OGDEN, Utah – Winding up a 37-year career, Barney B. Chapman,senior vice president and the long-time chief lobbyist for the $3.1billion America First Federal Credit Union, has retired, the CU hasannounced. Chapman, who has been at the center of Utah's legendarybattles with the banking lobby both in Salt Lake City and inWashington, will continue as a consultant. “His unique ability tobring insight and perspective” to political action duties isgreatly admired, said John Lund, executive vice president ofAmerica First and chairman of the Utah League of Credit Unions.Chapman, said Lund, “was especially helpful to our legislationcampaign because he could bring the issues involved to the humanlevel and show how Utah credit unions deserve continued protectionfrom state and federal taxation.” Taking over Chapman's governmentaffairs duties is Sheryl Cox, marketing administrator, who has beenpromoted to vice president of government relations. Chapman, whoalso is retiring from a parallel career with the Air ForceReserves, began work with America First in 1968 as a part-timeteller. He soon was promoted to assistant collections supervisorand later to branch manager at Hill Air Force Base. In 1974 hehelped the CU open its first branch in Bountiful and in 1974 helpedstart a personnel and training department. In 1979, he became chiefof staff and was made vice president and head of human resources.He later was named staff coordinator for the CU's legislativecommittee and in 1996 put together the CU's first “political actionplan.” He has worked on the Utah League's legislative committeesince 1976, and will continue as a consultant on governmentaffairs. “The most important lesson to credit unions is to getpolitically involved,” urged Chapman. “Get involved in yourcommunities, educate your members and your staff and do not forgetyour roots.” Chapman cautions CUs to be prepared for a federalbattle to retain their tax-exempt status in the next few years.“Our best resource is our members,” Chapman said. “Keeping themmobilized as we go along is extremely important, and all creditunions can do that regardless of their size”. Chapman, who has beenWeber County Campaign coordinator for U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch.(R.-Utah), is also a trustee of Weber State University, treasurerof the Utah Defense Alliance Board and State Chair of the AmericanLegislative Exchange Council. [email protected]