A Direct Line Blog

By Donya Parrish, MCU VP – Risk Management

We had a terrific gathering at the Power Up in Helena last week! One of the best parts of it was seeing the award winners during our banquet Wednesday night, including the newly celebrated Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year award winner — Con Malee, board chair at Southwest Montana Community FCU.

He joins a long list of previous winners who were all deserving of this special recognition. Don’t just take my word for it. Here is the script that announced his award that night:

Volunteer leadership is a foundational value of credit unions — rooted in the belief that organizations are strongest when guided by individuals who freely give their time, expertise, and passion in service to others. Volunteer board members, in particular, play a vital role in shaping direction, ensuring accountability, and keeping people at the heart of every decision.

Tonight, we recognize someone who embodies that spirit in the truest sense.

This year’s recipient of the Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year award is a powerful example of what volunteer leadership looks like at its very best.

For more than a decade, Con has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to making a difference. His approach to service is not passive — it’s active, thoughtful, and deeply impactful. He steps in where needed, takes on complex challenges, and helps guide organizations forward with clarity and purpose.

Over the years, he has played a key role in major organizational milestones—helping expand reach, guiding leadership transitions, and supporting strategic growth. These are the kinds of contributions that don’t just solve today’s challenges — they shape the future.

But what truly distinguishes Con is how he leads.

He leads with collaboration — bringing people together and building trust. He leads with encouragement — recognizing the efforts of others and lifting those around him. And he leads with humility — never seeking recognition, but always showing up to do the work.

His commitment extends far beyond a single organization. Deeply engaged in the broader community, he consistently gives his time to causes that support and uplift others. His impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal.

Con is always learning, always building relationships, and always looking for ways to strengthen the organizations and communities he serves.

What stands out most is his genuine compassion. He leads with kindness, integrity, and a sincere desire to help others succeed. His legacy is not only in what he has accomplished, but in the people he has supported, the trust he has built, and the example he has set.

This is what volunteer leadership is all about.

Please join me in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Mitch Reed Volunteer of the Year Award…

Con Malee

Congratulations, Con! We are proud to honor you and look forward to your continued dedication to the credit union movement in Montana. And, for those of you realizing you know someone who might be worthy of this recognition, I have good news — we will honor another recipient next year, but only if you get those nominations in!