(August 27, 2013) -- The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) conference was held in Detroit, MI, July 31 – August 4, 2013. Motivational speaker and author Walter Bond, a former NBA player with the Detroit Pistons and the Dallas Mavericks was both humorous and motivating as he reminded attendees that “life is a lot like a relay race… and that “No One Can Stop You, But You.” Debbie Matz, NCUA Board Chair was on hand to encourage credit union leaders to see the Agency as there to give assistance and support.
Powerful speakers like Jill Vicente, SVP of Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union challenged the attendees to “rev” up communications with members and the movement via social media with a healthy dose of “how to do it” effectively. Leamon R. Sowell, a local attorney with the law firm of Sowell Law Partners shared insightful comments related to the benefits credit unions can gain by utilizing their “non-profit” status for more than the tax- exemptions.
A high point of the Conference was the recognition of Hubert Hoosman, retired president/CEO of Vantage Credit Union of Bridgeton, MO as the recipient of the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award. Hoosman, was the recent recipient of the 2013 Herb Wegner Award.
Another high point of the Conference was the awarding of scholarships to three college students (Khalif Timberlake, Chidubem Amechi and Aimalohi Imoukhuede) who interned this summer the Credit Union of Atlanta, Securityplus FCU and SECU respectively. Each intern received $2,000 to further their education at Historical Black Colleges and Universities.
AACUC members elected new directors and officers at the Annual Business Meeting. Incumbents Sheilah Montgomery, out-going AACUC Chair and president/CEO of Credit Union of Atlanta; Helen Godfrey-Smith, president/CEO of Shreveport Federal Credit Union were re-elected for three year terms. Ed Presnell, VP of Administrative Services of SRP FCU was elected as a new member to the Board for a three year term.
Lynette Smith, president/CEO of Washington Gas Light FCU will lead the organization as Chair of the Board, Mark Brantley, Chair of Municipal CU of New York was elected Vice-Chair; Timothy Anderson, president/CEO of Government Printing Office FCU will serve as Treasurer and Tonita Webb, SVP/Chief Administrative Officer of Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union is the newly elected Secretary. Others serving on the board are: Bert Hash, president/CEO of MECU of Baltimore; and Barbara Stephens, president/CEO of Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union.