HARAHAN, LA (February 3, 2021) —
It’s the end of an era as Louisiana’s Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC) announced the appointment of Lawoka Bolden as its new Chair. Bolden succeeds Sidney Parfait, the driving force behind Louisiana’s overwhelming success in political fundraising.
With over 35 years in the credit union movement, Parfait’s leadership has made him an industry icon. In 1996, he became the CEO of Post Office Employees CU in Metairie, LA and has been a long-time member of the Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) Board of Directors, currently serving as Chair.
Parfait demonstrated that a little understanding and education can go a long way, insisting that everyone know the importance of CULAC regardless of their role at the credit union. In 2002, he singlehandedly spearheaded the inception of Louisiana’s CULAC program. Under Parfait’s leadership, engagement in CULAC skyrocketed and Louisiana’s fundraising goals were exceeded year after year. It is because of his leadership and persistence that Louisiana soared past goals that many thought were unreachable, elevating Louisiana’s reputation and giving the state a voice in the national conversation.
“It has been a great honor to have served as Chair of such a strong PAC with an even stronger grassroots participation,” said Parfait. “I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together. We’ve built one of the most successful programs in the country and I’m confident in Lawoka’s ability to grow and expand our impact.”
Lawoka Bolden, CULAC committee member since 2006, started with First Pioneers in 1999 and was later named CEO in 2003, moving the credit union from a $22 million single location to a $52 million credit union with two branches. Lawoka currently serves on LCUL’s Board of Directors as well as the CU Cooperative Branching (CUCB) Board of Directors.
Commenting on her appointment, Bolden said, “I am deeply humbled to represent CULAC as the next Chair. I look forward to leveraging our past success and maintaining the high standards we’ve set for ourselves. We’ll continue to prove that although small in size, Louisiana is committed to exceeding all expectations.”
“On behalf of the board and the employees here at the League, we are deeply grateful to Sidney for his vision, dedication, and passion which led to such monumental success and impact,” Bob Gallman, LCUL President/CEO stated. “I am excited for what the future holds under Lawoka’s leadership. I have no doubt that her deep knowledge of CULAC and recognized leadership will be a huge asset.”
The Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) is a nonprofit, professional trade association that exists to serve credit unions in Louisiana. LCUL is dedicated, through cooperation, to promote, protect and perpetuate the credit union movement. For additional information, visit www.lcul.com.
Angela Melle
Sr. Director, Communications & Education
(800) 452-7221, ext. 3007
