The Tennessee Credit Union League and Volunteer Corporate Credit Union (VolCorp) inducted three credit union leaders into the Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame during the League’s 91st Annual Convention and Expo in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame, created in 2010, recognizes the commitment, leadership and dedication deserving individuals have made to the Tennessee credit union movement.
“Each year, we get the privilege of inducting special people who have done special things into the Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame,” said Jeff Merry, president and CEO of VolCorp. “It’s one of the most enjoyable things we get to do when we come together to recognize these very deserving individuals. This year’s class of inductees has demonstrated incredible commitment and incredible impact on so many lives. Congratulations to each of them, and thank you for all they have done for our movement!”
Teresa Arnold
Retired President and CEO, Northeast Community Credit Union, Elizabethton, Tenn.
Teresa has served 40 years in the credit union industry and has volunteered her time on and off the clock in the community she loves.
She began her credit union career at RMB Credit Union, where she worked for seven years. For the past 33 years, she has worked at Northeast Community Credit Union (NCCU), serving at the helm of the organization since 2017 until her recent retirement at the end of March.
“Teresa has collaborated with local chambers of commerce to teach Small Business Accounting classes to existing and prospective entrepreneurs,” wrote her nominator. “She spearheaded a program for NCCU as the first credit union in Tennessee to establish student-run branches in ALL high schools in the county and city where it is headquartered, and promoted programs for NCCU to partner with multiple nonprofit organizations to provide free financial counseling to local underserved and/or low-income residents, senior citizens, first-time homeowners. She also directed initiatives for NCCU to assist with Hurricane Helene damage and related flooding relief for local residents and businesses and led the recovery efforts of NCCU when its branch was flooded. She has served as president of the Elizabethton Kiwanis Club and is the current chair of Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award committee.”
During her acceptance speech, Teresa focused on the credit union mission of helping others.
“So many of you here have been in positions where you have had members in front of you that you have helped get out of horrible situations,” said Teresa from the stage. “Or you have helped them come up with a budget or something that really has made a difference in their lives. Things you have done build communities. Teach financial literacy, which is making a difference in the future for the young people who are coming along behind us. It is such a privilege to be part of an industry that is so focused on helping others. I appreciate this, and thank you.”
Konda Bowling
President and CEO, Employee Resources Credit Union, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
When Konda began her career with Murray Ohio Savings Association in 1986 the credit union had an asset size of $6 million. She has seen and been part of so many changes over the years, including two name changes. She helped start the checking account program and make cash available to members onsite. Konda was also a part of the change from a select employer group to a community charter in 2003.
“In 2008, Konda was appointed CEO/president of Employee Resources Credit Union (ERCU) with an asset size of $19 million and around ten employees,” wrote her nominator. “With the approval of the board of directors, Konda was able to take the credit union to a whole new level by adding all the modern services ERCU has to offer today. Although she would not want to be in the spotlight, this little lady has done some amazing things by assisting the board of directors in growing the credit union by adding four more branches, including two mergers.”
The nomination continued with “During mergers, Konda has been so good to make sure the staff and membership are given the right tools, products and services to succeed and thrive. To Konda, mergers are not just about acquiring assets, they are about helping and deepening the relationships within the community. Now with an asset size of $182 million and over 60 employees, she has worked alongside her staff while leading by example. Don’t be surprised if you drive by the credit union and see her sweeping the parking lot. To quote her, “you never say that is not my job.”‘
Working in the credit union movement is much more than a job.
“This was a surprise,” said Konda during her award acceptance. “I knew nothing about this, so I’m kind of speechless right now. I’m very, very thankful for this. The credit union has been a huge part of my life. I refer to it as my third child. Those of you who have worked in small credit unions that have grown know it takes a lot of hours and a lot of hard work in order to help your credit union grow and to help your members. I’ve been so honored and blessed with the job and to be able to help people every day. I have a wonderful board of directors that has been open to all opportunities we had to grow and to help the citizens of the all the counties we serve.”
Randy Gorman
Board Chair, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Randy has served on ORNL Federal Credit Union’s board of directors for 19 years and previously served on the supervisory committee for six years.
“Randy has been a leader at the local, state and national level in credit union advocacy,” wrote his nominator. “He has met with legislators on all levels to promote credit union values. He has hiked the hill in Washington, D.C., for over 20 years, meeting with lawmakers and carrying the credit union story. Randy is an avid supporter of credit union values and leadership in the community, you will find him at ground breakings, branch openings, employee and member appreciation events, in addition he also attends and supports charity and community events such as Dogwood Arts, United Way, American Red Cross, Women and Children advocacy events, and a free summer concert series all carrying the credit union philosophy and banner of making the community a better place to live, work and worship.”
The ORNL Federal Credit Union team kept the award announcement a secret from Randy. They even invited his family to attend, who stayed in the hallway until the award announcement.
“I didn’t have any idea about this,” said Randy from the stage of the Annual Convention. “It has been a pleasure, and it has really been a privilege to be able to serve the credit union community all these years. All the great people I’ve gotten to know at these conferences and work with. I really do appreciate it.”
Photo Caption: Photos showcase the Hall of Fame inductee being congratulated by Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, and Jeff Merry, president and CEO of VolCorp.
