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Midcoast FCU CEO Joe Gervais with Interim League President Cris Wescott.
Congratulations to Joe Gervais, CEO at Midcoast FCU, for being selected as this year’s recipient of the President’s Award. This honor, chosen by Interim League President Cris Wescott, honors the League’s volunteer of the year.
As author Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Joe Gervais certainly has the heart.
In addition to directing his credit union, he is a compassionate community leader, a valued member of the League and Synergent Board, and Chair of the Board’s Governing Committee. His plate is full just in leading a successful member- and community-focused credit union. And yet, he manages to do even more to help Maine’s credit union system—and especially the League and Synergent.
“This has been an incredibly busy year for the League and Synergent’s Board of Directors as they have managed changes in leadership at both organizations,” shared Wescott. “For Joe and the Governing Committee, however, it has been particularly demanding. Joe was instrumental in heading up the searches for both the League and Synergent’s new Presidents. He’s reviewed resumes, engaged with candidates, and was an influential voice in the selection process. He also took on the task of directing the process to restructure the League and Synergent’s governance policies.”
Gervais spent countless hours combing through the League’s bylaws, soliciting input from credit unions, and considering every eventuality that might happen to revise rules that can live on for years. His approach to modernizing the bylaws is similar to his approach in leading Midcoast FCU—making everything he touches future-proof and well-prepared for years of service and success.
“Joe is deeply deserving of this honor,” added Wescott. “He is a champion for the League and Synergent, but also for the entire credit union system. Whether he’s shaking a member’s hand in a branch lobby, handing out food at a soup kitchen, or participating in a local ‘freeze out’ to raise funds for fuel assistance, Joe always manages to find a way to go above and beyond to uplift those around him.”
Congratulations, Joe, and thank you for your outstanding service.