HARAHAN, La.— Anne Cochran, CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League, announce she will retire at the end of the league’s fiscal year. The announcement came during the LCUL’s Annual Meeting & Convention here.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Cochran’s career in the credit union movement spans more than 40 years.
“She began her career with LCUL in 1995 at the lowest point in the association’s history,” the LCUA said. “Today, the Louisiana CU League remains strong, with more than $4 million in reserves and a 92% affiliation rate.”
“Anne came to the Louisiana League at a critical time for our movement. The league was fighting for survival. Because of her passion, knowledge and leadership, the League has emerged as a financially sound organization and one of the most respected trade associations,” said LCUL Board Chairman Glen Beard in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to work side by side with such an influential force in the movement.”
In a statement, the LCUL said Cochran’s tenure has been highlighted by several legislative victories that advanced credit unions while attracting record contributions and fundraising activities for political advocacy. She was instrumental in developing a number of products, services and programs for credit unions in Louisiana. Under her leadership, 26 credit unions united and invested more than $2 million to create the Louisiana’s CU Cooperative Branching Network, a successful cooperative that has a pivotal role in today’s credit union daily operations. Additionally, she developed the Louisiana Credit Union Foundation, established to provide financial assistance for statewide disaster relief efforts for credit union employees as well as professional development opportunities for small credit unions, the league said.
First Female Chair of WOCCU
In 2015, Cochran was elected the first female Chair of the Board of Directors for the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the leading international trade association for credit unions. Prior to this, Cochran served for WOCCU in many capacities. A frequent speaker at international credit union meetings, she tirelessly volunteered her time to help international credit unions grow and prosper. Her efforts included forging partnerships between Louisiana credit unions and credit unions from Africa and Russia so that they, too, could establish strong institutions in their countries. Because of Cochran, many of these relationships are still alive today.
Cochran has served on numerous industry-related boards and committees throughout her career. A recipient of numerous awards, she was recognized with the National Credit Union Foundation’s Anchor Award in 2006 for her “strength, perseverance and leadership in helping credit unions recover from Hurricane Katrina.” In 2011, she was inducted into the Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame. Her local commitment and international accomplishments earned her recognition not only once, but twice as one of the Top 50 Women of the Year by New Orleans’ CityBusiness.
'Found My Calling'
“From the moment my credit union journey began, I knew I had found my calling. As time went by, it became a significant part of who I am. I am extremely humbled by the opportunities I was afforded and the experiences it created. Most importantly, I’m eternally grateful for the relationships that were formed. We’ve built something special here in Louisiana and I’m proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you for allowing me stand by your side in fighting the good fight all these years. While I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren, I will forever hold my credit union family near and dear to my heart,” commented Cochran.
The LCUL board said it will conduct a national search for a new CEO.