Northern Star Credit Union Chairman Joseph M. Taylor was recently named first runner-up for the National Director of the Year award presented by National Center for Credit Unions.

The award was presented in Las Vegas, Nev.

&uot;It’s an honor to receive the award, but greater still that it was given by people in the credit union movement who are leaders,&uot; said Taylor. &uot;I’m also delighted to be honored for my passion for credit unions and what they stand for.&uot;

Taylor, a 29-year volunteer on the Northern Star Credit Unions’ Board of Directors, was nominated for his strength in guiding the credit union during two difficult times. He was also nominated by his credit union because of his vision and ability to mediate difficulties with the membership.

Roger E. Early is President and CEO of Northern

Star Credit Union. He said that

Taylor’s career of service, dedication and commitment is an example of the standard of exemplary volunteer service and serves as a beacon for the fundamental purpose of a credit union.

Taylor is a native of Conway, N.C. and graduated from Conway High School. He began his career with Northern Star Credit Union in June 1973 and became the chairman in 1984. He has been voted as chair unanimously ever since. When Taylor joined Northern Star, it had assets of 4.7 million dollars. Today, the credit union has assets of more than $92 million.

Taylor is married to the former Kathleen Burgess of Conway, N.C.

They have two children, Joseph Jr. of

Suffolk and one daughter, Amy Taylor Hatfield, also of

Suffolk, and five grandchildren. The Taylors reside at 4516 Exeter Dr.