Several Recognition Awards will be presented to New York credit union leaders during the New York Credit Union Association’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Convention. Today’s featured award is the Outstanding Volunteer Award, which recognizes volunteers who exemplify commitment to their credit unions and consistently embody the “people helping people” philosophy.

This year’s Outstanding Volunteers include Ticonderoga FCU board Chairman Ralph Corbo, and James Monterville, Olean Area FCU former board chairman and current supervisory committee chairman.

Ralph Corbo was first appointed to fill an unexpired term on Ticonderoga FCU’s board of directors in 1986. He was elected to a two year term the following year. Corbo quickly became first vice president, and when the president’s seat was opened in 1988, Corbo’s leadership qualities made him the natural selection of his fellow directors. Though the title of the position has since changed from president to board chair, it’s a role Corbo has served in since 1988.

During his more than 30 years of service to the credit union, Corbo has demonstrated outstanding leadership while leading the credit union through transitions between three CEOs and the opening of two new branches.

During the Great Recession, he helped guide the credit union back to profitability, and Ticonderoga FCU was able to return 100 percent of its 2008 earnings to their members in the form of a bonus dividend.

James Monterville made a $20 investment that funded the credit union charter application for Dresser Clark FCU in 1972. He would become the original board chairman for the credit union, which would eventually become Olean Area FCU.

During his time as board president, the credit union grew to $2.4 million in assets and over 2,000 memberships. Monterville took a break from the board in 1981, as the credit union converted to a community charter following several mergers.

In 2003 Monterville returned to head the supervisory committee as chairman, a title he still holds today. His leadership and guidance has helped the credit union reach over 20,000 memberships and more than $264 million in assets.

Recently, Monterville challenged the credit union to reach out to the future of the industry, which led Olean Area FCU to become visible in local schools and the establishment of a Youth Advisory Board at the high school level.