By Barb Kachelski
There are few things I could do that would aggravate Fred Johnson more than to write a Skybox post letting readers know that he's been named the recipient of the African-American Credit Union Coalition's 2009 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award.
He's been putting up with me for almost 20 years, so I'll risk Fred's aggravation for three reasons:
- AACUC is a wonderful organization.
- Pete Crear is a great man.
- Fred's a great choice of recipient.
AACUC is a wonderful organization. I've met the organization's leaders and been impressed with their enthusiasm and the difference they are making through their internship programs, educational opportunities and efforts to expand their reach in African countries. AACUC's mission is to increase the global credit union movement's strength by adding the focused perspective and energy of credit union volunteers and professionals of African-American and African descent.
When AACUC was getting off the ground, Fred was a source of quiet support. CUES helped by providing funding where needed, hosting the AACUC's first Web site, and offering scholarships to CUES' CEO Institute program to aid in their mission. He was not motivated by any desire for recognition, but only a desire for AACUC to succeed. And AACUC has! In its 10th year, it has the support of more than 400 members.
Pete Crear is a great man. Pete is an accomplished individual who has made his mark and continues to make a difference in the credit union movement. Whether leading at a state level, the national level – or now – on the world stage, as president/CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions, Pete makes things happen. His list of accomplishments is enormous, and his list of honors nearly as long.
What has struck me when I'm in a room with Pete is how humble, friendly and approachable he is. AACUC selected the perfect individual to name its award after.
Fred's a great choice of recipient. Pete Crear and Fred Johnson would be the last people to tell anyone of their achievements. My online dictionary of choice defines achievement as "something accomplished, esp. by superior ability, special effort, great courage." Fred's picture is not next to the definition, but it could be.
Growing up in Munro, La., is not necessarily a qualification for greatness. But his parents "raised him right," and he went far, both literally and figuratively. Among his achievements, Fred attended the Military Academy at West Point, led combat troops in Vietnam, returned to Louisiana to earn an MBA at Tulane, taught leadership at West Point, and consulted in organizational development at Bell Labs. Quite the accomplishments for a minor league bat boy!
His superior ability, special effort and great courage have all shaped CUES leaders within the credit union movement. As one member stressed to Fred recently, "We are stewards of our members' money … our education is important."
Fortunately for the movement, Fred has always focused on CUES' mission—just as he aided AACUC in accomplishing its mission—not motivated by any desire for recognition, but only a desire for credit unions to succeed.
Barb Kachelski, CAE, is SVP/chief operating officer at CUES.
