Oregon's Janet Powell, the credit union chief of regulation and supervision for the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), has recently been distinguished with the prestigious 2025 Pierre Jay Award by the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), the organization has announced a professional honor bestowed to individuals who have significantly influenced the state credit union system over the years, said to symbolize outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to both NASCUS and the state system with Powell's remarkable contributions to the sector spanning more than three decades.
Having joined DFR in 1992 and later ascending in 2004, leading Oregon's credit union program, Powell is being praised for nurturing one of the nation's most resilient state charters, a task which she will continue until her retirement in July 2026 as evidenced by the survival of all Oregon state-chartered credit unions she supervised, irrespective of the trials presented by the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, relentlessly inspiring innovation and collaboration that has benefitted countless members tied to these financial cooperatives.
"Janet exemplifies the qualities of leadership, collaboration, and innovation that strengthen the state credit union system," Brian Knight, president and CEO of NASCUS, said, acknowledging her three-decade tenure, "For more than three decades, her work has ensured that Oregon’s credit unions – and the millions of members they serve – have benefited from a safe and resilient charter," according to the official announcement.
DFR Administrator TK Keen commended Powell for being a pillar within the regulatory body and a fervent advocate of state credit unions Powell’s innovative oversight approaches not only enriched financial institutions but translated directly into benefits for members he noted.
