Three Leaders Honored with AACUC's Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award

Award celebrates enduring contributions to equity, leadership, and progress in the credit union movement

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a polished metal trophy or award on a clean, monochromatic background, representing the prestigious Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award and the honorees' enduring contributions to the credit union movement.A prestigious award honors three credit union leaders whose careers have strengthened the industry through innovation, equity, and community impact.Alpharetta Today

The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has named three distinguished leaders as recipients of the 2026 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their enduring contributions to the credit union movement and embodiment of AACUC's mission. The honorees are Mary McDuffie, retired President/CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union; Marsha Majors, retired President/CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union; and Gary J. Perez, President/CEO of USC Credit Union.

Why it matters

The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor within AACUC, recognizing individuals whose careers have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement through leadership, service, and contributions to growth, infrastructure, advocacy, and community impact. This year's recipients exemplify the vision, resilience, and commitment to equity that continue to move the industry forward.

The details

Marsha Majors is the retired President/CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union, serving as the first African American woman CEO to build and lead a billion-dollar-plus credit union. Mary McDuffie served as the President/CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union from 2019 until her retirement in 2024, growing the institution from $97 billion to $171 billion in assets. Gary J. Perez has led USC Credit Union as President and CEO since 1988, transforming it from a $15 million campus-based institution into a $700 million full-service credit union.

  • The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony and Dinner will be held during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia on August 5, 2026.

The players

Mary McDuffie

Retired President/CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union, growing the institution from $97 billion to $171 billion in assets during her tenure from 2019 to 2024.

Marsha Majors

Retired President/CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union, serving as the first African American woman CEO to build and lead a billion-dollar-plus credit union.

Gary J. Perez

President and CEO of USC Credit Union since 1988, transforming it from a $15 million campus-based institution into a $700 million full-service credit union.

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What they’re saying

“There is extraordinary leadership across the credit union movement, and this year we are proud to recognize not one, but three exceptional leaders. Mary, Marsha, and Gary have each expanded access to financial services through innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.”

— Renée Sattiewhite, President/CEO of AACUC

“The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award represents the highest honor within AACUC, recognizing individuals whose careers have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement. This year's honorees exemplify the vision, resilience and commitment to equity that continue to move our industry forward.”

— Marvin York, Chair of the AACUC Board of Directors

What’s next

The honorees will be recognized at the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony and Dinner during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia on August 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This year's Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have each made significant and lasting contributions to the credit union movement through their visionary leadership, commitment to financial inclusion and equity, and dedication to serving their communities. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration for the next generation of credit union leaders.