IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michelle Lomas, Michelle.Lomas@req.co, 623-980-4279
September 2026 — Jason Paprocki, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer for Arizona Financial Credit Union, has been named to Credit Union Times’ Luminaries Awards, Class of 2026.
Credit Union Times has named 230 finalists for the 2026 CU Times Luminaries Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation and commitment to the cooperative model are helping shape the future of the credit union industry.
“I’m honored to be recognized as a finalist alongside so many talented leaders who are helping move the credit union industry forward,” said Paprocki. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire Arizona Financial team and our shared commitment to finding innovative ways to serve our members, strengthen our communities and demonstrate the difference member-owned financial cooperatives can make.”
Spanning 27 award categories, the 2026 finalists represent credit union leaders and rising stars, innovative credit unions, technology providers, CUSOs, consultants and other organizations serving the credit union movement. Categories recognize achievements in executive leadership, community impact, technology and artificial intelligence, marketing, branch experience, product innovation and other areas critical to the industry’s future.
“Reading the Luminaries submissions is one of our favorite parts of this program because it gives us an opportunity to see, in remarkable detail, the work happening throughout the credit union industry,” said Natasha Chilingerian, CU Times Executive Editor. “Selecting the finalists from several hundred submissions was not easy, but it reminded us just how much talent, creativity and commitment exists throughout this industry.”
The CU Times Luminaries Awards were created to recognize the people, credit unions and industry partners that are raising the bar for leadership, innovation and service within the cooperative financial services industry. Rather than focusing solely on organizational size or financial performance, the program highlights measurable impact, creative problem-solving, leadership and efforts that strengthen credit unions and the communities they serve.
“We spend the entire year reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing credit unions, so the Luminaries Awards give us a chance to recognize the people who are actually responding to those challenges,” said Michael Ogden, CU Times Senior Director of Content Experience & Strategy. “We loved reading these submissions, and now we’re excited to bring this group together, celebrate the finalists and reveal this year’s winners in Orlando.”
The 2026 CU Times Luminaries Awards winners will be announced during the annual Luminaries Gala on Nov. 5, 2026, at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The event will bring together finalists, credit union executives and industry leaders for an evening celebrating the people and organizations helping move the credit union movement forward.
About Credit Union Times
Credit Union Times is an independent source of news, analysis and strategic intelligence for credit union leaders and professionals. Through its journalism, research, multimedia programming, events and CU Times PRO membership, CU Times provides industry leaders with the information and insights they need to understand change, make informed decisions and better serve their organizations, members and communities.
About Arizona Financial Credit Union
Arizona Financial is a leading $3.9 billion not-for-profit financial institution, serving over 185,000 member-owners. Founded in 1936, we’re dedicated to empowering individual consumers and small business owners with innovative financial solutions. From leading-edge mobile apps and self-service tools to competitive rates and comprehensive lending options, we’re committed to simplifying banking. Forbes and Newsweek have recognized us as one of America’s best credit unions for 2025 and 2026. We’re proud to be an active community partner, supporting local venues like the Live Nation Theatre and providing grants to community nonprofits through Arizona Financial Foundation. With 20 branches across Arizona and access to a nationwide network of branches and ATMs through the CO-OP network, we’re always within reach. Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA. Visit ArizonaFinancial.org.