Members 1st Federal Credit Union, a full-service financial institution serving members and communities for over 73 years, is pleased to announce that its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jon Kirssin, received the 2023 Calvin Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award (opens in a new tab) for Volunteer of the Year from CrossState Credit Union Association. In addition, the credit union’s Indirect Sales and Service Manager Deana Barnes was named one of the top three finalists in CrossState Credit Union Association’s 2023 Credit Union Ambassador Contest (opens in a new tab).
Kirssin and Barnes were recognized at the Association’s Annual Convention on Friday, May 19 in Hershey, PA.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented in memory of Calvin H. Jackson, an outstanding citizen and credit union volunteer. The award recognizes a volunteer who has selflessly given time, effort and talent to the betterment of the movement and works to promote the credit union philosophy.
“I think so highly of Jon, and it is wonderful that his devotion to the credit union movement is being acknowledged and celebrated,” said Members 1st President & CEO George Nahodil. “Under Jon’s leadership, our credit union has thrived. He is so deserving of this award, and I thank him for all he has done for our members, our associates and our communities.”
Kirssin joined the Members 1st Board of Directors in 2011 after previously serving on the credit union’s Supervisory Committee. He carries on the legacy of his own father, who also served on the Members 1st Board of Directors. Kirssin was appointed Chairman in April 2018 and since then, he has worked tirelessly on decisions that will ensure the longevity of Members 1st's success.
In addition to his duties with Members 1st, Kirssin serves on the Board of Trustees for York College of Pennsylvania, which is also his alma mater. He is an experienced insurance executive with nearly 20 years at PMA Insurance, retiring as an officer and shareholder. He owns and operates a specialty insurance consulting firm with clients located throughout the country. Kirssin is a life-long Central Pennsylvania native currently residing in Mechanicsburg and has been a credit union member for more than 40 years.
Barnes joined the credit union industry in 2018 after becoming attracted to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
“Entering this competition has allowed me to fully immerse myself into the Members 1st culture and build meaningful relationships with our leaders and associates,” said Barnes.
Barnes presented her project “Fostering Social Engagement for Remote and Office Workers” to a live audience and panel of judges at the Association’s Annual Convention. She proposed a platform in which credit union associates can engage and connect with each other virtually, much like an internal social media site. Associates would be encouraged to post about three key areas: member service, community involvement and associate experience. In an era of digital platforms and social media, Barnes proposed that future leaders of the credit union would capitalize on this tool as a way to come together and share topics that are important to the credit union. This in turn would foster an environment of connection and collaboration.
“We could not be prouder of Deana,” said Members 1st Chief Experience Officer Mike Wilson. “Her commitment to our culture and fellow associates is admirable, and we look forward to watching her continue to grow and promote the credit union movement.”
Barnes began her career in automotive finance in 2016 where she learned about the differences between credit unions and banks. In her current role with Members 1st, her primary focus is maintaining and cultivating strong relationships with dealership partners. Barnes is a member of the credit union’s Women in Leadership Associate Resource Group. She is a 2014 graduate of Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with more than half a million members and over $7 billion in assets. While its administrative headquarters is based in Enola, PA, Members 1st serves its members and communities through its network of nearly 60 branch locations throughout Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Perry and York counties, as well as through its robust digital banking and call center channels. To learn more about Members 1st, visit members1st.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.
