Gene Pelham, Inducted Into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders
ROGUE’S CEO, GENE PELHAM, INDUCTED INTO THE CREDIT UNION HOUSE HALL OF LEADERS
Medford, Oregon – Rogue Credit Union’s very own Gene Pelham took a place in history last week, as he was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington DC. The ceremony kicked off the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference, where credit union leaders from across the industry come together to rally around a united cause—to tell legislators how their lawmaking affects credit unions and their 130 million members.
Induction into the Hall of Leaders is an honor reserved for professionals who made a significant impact on the industry, and who remain committed to the founding mission and values of credit unions. That’s certainly true of Pelham, CEO of Medford-based Rogue Credit Union. Recognized as a credit union movement icon, he has worked tirelessly in the financial services industry for over 42 years. Pelham joined Rogue in 2003 and became President/CEO in 2007. When he took the reins, Rogue had 39,400 members and $303 million in assets. Today, the $3 billion asset credit union is the preferred financial services provider to more than 184,000 members. And it’s what those members need that drives Pelham’s energy to serve.
When he received his award, Pelham gave credit to Philip Smith, Board Chair, and the credit union’s board. “I want to thank Philip because Philip and the board give me the opportunity each day to provide our members the credit union they deserve,” Pelham said. “The board is dedicated to making a meaningful difference for our members and the communities we serve.”
It wasn’t just leading his credit union that brought Pelham to the Hall of Leaders – it was a career marked by selfless service to the greater good. “Gene has raised his hand again, and again, and again to lead by example in the credit union movement,” said Troy Stang, Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) President and CEO. “He is a tireless advocate, always willing to meet with elected officials to champion the credit union difference with them. He set a high bar in his advocacy and leadership efforts, and he inspires all of us to reach higher.”
In addition, while in Washington DC, Pelham was recognized by Congressman Cliff Bentz. In honor of his distinguished career, a flag was flown over the United States Capitol.
Pelham, who currently chairs the Northwest Credit Union Foundation board, also served on the board of the former Credit Union Association of Oregon, the NWCUA Board of Directors, the Oregon Governmental Affairs Committee, financial education committees, and more. Pelham values education and mentorship and serves on the Western Credit Union National Association Management School Board of Trustees, and Southern Oregon University’s Foundation Board of Trustees.
The NWCUA is the trade association representing more than 170 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
The Credit Union House Hall of Leaders provides lasting recognition for credit union leaders whose commitment has made a significant impact on the credit union movement at the local, state or national level. Members of the Hall of Leaders have shown commitment that inspires others. Their names remind all who visit Credit Union House of the many individuals who have volunteered their time to perpetuate the credit union movement and who remain committed to the values and mission on which credit unions were founded.
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Rogue Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, with an asset base of $2.90 billion and a loan portfolio of over $1.6 billion. At Rogue, it’s about more than an auto loan or a checking account; it’s about offering a higher level of service to over 184,000 members. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, Rogue is committed to helping its members out along the way, making local communities better for everyone. A membership with Rogue is open to anyone who lives works, worships, or attends school in the select Oregon and Idaho counties. Stop by any branch or visit www.roguecu.org and learn more about becoming part of something bigger.
