LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke has been named Credit Union Professional of the Year by the Michigan Credit Union League.
This Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual whose leadership and accomplishments in 2019 have bettered their organization and the credit union movement statewide.
“Pat has so many great leadership qualities,” said MCUL President/CEO Dave Adams. “But for me, the one that sets him apart is that he is mission-driven. For LAFCU, Pat and his team, they’re always on a mission to make an impact in peoples’ lives. Period.”
Spyke’s winning nomination highlights his focus on mentoring coworkers, developing quality member services, leveraging technology for member benefit, and addressing community issues via legislative advocacy and working with local charities.
Randy Freeman, former president of United Autos Workers Local 652 who provided a letter of recommendation for the award, said, “Pat’s support of LAFCU members and our community is refreshing. He and his team stepped in in a big way with special programs for UAW members during the six-week GM strike in 2019. He personally made it clear that LAFCU was here to help. He wanted to ensure that our members could keep food on their tables and pay their rent or mortgage payments. LAFCU really lives its motto of ‘Your Credit Union for Life.’”
Spyke said, “Though this award recognizes ‘an individual,’ it is in truth recognition of the efforts of many, including the amazing team at LAFCU with whom I work to benefit our members.
“I am truly blessed to work in an industry driven by the philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ I feel utterly privileged to work closely with the caring professionals at MCUL and Credit Union National Association; credit union service organizations, and credit union CEOs and leaders to help advance credit union initiatives throughout the state and nation."
Spyke serves on the executive board of Member Driven Technologies, a credit union service organization. He’s also a board member for Greater Lansing Food Bank and is helping to lead its capital campaign.
His interest in the financial industry began in 1979 when working for an East Lansing bank at age 16. That interest fueled a 40-plus year career. He has devoted more than 30 years to the credit union movement – most of them at LAFCU, which he has led as CEO since 2016.
Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates is a trade association representing the state’s credit unions. It works to strengthen and build awareness of these member-owned organizations and their mission to support members, communities and local businesses.
About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves more than 67,000 members and holds over $800 million in assets. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.
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LAFCU AllStaff_2019.jpg – Patrick Spyke, at left, is pictured with LAFCU employees who attended the credit union’s 2019 in-service day at MSU’s Jack Breslin Student Events Center. It was the first time the annual event was organized by employee-led committees, which is in line with Spyke’s vision of empowering employees at all levels in decision-making
LAFCU CEO Pat Spyke-13.jpg – LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke
