Guess what! Ms. Leslie Ellis, President and CEO of Credit Union 1, is in the running for National Credit Union Hero of the Year!

In 2009, Leslie was recognized as a CU Hero of the Quarter by Credit Union Magazine. She’s now one of only four candidates who could be crowned Hero of the Year in 2010. At CU1, we’re super amped-up for her to win – and here are five big reasons that you should be excited as well:

1. Leslie’s accomplishments at Credit Union 1 include a special lending department for people with rocky credit histories. If you’ve had financial trouble in the past, she’s made sure that CU1 can help you get a fresh start and a second chance. That’s pretty sweet.
2. Our credit union is crazy about community service – and that’s because we’ve followed Leslie’s lead and passion for helping people. She is extremely active in loads of local non-profit and community organizations (i.e. the revitalization of Mountain View in Anchorage), and when CU1 volunteers head out to get our hands dirty on a project, she’s right there with us. 
3. Thanks to Leslie’s focus on education, her employees have taught over 2500 financial education and career advancement classes throughout our State. Our credit union has a President who truly cares about improving peoples’ lives. How many banks can say that?
4. Leslie knows all her employees’ names, and she hand delivers our HQ paychecks to get to know us better. That’s a big show of care and consideration, and it’s greatly appreciated. She lets her 250+ Alaskan employees know that we really matter!
5. Leslie’s not faking it. She is sincerely committed to inspiring positive change in Alaskans lives. How can you tell? Her employees evangelize about her behind her back. Shhhh =).

It’d be awesome if you cast your vote in the CU Hero of the Year competition. Our CU1 President deserves the recognition, and our entire State can be proud to see a leader like her earn recognition on a national level.