CU Professionals Recognized as International Executive Volunteer Corps Members

Madison, WI—World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. recently welcomed nine credit union professionals into its International Executive Volunteer Corps (IEVC) in recognition of their international volunteer service with World Council.

Members of the IEVC are affiliated with World Council's International Partnerships and Supporters programs and have demonstrated at least a three-year commitment to furthering World Council's efforts in international credit union development. Each member has engaged in three or more volunteer assignments abroad and hosted at least four international visitor internships.

"The enthusiasm and creativity of World Council volunteers help us take a fresh look at old problems," said Brian Branch, World Council COO. "Their involvement brings a great sense of camaraderie and connection across borders, which helps people in countries where we're working have greater sense of a larger community."

World Council recognized the following volunteers as new IEVC members: Bill Raker, president and CEO, US Federal Credit Union; Dana Hofmann-Geye, executive vice president and general counsel, Minnesota Credit Union Network; Sarah Turner, vice president of credit union development, Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association; Rick Myxter, senior planning consultant, Pennsylvania Credit Union Association; Kasey Rockwell, director of credit union advocacy, Credit Union Association of Oregon; Kathy Chartier, president and CEO, Members Credit Union; John Florian, vice president government affairs, Ohio Credit Union League; Barbara Pogue, vice president of corporate affairs and accreditation, National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS); David Low, federal director of audit and compliance, OSU Federal.

Before establishing its volunteer program, World Council relied solely on donor funding and its staff to provide technical support to the international credit union system. Now World Council Supporters not only provide valuable financial assistance but gain international development experience through their volunteer service to the worldwide movement.

"We are grateful for the valuable experience and willing participation of these professionals, which have enabled World Council not only to spread the credit union philosophy but to deliver technical knowledge that enables credit unions around the world to best serve their members and communities," said Pete Crear, World Council CEO.

Last year's inaugural members were: Mary Martha Fortney, NASCUS; Anne Cochran, Louisiana Credit Union League; Carlos Calderón, OAS Staff Federal Credit Union; Marcus Schaefer, Truliant Federal Credit Union; Linda Webb-Mañon, Texas Credit Union League (TCUL); Richard Ensweiler, TCUL; Pat Bodnar, Arizona Credit Union League; Letty Cordon-Hernandez, California Credit Union League; David Chatfield, formerly with the California Credit Union League; and Kurt Lykins, Corporate One Federal Credit Union.

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 51,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 196 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.