Celebrating nearly five decades of transformative, purpose-driven leadership and dedication to expanding financial access, the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) honored Gary Perez, CEO of USC Credit Union, with its prestigious 2026 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award.
Perez was formally recognized alongside two fellow industry trailblazers this week during the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony and Dinner at the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Under Perez’s stewardship since 1988, USC Credit Union (USCCU) has experienced remarkable growth, expanding nearly 47 times its original size from a $15 million campus-based financial institution into a $700 million full-service credit union. Beyond asset growth, Perez’s tenure is defined by an enduring commitment to financial inclusion, creating opportunities for others, expanding access to affordable financial services, and strengthening ties with historically underserved communities.
Under his leadership, USCCU achieved rare triple designations as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Minority Depository Institution (MDI), and a Juntos Avanzamos credit union—honors reflecting deep service to both the University of Southern California Trojan family and surrounding Los Angeles area.
“There is extraordinary leadership across the credit union movement, and this year we are proud to recognize not one, but three exceptional leaders,” said Renée Sattiewhite, president and CEO of AACUC. “Mary, Marsha, and Gary have each expanded access to financial services through innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.”
Perez, a Los Angeles native and alumnus of Azusa Pacific University and USC, has spent his career championing the core credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Through service, advocacy, and leadership on national and regional boards — including the AACUC Board of Directors — he has made a lasting mark on the credit union ecosystem while inspiring countless leaders along the way.
The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award — named after credit union pioneer and former World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) President/CEO Pete Crear — is presented biennially to recognize leaders who have fundamentally strengthened the global credit union community through sustained excellence, advocacy, and service delivery.
In addition to Perez, the 2026 award honors two distinguished retired executives: Mary McDuffie, retired president and CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union, and Marsha Majors, retired president and CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union.
“The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award represents the highest honor within AACUC, recognizing individuals whose careers have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement,” said Marvin York, Chair of the AACUC Board of Directors. “This year’s honorees exemplify the vision, resilience, and commitment to equity that continue to move our industry forward.”
