RALEIGH, N.C.– The North Carolina House of Representatives has proposed appointing several credit union leaders to key boards and commissions.
According to the Carolinas Credit Union League, the appointments, which are included in the General Assembly’s proposed appointments bill, Senate Bill 915, include:
- To the North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board: Beth Eller, SVP-mortgage lending, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Clemmons, N.C.
- To the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency: Lynn Pinter, director of lending, Champion Credit Union, Canton, N.C.
- To the African American Heritage Commission: Jaz Kilpatrick, SVP-impact, Civic Federal Credit Union and Local Government Federal Credit Union, Raleigh, N.C.
Inaugural Members of PLR Board
Separately, the Carolinas Credit Union League (CCUL) appointed seven individuals to serve on the board of PLR, its for-profit subsidiary.
The announcement marks a strategic shift for CCUL and PLR, as it changes its governance structure to separate the League and PLR Boards more clearly, the league said in a statement.
“Our CCUL board, elected by the membership, will continue to focus on policy matters and ensuring that the League is delivering great value through dues-based offerings,” Dan Schline, president and CEO of CCUL, said in a statement. “Our PLR Board will guide the strategic decision making of our for-profit subsidiary as it engages in commercial enterprises that support credit unions and the league.”
According to the league, the PLR Board retains key CCUL leadership positions—including the chair, vice chair, and CEO—each having a seat on the board. In addition, the PLR Board consists of two additional individuals working in a credit union in North Carolina or South Carolina and two at-large positions.
‘Proven Successful’
“The relationship between the league and PLR has proven successful,” LaTasha Cooper, chair of the CCUL Board of Directors and member of the PLR board, said in a statement. “We believe the shift in our governance model will support continued success and are thrilled to have such well-qualified and distinguished leaders join the PLR Board.”
The Board Members
Those appointed to serve on the PLR Board include:
- LaTasha Cooper, CCUL Board Chair: Cooper is vice president of lending at SPC Credit Union, overseeing consumer, mortgage, indirect auto, and commercial lending portfolios. “She began her career as an auditor with the SC Credit Union League (now Carolinas Credit Union League) and served in various strategic roles before becoming CEO of Edisto FCU. Cooper holds a B.A. in Accounting from Columbia College, is a Certified Credit Union Development Educator, and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. She serves as chairwoman of the Carolinas Credit Union League Board of Directors and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Hartsville,” the league said.
- Bob Donley, CCUL Board Vice Chair: Donley has led Members Credit Union as president and CEO since 2016, after serving as executive vice president since 1995. “Under his leadership, the credit union has expanded to 17 branches across North Carolina with assets of approximately $430 million, serving over 52,000 members. He has extensive experience in the financial industry, having worked in community banks and savings & loans and served on various industry boards from the League to the N.C. Credit Union Commission. Donley holds numerous professional credentials and is actively involved in his community, serving as the audio/visual team director for his church and as a volunteer golf coach and sports announcer for a local high school.”
- Dan Schline, CCUL President/CEO: Schline, president and CEO of the League since 2018, also serves on the Boards of Advanced Fraud Solutions, the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Schline began his career with the League in 1997 and has held various leadership roles, advancing advocacy and compliance efforts. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he resides in Raleigh with his wife and two sons
- Eric Gelly, Credit Union Executive, president and CEO of Skyla Credit Union since 2022: “Gelly has led the organization through mergers and a major rebranding. Skyla Credit Union boasts assets of approximately $1.57 billion and serves over 103,000 members with branches across NC, SC, VA, and CA. Gelly’s prior roles include president of CUNA Strategic Services and EVP/COO of the Carolinas Credit Union League. He has extensive board experience, having served as board chairman of Advanced Fraud Solutions and executive director of Carolina Credit Union Services. He is deeply involved in his community, enjoying time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities.”
- Thomas Heyden, At-Large PLR Board Member: “Heyden is the chief revenue officer for Driven CU, focusing on building relationships and strategic partnerships. He spent over two decades at CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage) in various sales roles and previously worked for Members Credit Union. A retired U.S. Army Reserve officer with 30 years of service, Heyden holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Elon University. His extensive experience in fintech and financial services makes him an asset to the board.”
- Nikki Pounds, At-Large PLR Board Member: CEO of HR Unequivocally. “Pounds is a seasoned HR executive with over 25 years of experience. She is a speaker, award-winning author, and certified John Maxwell Team coach. Pounds holds various certifications in emotional intelligence, leadership development, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She excels in talent management and organizational culture enhancement, empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their goals.”
- Keith Wilson, Credit Union Executive: “Beginning his career as a loan officer at Founders Federal Credit Union, Wilson advanced to the role of executive vice president at the credit union in 2022. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Winthrop University and is actively involved in his community, serving on several boards including the Anne Springs Close Greenway Board and the Pathways Board of Directors. Founders Federal Credit Union, with over $4 billion in assets and 260,000 members, is one of the largest and most innovative credit unions in the nation. Keith resides in Rock Hill, SC with his wife and two sons.”