parliamentarian: Emma Hayes (SECU), Membership Director: Brandon Browne (SECU), Community Outreach Director: Emily Nail (Coastal) and Communication Director: Asha Osoro (SECU). Guided by the visionary leadership of Ms. Renée Sattiewhite, President & CEO of AACUC, the SRC exemplifies what it means to live out the cooperative values, turning dialogue into action and unity into lasting change.
Partner in Philanthropy Award
James V. and Elizabeth N. Hamilton Foundation and Summit Credit Union
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation proudly recognizes the James V. and Elizabeth N. Hamilton Foundation and Summit Credit Union as a 2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award recipient for their unwavering commitment to empowering small credit unions across the Carolinas. The Hamilton Professional Development Grant Fund, managed by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, was established by Summit Credit Union in honor of Elizabeth “Sis” Hamilton, a visionary leader who devoted seven decades to the credit union movement. Continuing her legacy of support to small credit unions, more than $230,000 has been committed to the Hamilton Fund for professional development grants, helping small credit unions strengthen leadership, training, and strategic capacity. Together, the James V. and Elizabeth N. Hamilton Foundation and Summit Credit Union exemplify the true spirit of People Helping People and continue to advance the cooperative legacy Sis so passionately championed.
Partner in Philanthropy Award
The Philanthropy Summit
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation proudly recognizes the Philanthropy Summit as a 2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award recipient for advancing collaboration and community leadership across North Carolina. The Philanthropy Summit was created to empower nonprofit leaders and strengthen partnerships among credit unions and other organizations committed to enhancing nonprofit effectiveness. Recognizing that small nonprofits often lacked access to quality development opportunities, this collaboration was born from a shared desire to equip them with the tools, connections, and resources needed to achieve long-term financial sustainability. Now in its fourth year, and led by the Coastal Credit Union Foundation, Civic Foundation, and SECU Foundation, the Philanthropy Summit has become a cornerstone event for learning, connection, and empowerment, exemplifying People Helping People and showing how cooperation and compassion can strengthen communities across the Carolinas.
2025 Credit Union Award Winners
*New Award Category* Disaster Response Champions Award
The Disaster Response Champions Award recognizes credit unions that embody the cooperative spirit at its highest level when disaster strikes. This award honors institutions that respond swiftly and selflessly, providing critical relief and compassionate support to members, employees, and communities in times of greatest need.
The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award
Chapter/Multi CU
1st – Central Chapter of the Carolinas CU League
$50 - 250 million in assets
1st – Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union
2nd – SPC Credit Union
Hon. Mention – Acclaim Federal Credit Union
$250 million – $1 billion in Assets
1st – Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
2nd- Telco Community Credit Union
More than $1 billion in assets
1st – Coastal Credit Union
2nd – SRP Federal Credit Union
Honorable Mention – REV FCU
Honorable Mention – Skyla Credit Union
Skyla Cares
The Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award
$250 million – $1 billion in Assets
1st – Spero Financial
More than $1 billion in assets
1st – Latino Community CU
2nd – Truliant Federal Credit Union
Honorable Mention – Coastal Credit Union
Honorable Mention – REV Federal Credit Union
Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award
Under $50 million in assets
1st – Acclaim Federal Credit Union
$50 million - $250 million in assets
1st – Family Trust Federal Credit Union
More than $1 billion in assets
1st- REV Federal Credit Union
2nd – SRP Federal Credit Union
Honorable Mention – Truliant Federal Credit Union
Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award
$50 - 250 million in assets
1st – SPC Credit Union
$250 Million – $1 Billion in Assets
1st – Greenville Federal Credit Union
2nd – Summit Credit Union
More than $1 billion in assets
1st – Coastal Credit Union
2nd – SRP Federal Credit Union
Honorable Mention – Skyla Credit Union