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Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2026

Lucy Ito Named 2026 Recipient

Ito’s selection reflects a career that has uniquely bridged financial regulation, international cooperative
development, and industry leadership. She is widely known for her tenure as President and CEO of the
National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) from 2014 to 2021, where she
modernized collaboration between state regulators and credit unions and strengthened coordination
with federal agencies, including the NCUA.

Her leadership helped advance supervisory innovation, improve regulatory alignment, and support a
more resilient and forward-looking state credit union system.

Before NASCUS, Ito held senior roles at the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), where she
contributed to building and expanding cooperative financial systems across Eastern Europe, Central
Asia, Asia, and the Pacific. Her work supported financial inclusion, strengthened emerging credit union
networks, and helped communities in developing and transition economies build sustainable
cooperative finance structures

PRESS RELEASE

Thank you for your interest in the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2027

We are now taking nominations. Click here.

The award is named after the first recipient of the award in 2023, Renée Sattiewhite, CEO and President of the African-American Credit Union Coalition. This national award recognizes those who have demonstrated personal perseverance, advanced the cause of “people, helping, people,” advocated for relevant ideation, and created positive programming for leaders. The unique name of the award was selected because it represents the literal meaning of the word neoteric: A modern person who advocates for new ideas.

Nomination Requirements:

Anyone may submit a nomination for the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award. Nominations must clearly document why the candidate should be considered, above all others, for this distinguished award.

Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection process without additional research. Complete nominations must include the nominee's curriculum vitae or resume. While a CV or resume provides a more comprehensive overview of the nominee's accomplishments and experiences, it is not a substitute for any of the required items listed below. After reviewing initial nomination submissions, we may request reference letters to assist in the evaluation of the nominees under consideration.

Recognition

Recipient will receive an award with their name engraved, which recipient may keep. The award-winner will also receive two complimentary registrations to the 2027 AACUC Annual Conference.

The following is a list of examples that may be considered in the evaluation process:

Demonstrated an exceptional ability to make change happen in the credit union sector with a focus on modernizing the purpose of “people, helping people.”
A body of work that has had a broad impact on the advancement of the credit union movement within society.
Exceptional display of volunteerism within the credit union movement outside organizational or job description.
Been a role model or mentor for others and epitomized the true meaning of being a Changemaker – putting ideas into action.
Unwavering/Enduring commitment to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging for a broad audience of stakeholders, across all demographic segments understanding that allyship is paramount to all sustainable initiatives.

Submit your nomination

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2027 nominations now being accepted to honor the credit union movement's leading changemaker!

Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2026

Lucy Ito Named 2026 Recipient

PRESS RELEASE

Thank you for your interest in the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2027

We are now taking nominations. Click here.

Nomination Requirements:

Recognition

The following is a list of examples that may be considered in the evaluation process:

Demonstrated an exceptional ability to make change happen in the credit union sector with a focus on modernizing the purpose of “people, helping people.”

A body of work that has had a broad impact on the advancement of the credit union movement within society.

Exceptional display of volunteerism within the credit union movement outside organizational or job description.

Been a role model or mentor for others and epitomized the true meaning of being a Changemaker – putting ideas into action.

Unwavering/Enduring commitment to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging for a broad audience of stakeholders, across all demographic segments understanding that allyship is paramount to all sustainable initiatives.

40 Groups members include…