BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Regions Bank today announced that Ryan Pikunis, a branch manager in Orlando, Fla., is the April 2016 recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to a Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance as well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community.
While members of the Orlando community know Pikunis as a highly dedicated volunteer, his customers and fellow associates now know him as a lifesaver thanks to his quick response when a customer recently collapsed outside his branch.
Pikunis, a trained volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician since the age of 16, began CPR on the customer, who had gone into cardiac arrest.
“I started compressions and directed my Regions team to dial 911 for assistance,” Pikunis said.
Pikunis continued CPR for 15 minutes until emergency crews arrived.
“I’m glad my quick actions and training helped revive the customer,” he added.
Doctors said the man would not have survived without Pikunis’ help.
Serving others is how Pikunis lives out his passion for giving back and touching lives.
“I strive to make a difference and help my community wherever I can,” he said. “Hopefully, if I keep that in focus, my example will rub off on others and inspire them to help someone, too.”
In addition to the Better Life Award recognition, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Pikunis chose Give Kids the World Village, a 79-acre, nonprofit resort in Orlando that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Pikunis volunteers at the village at least one day each month.
“I welcome guests to the village’s Gingerbread House for family breakfast and lunch, aiding with any special needs they may have,” Pikunis said. “I also provide recommendations to local vacation attractions and answer any questions to make sure they have the best possible time while they are here.
“It’s rewarding to volunteer in a place where we bring happiness to families and help them experience lasting vacation memories.”
A video illustrating Pikunis’ community service and professional dedication can be viewed on the Regions Financial YouTube channel.
About The Better Life Award
The Better Life Award is presented monthly to a Regions associate who lives the company’s mission to make life better for customers, associates and the communities Regions serves, and who is an example of the company’s values:
- Put People First
- Do What Is Right
- Focus On Your Customer
- Reach Higher
- Enjoy Life
Regions associates are nominated for the award by their managers and peers. Regions Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Grayson Hall honors recipients at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., at a meeting broadcast to offices throughout the communities Regions serves. In addition to the recognition, associates who earn the Better Life Award receive an additional week of vacation, a crystal award, and a $1,000 donation is made in their name to the non-profit organization of their choice.