Champion of “People Helping People” Steve Swofford Receives Distinguished Service Award

The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates is thrilled to announce that Steve Swofford, President and CEO of Alabama Credit Union, is the 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding commitment, leadership, and impact on the credit union movement.

The League Awards celebrate credit unions and professionals who embody the cooperative spirit and exemplify the values of service, innovation, and integrity. Awards were presented at The League’s annual convention, ENGAGE.

Steve Swofford began his credit union career in 1980 with the Alabama Credit Union League, where he started as Director of Public Relations and eventually became Executive Vice President.  In 1998, he joined Alabama Credit Union as President and CEO. Under his leadership, Alabama Credit Union has experienced remarkable growth in assets, membership, and team size. Known for his authentic leadership and dedication to the credit union philosophy, Swofford has consistently invested in the development of his team and advanced the mission of “People Helping People.”

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, but it’s not about what I’ve done—it’s about the people I’ve been honored to work alongside,” said Steve Swofford, CEO of Alabama Credit Union. “Credit unions change lives—and I’ve been fortunate enough to witness that firsthand every day throughout my career. From my early days as Director of Public Relations to now leading Alabama Credit Union through incredible growth, it’s been the passion and purpose of our people that have driven everything. Seeing our team grow, thrive, and carry forward the mission of ‘People Helping People’ is the legacy I’m most proud of.”

“Steve embodies everything this award represents,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “His decades of leadership, dedication to people, and unwavering belief in the credit union mission have inspired a generation of professionals. Under his guidance, Alabama Credit Union grew from just two branches to 38, and from $85 million in assets to over $1.9 billion—not for growth’s sake, but to better serve members and communities. His impact reaches far beyond numbers; it lives in the culture he’s built, where every employee is known, valued, and connected to the greater purpose of the movement.”

The League congratulates Steve Swofford for his decades of service and his extraordinary impact on the credit union movement.