40 Groups and the African-American Credit Union Coalition are opening nominations for the 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award.
WASHINGTON, D.C., DC, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — 40 Groups, Inc., a national leadership network for C-Suite executives, today announced that they are partnering with the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), for the opening of nominations for the 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award, a national honor recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, modern leadership, and measurable impact in advancing the credit union mission of people helping people.
The prestigious award recognizes and honors leaders advancing innovation, equity, and impact across the credit union movement.
Nominations will be accepted through June 1, 2026. The award recipient will be announced at the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference, held August 3-6, 2026, at The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Named in honor of the award’s inaugural recipient, Renée Sattiewhite, President and CEO of AACUC, the Neoteric Changemaker Award celebrates leaders whose work reflects the literal meaning of neoteric: advocating for new ideas and modern approaches that strengthen the credit union movement and expand opportunity across communities.
“This award recognizes leaders who turn purpose into progress. Changemakers don’t simply envision a better future for credit unions, they build it through innovation, inclusion, and action. This is why we support this prestigious award working with the AACUC to identify exemplary individuals that stand out in the community and honor them.” said Dennis Sullivan, Founder and CEO of 40 Groups, Inc.
Award Purpose and Criteria
The Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award honors individuals who have:
• Demonstrated exceptional ability to drive meaningful change within the credit union movement.
• Advanced the modern relevance of the people helping people philosophy.
• Produced a body of work with broad, positive impact across the movement.
• Modeled mentorship, leadership, and service beyond formal roles.
• Shown sustained commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across stakeholders.
Nomination Process
Anyone may submit a nomination. Submissions must clearly document why the candidate should be considered above all others for this distinguished national recognition.
Complete nominations must include:
• Detailed nomination narrative addressing award criteria
• Nominee curriculum vitae or résumé
Following initial review, we may request letters of reference for finalists.
Recipient Recognition
The 2026 honoree will receive:
• A commemorative engraved award
• Two complimentary registrations to the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference
Past Winners
2025 Award-Winner: Steven Stapp, President & CEO, Unitus Community Credit Union
2024 Award-Winner: Debbie Smith, CEO (ret.), Georgia United Credit Union
2023 Award-Winner: Renée Sattiewhite, President & CEO, African-American Credit Union Coalition
About AACUC
The African-American Credit Union Coalition is a non-profit organization committed to increasing diversity within the credit union movement through advocacy, professional development, and community impact initiatives. Learn more about AACUC at: https://www.aacuc.org/
About 40 Groups
40 Groups creates high-impact leadership forums for CEOs, CFOs and Chairs in the credit union and community bank industries. Each Group convenes top leaders for deep-dive discussions, thought leadership, and relationship-building that supports long-term organizational success. Learn more at: www.40groups.com
Nomination Information: https://www.40groups.com/changemaker
Dennis J. Sullivan, MBA
40 Groups, Inc.
+1 202-743-6197
dsullivan@ceo40group.com
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