In a ceremony on December 5, the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) presented Bill Connor, the President and CEO of America’s First Federal Credit Union (AmFirst), with Birmingham’s Top CEO award for companies with 300 or more employees.
This is the second consecutive year Connor was nominated and his first time winning the award.
In his acceptance speech, Connor attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of AmFirst’s employees: “Our people are what make our credit union strong. It’s part of our culture and DNA to be actively engaged in the communities we serve. It has been the honor of my lifetime to lead this organization.”
Connor’s career at AmFirst, formerly Iron and Steel Credit Union, began in 1980 while attending Birmingham-Southern College. Initially working in the Loan and Auditing departments, he transitioned into key leadership roles after graduation. Over the past 44 years, he has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Ultimately, in March 2011, the Board of Directors named Connor President and CEO.
Under Connor’s leadership, AmFirst has grown to serve over 200,000 members across Alabama and has solidified its reputation as a community-focused credit union. His dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and community engagement has empowered AmFirst to thrive while staying true to its mission of serving its members and communities.
As Connor prepares to retire in March 2025 after 44 years of service, this recognition is a testament to his legacy and profound impact on AmFirst and the credit union industry.
