Retired CUNA Mutual Group President/CEO Richard M.Heins died May 3. He was 85.

Heins led CUNA Mutual Group from 1988 to 1995. As a facultymember at the University of Wisconsin, Heins began working with thecompany as a consultant in 1956. For nearly four decades, Heins hadan influential hand in numerous corporate developments at CUNAMutual Group, having worked with almost every department.

One of the major accomplishments under his leadership was thesigning of a permanent affiliation agreement with Century Companiesof America in Waverly, Iowa, to market individual life and annuityproducts to credit union members.

Affectionately known as “Doc,” to his students and co-workers,Heins was noted for his leadership, insurance knowledge, andpassion for the credit union movement. In 2010, the National CreditUnion Foundation recognized him with the prestigious Herb WegnerAward for Lifetime Achievement in the credit union movement.

“Doc was one of those rare individuals who possessed incrediblecreativity combined with a passion to collaborate,” said Jeff Post,CUNA Mutual Group president/CEO. “The leadership and vision heprovided–not only to the United States credit union system and itsmembers, but other credit union systems and members around theworld–is still being felt today. It was an honor to know him andlearn from him.”

Heins is survived by his wife, Ruth, four daughters and 10grandchildren.