Michael Edwards Joins World Council of Credit Unions Staff

New Position Stresses Increased Emphasis on Global Advocacy

MADISON, Wis. — Michael Edwards has been named chief counsel and vice president for advocacy and governmental affairs for World Council of Credit Unions. The newly created position is designed to more effectively address the growing global advocacy needs of World Council's member organizations.

"A key purpose of World Council is to advocate on behalf of its members," said World Council President and CEO Brian Branch. "Michael Edwards brings significant experience and a high level of capabilities to this position, which will help us better serve our members' advocacy needs."

Prior to his current appointment, Edwards was senior assistant general counsel for Credit Union National Association in Washington, D.C., and served in a volunteer capacity on a number of World Council assignments. He was also editor of the American Bar Association's Administrative Law Review.

Edwards earned his juris doctor from the American University Washington College of Law, a master's degree in international development from the School of International Service at American University and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania. He joins World Council's Washington D.C.-based staff.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU 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. WOCCU 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.

WOCCU has implemented more than 275 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 53,000 credit unions in 100 countries serve 188 million people. Learn more about WOCCU's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.