Members Exercise their Democratic Credit Union Privileges

By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer

For 77 years, America First members have voted to elect a volunteer Board of Directors to provide strategic and philosophical guidance that ensures our credit union’s safety, soundness, and ongoing ability to deliver financial value.

This democratic exercise takes place at our annual meeting, which was held April 19, 2016 in Ogden, Utah. Joining us were local officials, credit union & industry representatives, and community stakeholders.

Lyle Adams, Chair of the Board Elections Committee, oversaw the balloting, during which America First Directors Barney Chapman, Kenlon Reeve, and Michael Roden were elected to serve three-year terms.

The Board subsequently chose their leadership, with James Wendler taking the role of Chairman, Linda Carver being named Vice Chair, and Mr. Reeve filling the position of Secretary.

Our Board members give tremendously of their time and talents, serving without compensation, to benefit the organization. They are truly dedicated to improving the economic health of each and every member we are fortunate to have.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our volunteers on the Loan Review and Supervisory Committees. The Loan Review Committee meets with members who were initially denied financing. They work to resolve adverse credit situations and find solutions to challenges. The Supervisory Committee works with internal and external examiners to provide fiscal & regulatory review.

In his remarks, Board Chairman Wendler noted his deep appreciation for the generations of families choosing membership in America First, and he congratulated the staff, management, and volunteers for their diligence in meeting your needs in a remarkable fashion, year after year.

Mr. Wendler additionally highlighted another defining characteristic of our organization: the giving nature of those who serve you, our members. He fondly referred to our staff as the fabric of America First and I wholeheartedly agree. We are indeed privileged to have one of the finest, most focused teams in the country.

At the meeting, I was pleased to offer a report regarding America First’s strong performance across key categories in 2015. America First maintains one of the region’s largest branch networks, with 116 locations and more to open in the coming months. Free access to the credit union is available via phone, secure email, or live chat. We foster a robust social and digital media dialogue that informs and engages. Our premier electronic services are nationally recognized for technology, simplicity, and user-friendliness. Our credit union is vibrant and well positioned for the future.

We remain determined to improve our communities & schools and make a meaningful difference in benefitting others. Examples of these efforts include supporting food drives, conducting our Warm the Soles of Kids campaign, contributing to the 100% For Kids Credit Union Education Foundation, making charitable grants through the America First Foundation, supporting children’s hospitals, providing scholarships, and assisting many other worthy causes. Our employees further donate hundreds of personal hours to outreach programs.

I am proud to be a part of America First Credit Union and of the services we provide. We look forward to developing a lifetime relationship with you and your families.