CUNA has confirmed receipt of three nominations for the Board elections. The deadline for nominations and seconds is Nov. 6.  In contested elections, voting will begin Nov. 12 and close Dec. 18.  

Nomination information can be found on the CUNA Website.

The confirmed nominations are:

• Elizabeth A. Hayes, president/CEO, Infinity FCU, Westbrook, Maine (District 1, Class A);
• Tony C. Budet, president/CEO of University FCU, Austin, Texas (Class C); and
• Charles Elliott, President/CEO, Mississippi CU Association, Jackson, Miss.

There are eight director positions on CUNA’s board of directors with terms to expire in 2020, as follows:

• District 1—Connecticut, Maine Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands:
  • Class A:  Credit unions having less than 38,000 natural-person members.
• District 2—Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia:
  • Class B: Credit unions having at least 38,000 but not more than 141,000 natural-person members.
• District 4—Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin:
  • Class A:  Credit unions having less than 38,000 natural-person members.
• District 6—Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Midway Atoll, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Atoll:
  • Class B: Credit unions having at least 38,000 but not more than 141,000 natural-person members.

Two Class C and two Class D positions are also up for election.  Elections for Class C (credit unions having more than 141,000 natural-person members) and Class D (leagues) will be conducted at-large nationwide, rather than by district. 

Earlier this month, CUNA’s Recruitment Committee began recruiting for certain open positions within the CUNA Board of Directors. This marks the first time the trade association has actively sought candidates for Board seats in which incumbents are not seeking re-election. 

Those positions are for the District 1, Class A seat and one of the Class C seats.  In alignment with international cooperative values, which are rooted in democratic control, the CUNA Board of Directors continues to accept self-nominated candidates. 

To view the current CUNA Board of Directors, click 2019 CUNA Board of Directors.

Each credit union nominee must be an employee or a voting board member of the nominating credit union, with the nomination seconded in writing by at least two other credit unions from the same class and, for Class A and B, district.  Nominees to be elected by leagues must be a league chief executive officer and be nominated in writing by that league, with the nomination seconded in writing by at least one other league.

CUNA’s Board has determined that a board candidate should possess certain qualities and characteristics.  The CUNA Board also desires to be diverse and inclusive. The Board considers diversity to encompasses all the characteristics, experiences and cultural influences that make each person unique. 

The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent plays a significant part in the strength of the CUNA Board. Candidates should consider these characteristics, experiences and influences when self-assessing their qualifications for a Board position. 

CUNA’s Board considers these characteristics important in qualified and diverse candidates:

1. Demonstrated commitment and engagement in the CUNA/League System
2. Involvement in their credit union community
3. Proven decision-making skills
4. Demonstrated local, state and national CUNA advocacy experience/efforts
5. Business savvy
6. Communication skills
7. Strategic expertise
8. Dedication to credit union values
9. Leadership skills
10. Demonstrated commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion in professional settings, e.g. qualifications, experience, geography, demographics, etc.

Candidates will have the opportunity to address how they meet these characteristics as they complete their candidate profile form.

Directors elected will take office upon the adjournment of CUNA's Annual General Meeting in Washington, D.C., February 24, 2020, during CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference.