It takes more than good numbers to excel in the financial services sector. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the the individuals and institutions earning Excellence in Banking recognition for 2025.
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For a bank or credit union to excel in its industry, it must focus on delivering exceptional customer service, maintain financial stability, and demonstrate an ability to adapt to market changes. Building a solid relationship with customers is essential, as it fosters trust and loyalty. Providing personalized experiences, understanding customer needs, and offering tailored financial solutions helps create a competitive advantage. Excellence in customer service involves efficient problem resolution, accessibility, and a seamless user experience across all channels, including digital and in-branch services.
Az Business will be highlighting one Excellence in Banking category each day. Here are the individuals and institutions earning recognition as credit union leaders of the year for 2025.
Credit union leaders of the year for 2025
Amy Hysell, president and CEO, Arizona Financial Credit Union
Since being named president and CEO in January 2023, Hysell has continued her efforts to support diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization and has served as the sponsor of PRIDE, Arizona Financial’s LGBTQ+ resource group, one of the credit union’s five employee resource groups. Her leadership extends outside of Arizona Financial and into the community as a contributor to several local charities.
Jeff Meshey, CEO, Desert Financial Credit Union
During Meshey’s 30 years with Desert Financial, total assets have grown more than twentyfold, the credit union has converted to a community charter and the branch network has expanded significantly. In 2017, Meshey led the organization through a significant rebrand. Desert Financial is frequently voted one of the Best Places to Work in Phoenix and is a past winner of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics.
Brandon Michaels, president and CEO, OneAZ Credit Union
In 2024, Michael’ visionary leadership included the launch of a groundbreaking Contigo multicultural initiative to drive engagement and prosperity in underserved communities. By partnering with Novle Community Activators, OneAZ has embarked on a journey of building grassroots relationships with trailblazing organizations in Arizona’s Latino community to build bridges, foster a future where every voice is heard, and uplift and empower the Latino community in Arizona.
Mike Moyes, president and CEO, AERO Federal Credit Union
Moyes has more than 35 years of experience serving credit unions in Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Since joining AERO, Moyes has led the organization to its most successful and profitable years, growing the organization to $300 million in assets with seven branches in the Phoenix metro area. One of Moyes’ passions is teaching and he was was an adjunct professor at Colorado Mesa University and taught accounting and finance courses.
Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, president and CEO, Vantage West Credit Union
Sagehorn-Elliott is a self-described “farm kid,” born and raised in Nebraska. Her career began in banking but quickly transitioned to credit unions. Sagehorn-Elliott became Vantage West Credit Union’s CEO in 2020. Her guiding principle mirrors the $2.5 billion, 168,000-member Arizona-based credit union’s mission, “Invest in our team, our members, and the community today for a more prosperous tomorrow.”
