U.S. Navy Honors Navy Federal Chairman with its Highest Civilian Award

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Navy Federal Credit Union honored its Chairman of the Board, VADM John Lockard, USN (Ret.) as the recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest award the Department of the Navy (DON) presents to civilians. The award presented by Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, comes to Adm. Lockard during his 20th year as Chairman for the credit union.

"I am truly humbled to receive such a prestigious award. My service as Chairman has always been about supporting servicemen and women and their families," Lockard said. "I'm proud to say in doing that, we've never lost our culture – first serving the Department of the Navy and now all branches of service including the Coast Guard. We owe them all so much." Lockard accepted the award on behalf of Navy Federal board officials and employees, thanking them for taking care of members over the years.

The Distinguished Public Service award recognizes Chairman Lockard's dedication in meeting the unique financial needs of Navy and Marine Corps personnel, his leadership in expanding the credit union's membership and worldwide branch locations, and his commitment to the overall financial well being of all DON personnel and their families.

"Chairman Lockard is a man of vision and determination," said Cutler Dawson, president & CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union. "Under his leadership, the entire Department of Defense, Coast Guard and their families became part of the Navy Federal family, bringing our membership to over 5 million strong today. He has overseen our expansion of branches nationwide and around the world. He's a true believer in our mission of service and exemplifies it in all he does on behalf of our members."  

Lockard's contributions during his tenure as Chairman were provided entirely as a non-compensated volunteer—a testament to his commitment to military families, and members of Navy Federal Credit Union.

The official award citation reads:

"For exceptionally distinguished service to the Department of the Navy (DON) while serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Navy Federal Credit Union from February 1994 to April 2014. Under his extraordinary leadership during a period of unprecedented growth, Navy Federal Credit Union provided outstanding financial products and services uniquely tailored to meet the needs of Navy and Marine Corps personnel, their families, and DON civilian personnel. During his 20 year tenure as Chairman, Vice Admiral Lockard oversaw the expansion of Navy Federal's field of membership to ensure that all personnel affiliated with the DON and their families were eligible to enjoy the benefits of membership in the world's largest credit union. As a result, over 4.5 million DON affiliated personnel are now members of Navy Federal Credit Union. Under his guidance, Navy Federal increased the number of branches worldwide to 245, including 34 overseas and 73 on military installations, to ensure unfettered access to the credit union for all Sailors and Marines. With grateful appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the Nation and the Navy and Marine Corps, Vice Admiral John A. Lockard is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award."

About Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union is the world's largest credit union with $60 billion in assets, 5 million members, 253 branches, and a workforce of over 12,000 employees worldwide. The credit union serves all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, civilian, and contractor personnel and their families. For additional information about Navy Federal, visit www.navyfederal.org.

Contact: Jessica Jewell
Corporate Communications
Phone: (703) 206-4847
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Navy Federal Credit Union