CrossState Names 2024 Volunteer of the Year
CrossState Credit Union Association is proud to announce the winner of the 2024 Calvin H. Jackson Award, recognizing a volunteer who has selflessly given time, effort, and talent to the betterment of the movement. The 2024 Volunteer of the Year is Steve Endress, Board Chair of Service 1st FCU.
For over 25 years, Steve has dedicated time to guide Service 1st as an active volunteer, serving in numerous positions on their Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee. He has completed over 45 modules and received 12 certifications through the CUNA Professional Development Online training program, attended numerous conferences (14 PCUA/CrossState Connect conferences, five American Credit Union conferences, the 2018 CUES Board Chair Development Seminar, the 2019 CUES Director Strategy Seminar, and the 2023 NAFCU Strategic Growth Conference), setting the pace for other directors, credit union committee members and aspiring volunteers.
He truly leads by example, sharing his passion for the movement and epitomizing Service 1st‘s core values: importance of people, best people, integrity/ethics, fun, and support community. He supports credit union initiatives by actively volunteering to help at Going Gold events, Magic of the Season, and Service 1st‘s Annual Charity Duck Derby and Annual Charity Golf Tournament. He makes it a point to take time to thank credit union team members, again sharing his passion, and not-to-mention his smile, so they know what an integral part they play in assisting members and helping them achieve their financial goals.
He exudes deep care and concern for Service 1st‘s credit union family. Steve uses personal work vacation time to visit all 11 Service 1st offices each December to wish employees and members a happy holiday season. While serving as Board Chairperson through the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked closely with former President/CEO Bill Lavage, to develop and implement procedures, safeguards and guidelines for the safety and protection of employees and members. He also took the time to send employees words of appreciation and encouragement as they not only worked to serve members but navigate their own personal lives throughout that unprecedented time.
His focus on improving the financial lives of our members and our communities, while working closely with credit union directors and leadership team members to grow and evolve efforts financially, interpersonally, and digitally over the past few years has helped ensure Service 1st remains a leading financial institution across the markets we serve.
Join the Lifetime Achievement Award winners to celebrate on Monday, May 20, during Awards Night at CrossState Connect Annual Convention at the Hard Rock Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.
Congratulations to Endress for his significant contributions to Service 1st and his commitment to the credit union movement.