EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – American Eagle Financial Credit Union won big at APEX 2021—the Credit Union League of Connecticut’s (CULCT) annual conference—as it was recognized with multiple honors during the award portion of the two-day conference.
The awards cap off another successful year for American Eagle, which has built itself into Connecticut’s largest community-chartered credit union with more than 160,000 members, it said.
Among the awards won:
2021 Outstanding Credit Union Executive Award – Dean Marchessault
Dean Marchessault, president & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union, was named the 2021 Credit Union Executive of the Year. Marchessault, who is retiring at year’s end, was selected for his exceptional service and outstanding contributions that strengthened both AEFCU and the credit union industry.
The 2021 Desjardins Financial Education Award
The Desjardins Award recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial literacy for all ages. American Eagle won First Place for its “Financial Literacy is for All Ages” education campaign throughout Financial Literacy Month (April 2021).
The 2021 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award
The Maxwell Award recognizes credit unions that have excelled in community relations and are committed to ongoing charitable programs within their communities. American Eagle won First Place for launching its innovative and popular community outreach program “Cash Back to the Community”—which has delivered $163,000 to nonprofits in AEFCU’s service area since the program’s inception in January 2020.
The 2021 Marketing Excellence Award: Public Relations Category
American Eagle won First Place for their successful public relations strategies behind the Credit Union’s “Cash Back to the Community” program.
2020 Outstanding Credit Union Advocate Award – Dean Marchessault
The Advocate of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has excelled in grassroots advocacy at the state and federal levels. Marchessault won this award in 2020, and its presentation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below, from left: American Eagle President & CEO Dean Marchessault, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Teresa Knox, and Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer and Incoming President & CEO Howard Brady.