Johnson Pays Tribute to Abernathy

CUNA Hires New Political Director WASHINGTON-CUNA has named Thomas D. “Trey” Hawkins III as its new political director. Hawkins will join the outfit in early February. He replaces Karen Ward Kincer, who left CUNA to become a full-time mom. As political director, Hawkins will be responsible for all of CUNA’s political programs, including the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, Get Out the Vote efforts, campaign schools, and serving as a liaison to the national party committees. Hawkins most recently served as finance director for the Louisiana Democratic Party in Baton Rouge during the 2003-04 state and federal elections, respectively. Under his watch, annual giving increased 33% and the party’s grassroots donor base tripled and raised nearly $6 million. Additionally, Hawkins directed overall fundraising strategy for the coordinated campaign efforts that elected Louisiana Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco, four of the other five statewide office holders in Louisiana, and newly elected Congressman Charlie Melancon. “Trey brings five solid years of experience in political fundraising and campaign management,” CUNA Vice President of Political Affairs Richard Gose said. “We look forward to him building on our already solid political program here at CUNA.” Hawkins is a native of Montgomery, Ala., and a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans.