Pierre Jay Award

The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) created the Pierre Jay Award to recognize individuals, programs, and/or organizations whose contributions have benefited the state credit union system in a significant way. This award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to NASCUS and the state system. This distinction is NASCUS’s highest honor in recognizing champions of the state credit union system.

NASCUS Honors Cherie Freed with the Prestigious 2024 Pierre Jay Award at the 59th Annual State System Summit

ARLINGTON, VA — The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) is thrilled to announce that Cherie Freed has been named the distinguished 2024 Pierre Jay Award recipient. The honor was bestowed during NASCUS’s 59th Annual State System Summit (S3), an event that convenes industry leaders to discuss and advance the state-chartered credit union system.

NASCUS President and CEO Brian Knight commented, “Cherie Freed embodies the leadership, service, and commitment that the Pierre Jay Award was created to honor. Her remarkable career and unwavering support for state-chartered credit unions have made her a true asset to our community, and we are proud to recognize her outstanding contributions.”

Cherie Freed, recently retired after more than 37 years of service with the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), including eight years as Western Regional Director, has made countless contributions to the state credit union system. Her leadership, collaboration, and advocacy have earned her widespread respect and admiration. Ten state supervisory agencies from the Western Region nominated Cherie for the Pierre Jay Award in recognition of her impactful partnership with state regulators. Read more

About the Award

First presented in 1997, the Pierre Jay Award is named for the first Commissioner of Banks in Massachusetts, Pierre Jay. He learned of the cooperative credit union movement in Milan, Italy, and quickly embraced the concept. Working with philanthropist and credit union pioneer Edward Filene of Boston, Jay championed credit union development in the United States.

NASCUS members may submit nominations for the Pierre Jay for individuals and organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and dedication to the credit union system and/or to NASCUS.

NASCUS’ Pierre Jay Award Committee reviews nominations, and the winner(s) is announced during NASCUS’s annual State System Summit (S3).

Eligibility, Criteria, and Nomination Process

Any person, program, or organization whose contributions significantly benefit the state credit union system.

Proven contributions that have benefited the state credit union system significantly
Proven demonstration of service, leadership, and commitment to the state system and/or NASCUS

Candidates may be nominated for a singular achievement or for activities spanning the course of their careers.

For more information or questions about the Pierre Jay Award, please contact NASCUS President & CEO Brian Knight.

Previous Winners:

2023 Rose Conner and Mike Williams
2022 Mary Ellen O’Neill
2021 Sara Vega, Patty Idol, Kim Santos
2019 Mary Hughes
2018 Ron McDaniel
2017 Terry West
2015 Tom Candon
2014 UBIT Steering Committee
2013 J. Parker Cann
2012 Linda Jekel
2011 Roger Little
2010 George Reynolds
2009 Catherine Tierney
2008 Sharon Whiddon
2007 Harold Feeney
2006 George Latham
2005 Ella Robinson
2004 Jim Blaine
2002 James Forney
2001 Richard Murakami
2000 Gary Mielock
1999 Gavin Gee
1998 Gary Oakland
1997 Mike Fitzgerald