ST. JOSEPH — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) Vice President of Operations Jeff Curry has been named the 2015 Credit Union Community Volunteer of the Year by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF).

The award recognizes a credit union employee or member who possesses a history of exemplary volunteer service outside of the credit union system.

“We are extremely proud of Jeff,” said UFCU President/ CEO Gary Easterling. “He deserves to be recognized. Not only is Jeff a top performer while on the job but he gives 100 percent of himself to the community as a volunteer as well.”

Co-workers nominated Curry and the submission was augmented by letters of support from community leaders who hailed his propensity for community service. Curry has volunteered with numerous Southwest Michigan nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years.

“Jeff devotes substantial time and energy to serving the community at large,” said Michigan Gateway Community Foundation President/CEO Rob Habicht. “Even if he is already serving on other boards and committees, he doesn’t hesitate to take on additional tasks for the good of the community. I have never heard him turn down a request for help.”

Currently, Curry is the board president of both the Lake Michigan College Foundation and the Fun Financial Literacy Institute. He is the current treasurer and past president of the Niles Community School District Board of Education.

Curry serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation’s Buchanan Area Fund, and is a committee chairman for Michigan’s Great Southwest Strategic Leadership Council and the Kinexus Bridge Academy.

He is a former board member and campaign chair for United Way of Southwest Michigan, and past president of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA and the Buchanan Lions Club.

Curry credits his late parents for inspiring his love of public service. His father, Roger Curry, was the long-time director of the Twin Cities Area Chamber of Commerce in St. Joseph. His mother, Shirley, was a candy striper and volunteered in politics.

“Growing up, I had a strong sense of community and always knew that I was expected to help people who needed it, no matter who they were,” Curry said. “I was fortunate to grow up in southwest Michigan and that is something I will never take for granted.”

A native of St. Joseph, Curry earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kalamazoo College.

He and his wife Diane reside in Niles.