WASHINGTON – CUNA has found its new vice president state government affairs from outside the credit union industry.

The trade association has named Larry Lanier, who has more than 20 years experience in advocating issues at the state level, to the position effective May 22. Lanier succeeds Colleen Kelly, a 17-year employee of CUNA who left the position at the end of March to be a stay-at-home mother for her two young sons. In his new position, Lanier will work closely with state credit union leagues to identify national trends and determine effective strategies to ensure passage of favorable credit union laws at the state legislatures. Lanier's career has focused on directing advocacy programs for interest groups at the state and national levels. His most recent state government affairs career has been in the health care arena, with key positions at the American Academy of Dermatology (an association), the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Florida Medical Association, as well as consultant experience in state regulatory affairs.

Lanier holds a BS in political science from Florida State University, and a MS in public administration from FSU.