Gary Parker Inducted Into the Cornerstone Hall of Fame
Plano, Texas, April 05, 2024 – Cornerstone celebrated visionary leader, Gary D. Parker, as a recipient of a prestigious award for his exceptional contributions, support of and dedication to advancing the credit union movement. Parker was honored during Cornerstone’s IMPACT: Annual Meeting Conference on April 4 in Kansas City, Mo., along with other organization and individual award winners.
Parker was inducted into Cornerstone’s Hall of Fame, a lifetime achievement recognition created to honor those in the credit union movement who reflect a history of service to credit unions.
2024 Hall of Fame Inductee: Gary D. Parker With a career spanning four decades, Parker's journey embodies the spirit of service and leadership. Beginning as a part-time teller at Bison Federal Credit Union while still a teen, Parker soon became the youngest credit union manager in Oklahoma at the age of 20. After 14 years at Bison FCU, he led First Family Federal Credit Union and in 1996, took the helm at what is now 1st University Credit Union in Texas. He remained at 1st University for three decades. Under Parker’s leadership, the credit union thrived.
Parker's influence earned him acclaim as a selfless servant, visionary, and mentor within the credit union community. He was elected to serve on the chapter level and regionally on the boards of the state credit union leagues. He co-founded Cornerstone’s Southwest Lending and Collections Conference and had such an impact that a young professional’s scholarship was created in his name so young leaders could attend the conference at a low cost.
“Gary Parker is a beloved leader whose legacy will impact leaders for many years, thanks to his dedication to the credit union movement,” said Caroline Willard, president/CEO of Cornerstone League. “We at Cornerstone are honored to induct Gary into the 2024 Hall of Fame.”
Nationally, he served on America’s Credit Unions (then Credit Union National Association) Small Credit Union Committee and on a National Credit Union Administration panel exploring corporate credit unions. His guidance led to impactful policy changes, strengthening corporate credit unions. His accomplishments over his career earned him recognition as Credit Union Management School’s Alumnus of the Year, nearly four decades after he graduated.
Parker retired from 1st University in 2023.
About the Hall of Fame
Nominees are selected for their service within their own credit union and for achievements that have benefited many credit unions. Hall of Fame inductees have been key players in organizing and running credit unions and contributed to the movement on a local, regional, national, and/or international level.