ANNUAL MEETING

 
Every year credit union volunteers, officials, CEOs and guests from Rhode Island come together for the state’s largest credit union gathering. The reasons that this Annual Meeting draws so many attendees are almost as varied as the people who attend.

Credit Union Association of Rhode Island 77^th Annual Meeting honors Director Joan Saunders’ 40 years of service 

More than 100 credit union representatives from Rhode Island gathered for the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island’s (Association) 77^th Annual Meeting and Get Together Dinner on Wednesday, May 11 at Metacomet Country Club in East Providence. Attendees heard reports from numerous Association committees as well as Chairman Stephen White and President Daniel F. Egan, Jr. They also heard from special guest speakers including; Ian Shephard, Global Ambassador, Special Olympics Rhode Island and his Dad Michael; Marcia Sarrazin, associate regional director of programs, National Credit Union Administration; and Lori Valentini, sales executive, CUNA Mutual Group. 

At the annual meeting, three directors were re-elected to three year terms: Ellen Ford, president/CEO, People’s Credit Union; Eugene Leco, president/CEO, Kent Hospital Federal Credit Union; and Stephen White, president/CEO, Westerly Community Credit Union. Also elected to the board for three year terms were James Irving, president, Greenwood Credit Union and Kenneth Saunders, president/CEO, Community & Teachers Federal Credit Union.

Four credit unions celebrating anniversaries in 2011 were recognized: 65 Years – Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union and Rhode Island Credit Union; 50 Years – Blackstone River Federal Credit Union and Community & Teachers Federal Credit Union.

At the Annual Meeting, Director Joan Saunders, who did not seek re-election, was honored as a retiring director and recognized for her more than 40 years of service to her credit union, the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Joan served as the first woman Chairman of the Rhode Island Credit Union League and served two terms as Vice Chairman of CUNA. Her passion for credit unions is displayed by her years of service on the local, state, and national level. Chairman Steve White noted, “We are all proud to have worked alongside Joan in her many endeavors to help the credit union community.” Chairman White presented Joan with a token of appreciation from the Association for her many years of service.

First Vice Chairman Ellen Ford presented Chairman Steve White with a special outgoing Chairman gift and thanked him for his leadership in the past two years. 

During dinner, guests were entertained by the voice of Frank Sinatra as Steve Kazlauskas performed “Ol’ Blue Eyes’” famous songs of yesteryear. David Root from Root & Associates closed the evening with a special Sinatra song “You Make Me Feel So Young” and dedicated it to Joan.

The board re-organized and elected the following officers: Chairperson:  Ellen N. Ford – President/CEO, People’s Credit Union; 1^st Vice Chairman:  David B. Suvall – President, Rhode Island Credit Union; 2^nd Vice Chairman:  Joseph J. Cicione, III – President/CEO, Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union; Treasurer:  James M. Irving – President, Greenwood Credit Union; and Secretary:  Eugene V. Leco – President/CEO, Kent Hospital Federal Credit Union.