CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney earned $1.34 million in2012, according to the organization's 990 tax forms released Aug.15. His $732,021 base salary and $183,005 in incentive payrepresent a 2.2% pay increase compared to 2011. Cheney alsoreceived $169,640 in retirement and other deferred compensation and$234,857 in other reportable compensation, typically companyretirement contributions. He also received $18,117 in nontaxablebenefits.

Chief Legal Counsel Eric Richard was the second largest earnerin 2012 with $495,369. John Franklin, executive vice president andchief operating officer who retired March 29 of this year, received450,595. Executive Vice President of Government Affairs John Magillreceived $432,014 and Executive Vice President of System RelationsSusan Newton, CUNA's highest earning woman, earned $425,780.

Dan Mica, who retired as CUNA CEO in 2010, was paid $180,000 inconsulting fees in 2012. The ongoing deal is structured as a$15,000 per month retainer, said CUNA Executive Vice President ofStrategic Communications and Engagement Paul Gentile.

“As a former member of Congress, Dan has a great calling card,and can provide the kind of access that only he can have,” Gentilesaid. 

Mica was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979and remained in office representing Florida's 11th District until1989. 

Gentile said former members of Congress often earn up to $50,000per month on retainer for lobbying, and said, “We're getting Danfor a pretty darn good price.”

Many trade associations hire outside lobbyists in addition totheir internal staffers, Gentile said. CUNA spent nearly $800,000on external lobbying services in 2012, he said. In comparison, banktrade associations pay millions for outside lobbyists eachyear.

“The bankers' external lobby costs dwarf ours,” he said.

Outside lobbyists often have existing relationships with keycommittee members that can be helpful, Gentile said. Others havebackgrounds that relate to specific issues.

“You really want to be covered across the board, and maybe youcan get somebody who is more specialized,” he said.

CUNA also spent $946,992 for services from the Arlington,Va.-based consulting firm Greener and Hook. The firm, whichspecializes in political communications and strategy, also works anumber of prominent trade associations, private companies andRepublican politicians.

According to the tax forms, membership dues were CUNA's largestsource of income in 2012, accounting for $24.4 million in revenue.CUNA's largest expense was $28.4 million in compensation.Administrative expenses reported for CUNA's federal PAC were$738,582.

CUNA reported a $2.06 million profit in 2012, up from a $1.9million profit in 2011.