RALEIGH, N.C. – During the Annual Membership Meeting of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU), the SECU Board of Directors recognized three long-term volunteers who have devoted many years of service to the financial cooperative and its membership. Tom King and David King, who announced their retirement from the SECU Board, were each honored for over 20 years of service as directors. Sam Watson was recognized for five decades of volunteerism, serving in various capacities during his tenure.
Tom King was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1994. He was also the founding Chairman of the SECU Foundation established in 2004. Mr. King always kept the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People®” at the forefront of his decision making on behalf of the CU’s 2.1 million members.
After spending his first ten years of volunteer service on SECU’s Member Loan Review Committee, David King joined the Board of Directors in 1995. A strong believer in North Carolina’s state motto “Esse Quam Videri – to be rather than to seem,” he always made sure that services and programs were put in place to benefit the broader community and lift up the weakest.
Upon receiving recognition, the departing Directors addressed their fellow volunteers, noting that it had been a privilege to serve the cooperative and encouraging the group to carry forward the credit union philosophy on which SECU was founded. Both gentlemen are continuing their mission of service through Emeritus positions on the SECU Foundation Board.
Sam Watson represented and advocated for SECU members through his volunteer roles on branch Advisory Boards and Member Loan Review Committees. Through his many hours of service, Watson provided a voice for all members and helped guide and contribute to the growth of the Credit Union.
SECU Board Chair Cynthia Jolly presented the honorees with framed acknowledgements of their service and noted, “We offer our deepest appreciation to these gentlemen for their many years of dedication to the Credit Union and their fellow members. They are true examples of ‘People Helping People.’”
Separately, despite the lingering effects of Hurricane Matthew, hundreds of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members and member-volunteers rallied in support to attend their cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting in Greensboro, N.C. SECU Board Chair Cynthia Jolly welcomed the crowd, thanking them for their attendance under challenging circumstances and acknowledging support for those unable to attend. The day began with a volunteer luncheon and uplifting, humor-filled presentation by motivational guest speaker Steve Rizzo, followed by volunteer educational sessions on member requested topics.
The afternoon’s General Meeting Session included the election of two new SECU Board of Directors, Mr. Chris Ayers and Ms. Mona Moon, as well as reports by Ms. Jolly, new SECU President Mike Lord, and SECU Foundation Board Chair Jim Johnson, highlighting 2015-2016 fiscal year accomplishments and goals for the cooperative and its member-funded Foundation.
Jolly also recognized Tom King and David King, retiring Board of Directors who each served over 20 years on the SECU Board, and Sam Watson, long-term SECU volunteer who devoted approximately five decades to the organization through his service on SECU Advisory Boards and Member Loan Review Committees. The three gentlemen were presented framed acknowledgements in honor of their many years of dedication.
Mr. Lord focused on SECU’s strategic mission – member service, “why SECU exists” and “how SECU is different,” with accompanying information reflecting the safety, soundness, efficiency and effectiveness of the Credit Union.
Wrapping up the day’s event was Mr. Johnson speaking about the SECU Foundation and debuting a video highlighting Foundation projects completed in various North Carolina communities over the past year.
“These initiatives are creating a deep and lasting connection with the people of our state – our neighbors, friends, families and co-workers,” Johnson said. “This Foundation, once a big idea, is now a grand reality making a profound difference thanks to your support.”