Credit union service awards

Current and former Veridian Credit Union leaders were recently recognized at the 2023 Iowa Credit Union Convention for their significant contributions to the credit union industry. Former Veridian President and CEO Monte Berg received the Iowa Credit Union Foundation's (ICUF) Impact Award, and current Veridian Board Member Jim Kacher received the Iowa Credit Union League's (ICUL) Cooperative Spirit Volunteer Award.

The ICUF’s Impact Award is presented annually to honor those who have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility through volunteerism, advocacy or philanthropy. Monte Berg’s role in the credit union industry first began as an examiner for the Iowa Division of Credit Unions.  In 1990, he joined Veridian Credit Union (then John Deere Community Credit Union) as Senior Vice President of Finance. He served in that position for 25 years until becoming President and CEO in 2015, then retiring in 2020. During his career, Veridian’s membership grew from 40,000 to 244,000. But his most proud achievements were those that left Veridian better equipped to serve all members’ successful financial futures. More specifically, in his first year as president and CEO, Monte led the initiative for Veridian to be certified by the U.S. Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). That certification was instrumental in creating Veridian’s Financial Inclusion Mortgage and is still helping low-income and underserved members overcome barriers to homeownership today.

The ICUL’s Cooperative Spirit Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding service, commitment and leadership in a volunteer role. Jim Kacher was first elected by our members to serve on our Board of Directors in 1990 (then John Deere Community Credit Union), and he's still an active and instrumental member of our Board today. He’s spent the last 33 years serving in nearly every role on our Board and has used the depth of his experience and knowledge to recruit, encourage and mentor other Board members along the way. Most notably, Jim has always used his leadership positions at Veridian and in the community to elevate the perspectives of low-income and underserved individuals. That work has included addressing access to basic needs, food insecurity, workers’ rights and more. When he’s not giving of his time and talents locally, he’s an active and reliable advocate for the credit union movement. He has a keen understanding of credit union history and a passion for the difference credit unions can make in helping people create successful financial futures.

"Monte Berg and Jim Kacher have both been instrumental in creating the Veridian Credit Union we’re all a part of today, and they continue to inspire the future we’re creating together," said Veridian President and CEO Renee Christoffer. "We’re grateful for their contributions, and grateful to the League and the Foundation for helping us recognize and celebrate their achievements."

The Impact Award and Cooperative Spirit Volunteer Award were two of eight awards presented at the 2023 Iowa Credit Union Convention to outstanding past and present credit union leaders in Iowa. A full overview of award recipients and other events details are available from the Iowa Credit Union League and the Iowa Credit Union Foundation.