A Legacy of Servant Leadership: Space Age Credit Union’s LC Williams Honored With Distinguished Director Award

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 4, 2026

Space Age Credit Union's Board Chairman LC Williams received the 2026 GoWest Distinguished Director Award

For 25 years, LC Williams has helped shape the direction of Space Age Credit Union, bringing a deep commitment to member service, thoughtful governance, and the cooperative philosophy of People Helping People. As Chairman of the Board for the past 16 years, Williams has guided the credit union through significant organizational changes while keeping members at the center of every decision. At the GoWest Awards and Gala during MAXX 2026, he received the Distinguished Director Award, recognizing his longstanding service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the Credit Union Movement.

Williams’ influence extends well beyond the boardroom. Drawing on more than 25 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Colonel, and subsequent leadership in the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Senior Executive Service, he brings a wealth of experience to Space Age. His leadership has helped modernize the credit union’s governance, expand its field of membership, and strengthen its ability to serve members. Space Age President and CEO John Uchida described Williams as “one of the most dynamic and inspirational people I have ever known,” crediting his leadership with helping the credit union succeed in a new era.

Leadership That Keeps Members at the Center

Throughout his tenure, Williams has consistently challenged Space Age’s leadership to consider the value of every decision to its members. His familiar question, “What is the value to the members?” serves as a reminder that the credit union’s products, services, and strategic direction must reflect the needs of those it serves. Williams has also championed a more representative Board of Directors, ensuring volunteers have the education and knowledge needed to govern effectively. His emphasis on continuous learning encourages board members to attend industry conferences, training, and credit union events, bringing new ideas back for meaningful discussion.

Under Williams’ board leadership, Space Age has navigated major milestones, including acquiring a like-minded credit union, converting from a federal to a state charter in 2023, and expanding its field of membership to 11 Colorado counties. The credit union has also continued to advance its digital capabilities and product offerings, including the introduction of contactless cards in 2026. Williams’ commitment to member experience is reflected in Space Age’s consistent member satisfaction ratings of more than 98%. “Our Board of Directors, leadership team, and the staff proudly serve as One to deliver the products and services our members want and desire,” Williams said.

A Champion for Credit Union Advocacy

Williams’ leadership also extends to advocacy, where he leverages his relationships with elected officials to educate policymakers about the Credit Union Difference. A regular participant in grassroots events, including Day at the Capitol in Denver and the national Governmental Affairs Conference, Williams works to ensure legislators understand how credit unions serve people across their communities. His ability to build trusted relationships has made him a valuable resource in discussions surrounding legislation that impacts the industry.

That influence was evident during Colorado’s 2024 Day at the Capitol, when former State Senator Janet Buckner invited Williams and the Space Age management team to sit alongside her on the Senate floor. The team shared information about credit unions’ community impact, which Buckner read aloud to fellow senators, emphasizing the importance of ensuring lawmakers understood the Movement’s contributions. Williams has also served as a trusted source for legislators seeking clarity on credit union-related legislation. GoWest Vice President of Legislative Affairs Katie March praised his work, noting that Williams “has developed real relationships with elected officials and has used those relationships to educate and inform on issues impacting credit unions.” March added that he has “moved the needle on active legislation” through meaningful conversations.

Servant Leadership in Action

For Williams, leadership is inseparable from service. His commitment to the People Helping People philosophy began long before his involvement with Space Age, carrying through his military career, public service, family, church, and community. He has dedicated countless hours to supporting local students through an annual golf tournament that raises scholarship funds, coordinating his church’s annual turkey drive and serving as a Deacon. His approach reflects a belief that effective leadership requires compassion, humility, and a genuine commitment to others.

“The DNA of the Credit Union Movement is about ‘people helping people’ and as such, the industry must have leaders who not only lead with this philosophy but live it every single day,” Williams said. He emphasized that credit unions need leaders who foster exceptional service, respect, inspiration, and excellence. “Servant leadership is not only an important quality to have in the Credit Union Movement but it’s an absolute necessity; and now, more than ever,” Williams said.

A Legacy of Service and Inspiration

Receiving the Distinguished Director Award is a source of pride for Williams, who was quick to recognize the team behind the nomination and the collective work of Space Age. “The award truly represents the full Space Age team who are fully dedicated to providing an exceptional member experience through all avenues of service,” he said. His recognition reflects not only his individual contributions but also the culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and member-focused service he has helped cultivate.

Williams’ impact is perhaps most evident in the people he inspires. Uchida credited Williams with providing valuable insight that has helped him become a better leader, while also describing how their friendship has shaped him personally through Williams’ kindness, understanding, and patience. A devoted husband of 40 years, father of three, and grandfather, Williams embodies the values he brings to his credit union and community service. His Distinguished Director Award honors a career defined by putting people first and helping pave a stronger future for Space Age, its members, and the broader Credit Union Movement.

Posted in Leadership, MAXX, Top Headlines.