Celebrating Excellence: 2026 African American Credit Union Hall of Fame Honorees
SNELLVILLE, Ga. — The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has announced an exciting event for 2026 that highlights the contributions of remarkable leaders in the credit union industry. This year, five distinguished credit union executives will be inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. The event will take place on March 3, 2026, at the prestigious Hamilton Hotel, a gathering anticipated to celebrate leadership and community impact.
The 2026 Honorees
The 2026 class represents over 135 years of combined experience in the industry, showcasing a commitment to advancing communities across the United States, including North Carolina, Texas, and Michigan. The honorees are:
- Creighton P. Blackwell
- Leigh Brady
- Carolyn Jordan
- Sati Smith
- Max Villaronga
Each of these individuals brings a unique background and perspective to their roles, emphasizing the diversity and strength within the credit union movement.
Creighton P. Blackwell
As Chief Community Impact & Public Affairs Officer at Coastal Credit Union, Creighton P. Blackwell brings more than 30 years of leadership experience. His previous roles include Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Community Engagement and Vice President of Retail Banking. Blackwell’s involvement extends beyond the credit union sector; he actively participates on various nonprofit boards and has received multiple accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a Certified Innovation Executive from Stanford, he is known for his advocacy in sustainability, economic development, and financial education. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys coaching sports and cherishing moments with his family.
Leigh Brady
Leigh Brady, the President and CEO of State Employees’ Credit Union of North Carolina, boasts an impressive 38-year tenure with SECU. Having progressed through various operational roles, including Chief Operating Officer, she has played a critical part in helping the credit union expand its services to over 2.9 million members. Brady holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Meredith College. Her leadership skills are further exemplified through her board positions, which include the Carolinas Credit Union League Board and the Executive Committee of America’s Credit Unions CEO Council. An active member of the International Women’s Forum of the Carolinas, she emphasizes the importance of women’s leadership in the finance sector.
Carolyn Jordan
Serving as the Chief Growth Officer at Neighborhood Credit Union, Carolyn Jordan oversees critical areas such as digital banking, data analytics, marketing, product development, and advocacy. As President of the AACUC Texas Regional Chapter, she demonstrates her commitment to enhancing the credit union experience, particularly for underserved communities. Her accolades are numerous, including recognition from the Dallas Business Journal as a 2024 C-Suite Leader and a 2023 Woman in Technology. With 46 years of experience, Jordan possesses a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Texas A&M-Commerce, as well as a marketing certification from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, underlining her expertise in the financial field.
Sati Smith
Sati Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Diversified Members Credit Union, has been a trailblazer for the past two years, fostering a culture of financial inclusion. With over 20 years of experience in finance, Smith is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to financial services for individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Her contributions extend to various community boards, including the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. As an advocate for cancer research through her involvement with the Voices of Black Women study, Smith is passionate about empowering young women to achieve their dreams, sharing her journey as a source of inspiration.
Max Villaronga
With experience spanning several industries, Max Villaronga has served as President/CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union since 2014. His previous roles include working with The Home Depot and serving in the U.S. Marines, which has shaped his leadership philosophy centered around human dignity. Recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA), Villaronga integrates these principles as both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage in his organization. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and boasts certifications as a Chief Executive and Development Educator. Additionally, he is engaged with various organizations, including the Underserved Communities Foundation and the El Paso Chamber, exemplifying his deep commitment to community service.
A Legacy of Impact
The African American Credit Union Hall of Fame serves as a vital acknowledgement of leaders who have profoundly influenced the credit union movement, particularly in serving African Americans and communities of color. The 2026 induction ceremony promises to be a luminous celebration of their incredible work and dedication. As the AACUC prepares for this momentous occasion, it invites attendees to join in honoring these exceptional leaders who inspire future generations within the credit union landscape.
For more details on the honorees and the event, you can visit the AACUC website or the Hall of Fame page here.