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Scott Harriman and Elise Baldacci.
League President Elise Baldacci was proud to recognize Scott Harriman, President and CEO of Cumberland County FCU, with the 2026 League President’s Award at Elevate 2026. The honor is presented annually by the League’s President to a credit union professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, and impact on the cooperative movement.
The recognition comes as Harriman prepares to conclude a remarkable 36-year career at Cumberland County FCU at the end of this month.
A leader defined by service, integrity, and mentorship
During the awards dinner, Harriman’s industry colleagues, including Billy LaFavor, CEO of Tricorp FCU, and Mark Samson, President & CEO at Dirigo FCU, offered comments in a video testimonial highlighting his remarkable career. Harriman’s deep commitment to people, purpose, and the credit union mission was a repeated theme.
“Among many things that I picked up from him is to be straight with people, be honest with people, and be genuine with people,” offered LaFavor. “This has been great advice for me.”
“When I came to credit unions, I met a lot of wonderful people,” shared Samson. “Scott was one of them. He was a very private guy, so it takes a little while to know him, but once you do, he’s great as a sounding board, gives good advice, and I really appreciate being a friend of his.”
Members of his own team—Ryan Grund, CEO, and Karen Rickett, Chief Operating Officer at Cumberland County FCU—also offered their congratulations to their leader.
“You have often referred to Cumberland County FCU as your firstborn child, and that says everything about the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to the industry,” shared Rickett.
Grund added, “Scott leads our credit union with heart, integrity, and never with compromise.”
A legacy of growth and member focus
Since taking the helm in 1990, Harriman has guided Cumberland County FCU through decades of expansion and transformation. Under his leadership, the credit union has grown from $9 million in assets and a single branch into a $477 million institution with five branches, an operations center, and more than 22,000 members.
His leadership has consistently focused on strengthening member service and expanding access to products and services.
Leadership grounded in action and integrity
Harriman was described as a leader who demonstrates his values through action, not words.
“You are a leader who just doesn’t talk about service; you live it,” added Rickett.
His approach to leadership has also extended beyond the credit union through board service and broader industry involvement, reflecting his commitment to advancing the credit union movement as a whole.
Colleagues repeatedly pointed to Harriman’s role as a mentor and advisor to others in the industry. In her own remarks, Baldacci emphasized the leadership lessons she has taken from Harriman and her respect for his ability to approach issues with a sense of humor, leaving things better than where they started.
“One thing I have learned from Scott is to face issues head on,” shared Baldacci. “Don’t be afraid to speak the truth but always do it in a way where people are wanting to follow you rather than just listen to you.”
Harriman’s legacy will continue through the people he has mentored, the organization he has shaped, and the community he has strengthened over more than three decades of service.
The League extends our sincere congratulations to Scott Harriman on his award recognition, his retirement, and the lasting impact on Maine’s credit union movement.