Ron Amstutz, Executive Vice President of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union was named the 2011 'Executive of the Year' by the Heart of Business Awards. Amstutz was selected for this award because of his continued dedication to volunteerism and making a difference in the Greater Phoenix community. This is his second time being nominated for his efforts and his first win in this category.

The Heart of Business Awardsare hosted each year to recognize businesses and executives who have made positive contributions to the Phoenix area community. Volunteerism is recognized as a key component in many companies' philanthropic and community affairs programs, the awards honor businesses throughout the Metro Phoenix area using a growing number of methods to support, encourage, coordinate and facilitate the volunteer efforts of their employees. Award categories include community stewardship, volunteer program of the year, outstanding company project and volunteer executive of the year.

The Volunteer Executive of the Year is named each year to recognize an executive who demonstrates personal participation in employee volunteer programs and encourages, fosters and supports employee volunteerism within the company. Nominee evaluation extends to company policies in place that support volunteerism in the community and how leaders engage their employees to get involved.

"It's very important to me to give back to those who need help." Amstutz continued, "I've always believed that you just have to make the time to give to those causes that are really important to you. Being recognized with this award is a great honor, and I certainly feel a great deal of satisfaction for giving back to those in need, but for me, it's more about doing what I love."

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union has built its foundation
on a fundamental passion for lending a personal hand toward positive change.

"We really believe that our success is directly connected to our demonstrated ability to help individuals and their families achieve a better quality of life.” Susan Frank, President and CEO of Desert Schools said. “Ron has been instrumental in the role that Desert Schools has continued to play in the community since he joined our team more than 13 years ago. We couldn't think of a more dedicated, deserving person to recognize for all of the good they've done throughout this community and for playing such a large role in shaping the philanthropic efforts of our organization."

The Arizona mortgage loan and credit union encourages its employees to get involved in that same spirit. Desert Schools' dedicated employee volunteers are active throughout the community as members of the credit union's 'CommuniTeam', which offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents on community projects. In 2010, 47% of Desert Schools' employees participated in community projects, volunteering 2,612 hours for 117 community projects.

Desert Schools also remained committed to giving back financially in 2010 and coordinated fundraising efforts with employees, vendors and partners to give over $700,000 to organizations such as Phoenix Children's Hospital and Valley of the Sun United Way. The credit union also awarded $20,000 in scholarships through its annual Community Service Scholarship program.

Desert Schools also supports the Children's Miracle Network (CMN)--a non-profit organization that helps save and improve the lives of children. A charity golf tournament to benefit the Children's Miracle Network through Credit Unions for Kids was established in 1998 by Ron Amstutz and will hold its 14th event in March 2012. In the Phoenix area, the Children's Miracle Network funds the 1 Darn Cool School program, which provides in-hospital classes for kids in K-12, at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.