RICHMOND, Va. – Who better to spread credit union news than a popular television new anchor? Virginia Credit Union has tapped longtime local NBC-affiliate morning anchor Mark Hubbard as its new media specialist/public relations officer. After being in the television news business for 20 years Hubbard says he was looking for a new challenge and growth opportunity. "I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the rest of my years waking up at 3 a.m. and it is important that whatever I do I'm still learning otherwise you are just going through the motions," said Hubbard. "What is exciting about working with the credit union is that I get to continue to learn more about the world of finance and economics while helping and educating consumers." When Hubbard saw the position listed in the paper he consulted with his father-in-law who had served on a credit union board of directors to get a feel for if this would be a good move. Turns out it was a perfect fit. Hubbard said the move also gives him the opportunity to spend more quality time with his family. He says it was not uncommon for him to do the morning news, cover a breaking story and still be on at six p.m. While the anchor job was perfect when his two children were younger since he was home in the afternoon, as teens their needs have changed. "It was very exciting and very busy but you get to a point that you have to make a decision that is best for both professional and personal growth," said Hubbard. "My kids are in their teens now so they have other things going on in their world in the afternoons and around homework time at 8-9 p.m. which is when they would really need me with the anchor job I'd be out cold sleeping. So now I can stay up as late as needed and be a lot more help to them." While he'll miss covering the breaking news, Hubbard says the beauty of his current position is that he is still involved with news just the perspective has changed. Hubbard is now a credit union member and part of his job is to expose Virginia CU to the overall community. "I think we are well understood by our members but not by the general public," said Hubbard. "One of my greatest challenges is to build that awareness." Hubbard says fortunately he's been in the news media here for so long that he "knows all the players on a first-name basis and vice-versa," which will go a long way toward letting consumers know who Virginia CU is and all the good Virginia CU does for the community. Hubbard's responsibilities will also include lobbying for legislative issues. In what little spare time he may have Hubbard and his family enjoys sailing. "We are not far from the Chesapeake Bay, which is the best place to sail anywhere, and one of the most beautiful places in the world the Piankatank River," said Hubbard. [email protected]