William "Bill" IsaacAFDICA's 2026 Life Long Achievement Awardee
Association of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alumni, Inc. The By-Laws of the Association of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alumni, Inc. (AFDICA) allow the recognition of life-long or career achievements of outstanding current or former FDIC employees and their commitment to service to their country. There are separate award categories for living and posthumous awardees. Award candidates demonstrate life long achievements in at least 2 of the four areas: financial education, charity, fellowship and dedication to public service. Further, the award is meant to be membership driven. Therefore, nominations must be put forward by 2 individuals - one of which cannot be a current Board member. On October 16, 2026, during AFDICA's annual meeting, AFDICA President Philip Masquelette presented the Association's 2026 Life Long Achievement award to William "Bill" Isaac. Attributes and Achievements of the Awardee The Association of FDIC Alumni, Inc. (AFDICA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Lifelong Career Achievement Award posthumously to William “Bill” Isaac. Bill passed away on June 19, 2026. Bill was an AFDICA Lifetime member addressed the membership at the 2024 AFDICA Annual Meeting and in a small fellowship gathering in Tampa, Florida. William “Bill” Isaac served as Chairman of the FDIC during one of the most important and tumultuous periods in US banking history. Some 3,000 banks and thrifts failed during the 1980s, including Continental Illinois and nine of the ten largest banks in Texas. In addition to the failures of many of the largest regional banks throughout the US, most of the money center banks in the US were on the watch list due in large part to the enormous amount of loans on their books to less developed countries. President Carter appointed Bill Isaac to the FDIC board in 1978. He was confirmed by the Senate at the age of 34. President Reagan named him FDIC Chairman two years later, making him the youngest FDIC board member and Chairman in history. Bill Isaac also served as Chairman of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (1983-85), as a member of the Depository Institutions Deregulation Committee (1981–85), and on the Vice President’s Task Group on Regulation of Financial Services (1984). After his tenure as FDIC Chairman ended in late 1985, Bill Isaac founded The Secura Group, a leading consulting firm, which he sold in 2008. Bill served as Chairman of Secura/Isaac Group, the preeminent strategic advisor to financial institutions, non-banks, FinTech firms, central banks, and domestic and international regulatory agencies. Bill is the author of Senseless Panic: How Washington Failed America with a foreword by legendary former FederaReserve Chairman Paul Volcker. Bill deeply believed in sharing the knowledge accumulated over a lifetime in banking and public service. He continued to write, speak, teach, advise, and participate in discussions on banking policy, financial stability, regulation, and lessons from earlier financial crises. That commitment made Bill a natural and valued member of the broader FDIC alumni community. He understood that service to the FDIC/RTC creates a bond that extends beyond one's years at the Corporation—a continuing responsibility to preserve its history, share its lessons, support former colleagues, and strengthen public understanding of the FDIC's mission. In honoring Bill, AFDICA recognizes not only one of the most consequential leaders in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's history, but also a man who, throughout his life, continued to give back—to his profession, his universities, charitable organizations, his colleagues, and his country. William M. Isaac exemplified a fundamental principle of public service: leadership is measured not only by what one accomplishes while in office, but also by the institutions one strengthens, the people one helps, the knowledge one passes forward, and the legacy one leaves for those who follow. Past Recipients: The 2018 recipient was Dwight Hills Wilson II, Chief of the Transportation Unit in DOA at headquarters - posthumous award. The 2019 recipient was Andrew C “Skip” Hove, Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the FDIC - posthumous award.. The 2020 recipients were Mitchell Glassman, Douglas H. Jones and Robert W. Mooney - posthumous award for Mr. Mooney. The 2021 recipient was Dr. Richard Brown, Chief Economist - posthumous award. The 2022 recipients were Lesylee Hodge and Norman Neece The 2023 recipients were John F. Bovenzi, Bill Dudley, Martha Duncan, Maggie Thompson, and William R. Watson The 2024 recipients were Victoria C. Garzione, Roger Alan Hood, Vincent E. Moore, Len Samowitz, Steven A. Seelig, and Robert F. Storch The 2025 recipients were Arleas Upton Kea, Janet R. Kincaid, Frederick (Fred) Scott Selby, and Martha Solt updated 10/17/2026
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William "Bill" Isaac