Valley Credit Union announced recently that CEO Hillard Sparks has been awarded the 2019 Distinguished Service Award by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions in recognition of his 48 years of dedicated service.

According to the award announcement, this award recognizes the impact of his lifelong service to Valley Credit Union and also to the chapter, state and national credit union movement.

In conjunction with this outstanding service award, Sparks will also be inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington, D.C., at the Credit Union National Association Governmental Affairs Conference in February 2020.

The Hall of Leaders was introduced to provide lasting recognition for credit union leaders whose commitment has made a significant impact on the credit union movement. Members of the Hall of Leaders have shown commitment that inspires others by volunteering their time to perpetuate the credit union movement and by remaining committed to the values and mission on which credit unions were founded.   

Upon his induction, Sparks will have his name and title as well as Valley Credit Union’s name permanently displayed in the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders at Washington, D.C.

Sparks has served as CEO and secretary/treasurer of Valley Credit Union for the past 48 years. He has volunteered and served in various leadership roles in the region with organizations such as Civitan Club, Optimist Club, City of Tuscumbia Planning Commission and was instrumental in working with the District of Attorneys in Lauderdale and Colbert counties to revive Crime Stoppers.

He has served in various positions with the Muscle Shoals Chapter of Credit Unions, Alabama Credit Union League Board of Directors and Alabama Credit Union Administration Board of Directors.

“I would like to thank the Valley Credit Union board of directors, supervisory committee, employees, members and everyone who has encouraged me through the years,” Sparks said.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Sparks at the Southeast Credit Union Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., June 21.