Credit Unions, Chapters, and Leaders Honored at Cornerstone’s IMPACT Conference

Caroline Willard

Cornerstone honored three visionary leaders at IMPACT 2025: Cornerstone Annual Meeting conference for their exceptional contributions, support of and dedication to advancing the credit union movement.  

Carmela McDermott and Harold Rowe were recognized as Cornerstone’s 2025 Professional of the Year and 2025 Volunteer of the Year, respectively. Robert “Bob” Taylor was inducted posthumously into Cornerstone’s Hall of Fame, a lifetime achievement recognition created to honor individuals who reflect a history of service to credit unions.  

Other recognition included imPACt Advocacy awards, Chapters of the Year, and Pinnacle Marketing Awards.  

Harold Rowe – 2025 Volunteer of the Year 
Harold Rowe, vice-chair of the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, has been honored for his decades of dedicated service and exceptional leadership. Known affectionately as “Mr. Customer Service,” Harold has spent more than 20 years guiding Cy-Fair’s growth and advocating for credit unions at both the state and national levels. Beyond his board service, Harold’s commitment to his community includes volunteering with Meals on Wheels and AARP and a distinguished career in education leadership. His tireless support and passion for helping others exemplify the spirit of credit union volunteerism. 

Carmela McDermott – 2025 Professional of the Year 
Carmela McDermott was recognized for her more than 30 years of service to the credit union movement. From her influence at credit unions (including her current role at Cy-Fair), to her role at Credit Union Resources (now Cornerstone Resources), Carmela has built a reputation for excellence, empathy, and impactful leadership. She is celebrated for her role in fostering talent, uplifting workplace culture, and deepening community engagement. Her colleagues describe her as the heartbeat of the organization—a mentor, motivator, and force for good. 

Robert “Bob” Taylor – 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee 
The late Robert “Bob” Taylor has been posthumously inducted into the 2025 Cornerstone League Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking contributions to the credit union industry. As one of the youngest league presidents in the country, Bob led the Oklahoma Credit Union League with vision and innovation, helping introduce technologies like ATMs and establishing critical services for credit unions. His legacy includes founding multiple credit unions and advocating for legislative advancements that continue to benefit members today. Bob’s enduring belief in people helping people remains a guiding principle for credit unions nationwide. Watch Bob’s video. 

“Today we celebrate the outstanding work happening across our industry. We celebrate the people and credit unions pushing boundaries, solving problems, and making big things happen.  

“Carmela, Harold and Bob show what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and they inspire all of us to reach a little higher,” said Caroline Willard, President/CEO of the Cornerstone League. “They have moved the industry forward by pushing boundaries, solving problems and making big things happen.”

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