PHOENIX - The Arizona Credit Union League has named Hughes Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing Kellie Terhune-Neely the 2006 RC Robertson Political Advocate of the Year.
The RC Robertson Political Advocate of the Year was awarded to Terhune-Neely for her active support of the ideals and principles of the credit union movement by participating and working to promote political activism on the state and national level. This first annual advocacy award was named for RC Robertson, who served as the president and general manager of the Arizona State Savings & Credit Union for over 40 years. Robertson was Arizona's first Legal and Legislative chairman, a post he kept for over 30 years. In this role he brought credit union opportunities to thousands of people by persuading Arizona legislators to adopt laws opening up credit union membership. From helping to conceive national share drafts and founding the World Council of Credit Unions to creating a closer working relationship between CUNA and CUNA Mutual, and establishing the Filene Research Institute, Robertson has been a devoted credit union volunteer at all levels of the credit union movement.
Making the time to attend fundraisers, luncheons, and political events Terhune-Neely has developed and maintained relationships with several Arizona lawmakers including Congressmen Rick Renzi and Jim Kolbe. According to ACUS, she exemplifies every aspect of a credit union advocate.
ACUS Governmental Affairs Specialist Austin De Bey, who announced the winner said "Kellie is an outstanding advocate for Arizona's credit unions. I was honored to present the first award named for political advocacy to her."
