Pete Crear Named As WOCCU CEO

Madison, WI—The World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) proudly announces the appointment of credit union pioneer Pete Crear, former Credit Union National Association (CUNA) executive vice president and chief operating officer, as its new chief executive officer.

Pete will begin his new post in Madison, Wisconsin, WOCCU's headquarters, on June 20, 2005. His first order of business will be meeting with WOCCU member organizations and donor groups. Pete noted, "I am excited to join the World Council of Credit Unions to do what everyone dreams of, making a contribution to the worldwide credit union movement."

L.R. (Bobby) McVeigh, WOCCU board chairman noted, "After an extensive, international, six- month search we are glad to have Pete as the newly appointed CEO. In Crear we believe we have the candidate who will build on the success of the past and ensure a strong future for the organization."

As CUNA's former chief operating officer, Pete oversaw the daily operations of CUNA & Affiliates' offices in Madison, Wisconsin, which provide education and training, publications and web services, research, new product development, and other services for state leagues and credit unions. Pete was also responsible for credit union development, including the Development Educators Program and the National Credit Union Foundation. Most recently, he was CUNA's executive vice president of external relations, serving as the organization's primary contact on the national level for consumer and cooperative groups.

Pete's passion for credit unions spans the last 40 years. Before joining CUNA in September 1990 as senior vice president of Association Services, he was president and CEO of the Indiana Credit Union League. Active in the credit union movement since 1965, he has served as president of the Connecticut Credit Union League, as vice president of Information and Technical Services for the Michigan Credit Union League, and as executive director of the Association of Credit Union League Executives.

Other accomplishments include organizing numerous credit unions serving the urban poor, founding the African-American Credit Union Coalition, and championing a credit union/financial education partnership that has reached over 1,000 American high schools.

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.