AACUL names Farley Award winners

The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) recognized two individuals with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award Saturday: William J. Mellin, president/CEO of the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA), and Justin Hupfer, senior vice president of government affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) and CEO of PolicyWorks.

The awards honor a league president and credit union league/association professional who demonstrate visionary leadership at both the state and national levels, deliver superior organizational performance, strengthen services, foster cooperation, and exemplify integrity and commitment to purpose.

Mellin has been with NYCUA for 32 years and has served as president/CEO since 2000. In this role, he provides oversight of the Association and its affiliated entities, including OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation.

"On behalf of the New York Credit Union Association Board of Directors, I am proud to congratulate Bill Mellin on this well-deserved recognition. This honor reflects the visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering integrity that he brings to our organization and the broader credit union movement each day," said Eric Hepkins, NYCUA board chair and CEO of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union. "His commitment to cooperation, service, and purpose has elevated not only our association, but also the collective impact of the credit union system at both the state and national levels. Bill leads with authenticity, inspires with action, and represents the very values this award was created to recognize. We are proud of his accomplishments, grateful for his leadership, and thrilled to see him honored in this way."

Mellin is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style and strong relationships across the league system.

“Bill has cultivated meaningful partnerships with league leaders across the country, particularly among neighboring states,” said AACUL Chairman and President/CEO of MD|DC Credit Union Association John Bratsakis. “His commitment to collaboration builds a broad and resilient network of support that strengthens not only New York credit unions, but the entire system.”
NYCUA actively educates CEOs, boards, and credit union professionals across New York on the profound impact credit unions have on members and communities, reinforcing the philosophy that defines the movement.

“Bill embodies the spirit of the Farley Award,” said AACUL President Brad Miller. “He comes to work every day believing he can make a positive difference in people’s lives. He reminds credit unions that this is more than a job — it is a mission rooted in purpose and service. His steady leadership, commitment to cooperation, and unwavering dedication to the ‘people helping people’ philosophy have strengthened both New York and the broader league system.”

Hupfer has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing Iowa credit unions and strengthening the national credit union movement. In his dual role leading ICUL advocacy and serving as CEO of PolicyWorks, a wholly owned ICUL subsidiary he helped found more than 20 years ago, Justin has built a nationally recognized advocacy and public affairs model.

“Justin has shaped and executed advocacy strategies that have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement in Iowa,” shared Iowa Credit Union League President/CEO Murray Williams. “He combines strategic vision with disciplined execution, building sustainable advocacy infrastructure while earning trust at every level of government. His integrity and commitment to service make this recognition exceptionally well-deserved.”

Under Hupfer’s leadership, Iowa credit unions have secured significant legislative victories in one of the country’s most challenging advocacy environments. He led strategy during Iowa’s most contentious tax battle in recent history, helped maintain one of the state’s top-performing PACs, and advanced efforts to modernize decades-old credit union statutes. His long-term vision has strengthened ICUL’s advocacy infrastructure and elevated the credit union voice at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C.

“Justin exemplifies the leadership this award was created to recognize,” said Miller. “His ability to deliver meaningful results, foster cooperation, and strengthen advocacy at both the state and national levels reflects the very best of the league system.”

“Nationally, Hupfer is a respected collaborator, regularly sharing advocacy strategies and best practices with peer leagues, AACUL, and America’s Credit Unions,” said Bratsakis. “His longstanding relationships with Iowa’s congressional delegation have supported coordinated national efforts to advance financial well-being and preserve credit unions’ tax status.”