At the 2025 CFTEA Leaders Conference, Executive Director Andrew Lederer was honored with the first ever CFTEA North Star Award for Leadership that Inspires. This special recognition celebrates years of steady direction, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the mission of CFTEA.
During a time when small organizations struggled to stay afloat, Andrew guided CFTEA through tremendous change, moving from a physical office to a fully remote environment, strengthening financial reserves to weather future challenges, and establishing a thoughtful succession plan to ensure lasting stability.
Reflecting on the moment, CFTEA Board President Nancy Hines shared,
“This award may feel long overdue, but I think it is also arriving at just the right time. We are now more than five years removed from the monumental event that turned the world, and our industry, upside down. CFTEA adapted, made thoughtful adjustments, and embraced technology so we could continue delivering on our mission. We are so lucky to have a leader who has proven he can rise to any challenge and will do whatever it takes to keep our organization thriving.”Under Andrew’s leadership, CFTEA has continued to grow, evolve, and empower community financial institutions through education that changes lives.
Congratulations, Andrew, on setting the course and keeping CFTEA shining bright. Your leadership continues to be our North Star.
