ROANOKE, VA (August 1, 2016) — Member One Federal Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Roanoke, VA, announced today that Eugene (Gene) L. Butler, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, has retired after 64 years of service.
When Butler joined the Board in 1952, the credit union was operating under its original name of Norfolk & Western Federal Credit Union. During his long and distinguished service, Butler has witnessed many significant events—rebrandings, acquisitions, changes in leadership, operational and geographic growth—but says that the core values of now-Member One Federal Credit Union remain unchanged.
“This credit union was founded on the principal of people helping people,” said Butler. “Over the several decades that have passed since we were originally chartered, I’m delighted that Member One remains true to those values. More than that, I know the credit union will continue that philosophy well into future decades.”
A native of Roanoke, Butler was educated at Jefferson High School and went on to gain a BA in Economics at Emory & Henry College in Emory, VA. His education was interrupted between high school and college by a stint in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946.
After returning from military service, Butler joined the staff of Norfolk & Western Railroad, where he became Director of Property Taxation until his retirement in 1987.
Butler has been named Director Emeritus, and the vacancy on the Board will be filled by Matt Huff, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group and current Associate Director of the Board.
Chairman of the Board, A. Wilson Potts, Jr. is delighted that Butler will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.
“Gene has been an absolutely invaluable resource in his leadership role on the Board,” said Potts. “Over many years, I and my fellow directors have come to rely on his astute and sage advice. He has always had the best interest of Member One, its employees, and our members at heart, and I hope we will be able to rely on his insight for many years to come in his new role.”
Those sentiments are shared by Frank Carter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Member One.
“Gene’s contributions to the credit union have been immense,” said Carter. “His commitment to the financial health of our members is extraordinary.”
Carter continued, “On a personal note, I have been privileged to be the recipient of Gene’s counsel in matters of business leadership.”
Butler will continue to serve on various committees at Virginia Heights Baptist Church, and is looking forward to devoting more time to traveling and golf.
“It is with mixed feelings that I relinquish my position as Vice Chairman of the Board,” admitted Butler. “While I look forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying personal pursuits, I will miss the regular interaction with my fellow Board members and the employees of Member One.”
Butler summed up his lengthy experience as a Board member thus: “I was honored to be asked to join the Board back in 1952, and I’m honored beyond measure to have been part of the leadership of Member One for more than six decades.”
Member One Federal Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial institution serving the needs of its communities for 81 years. Member One is headquartered in Roanoke, VA and serves over 147,000 members, is more than $1.5 billion in assets, operates 15 branch facilities, a Real Estate and Business Service Center, and a national ATM network. For more information, visit memberonefcu.com.
Lynn Church
VP Brand Marketing
Phone: 540-982-8811 Ext.9947
C: 540-525-2795
lchurch@memberonefcu.com
