I have just read Bill Roger's letter to the editor in the June 6 issue regarding Nationwide Federal Credit Union's conversion and his criticism of Paula Edwards-Noice. It is clear from his letter that Mr. Rogers has never spoken personally with Paula, and is not aware of the unique facts of this case. If he had, he no doubt would have a very different opinion in the matter.

I have known Paula for more than 15 years. You will not find anyone in the credit union movement more committed to the idea and philosophy of credit unions than Paula. You will find no one more committed to her members and employees. You will find no one you'd rather carry the flag of credit unions into any battle. Mr. Rogers is simply and stunningly wrong about Paula Edwards-Noice. It's a shame he didn't take time to find out more about the situation.

Paula was put directly between the proverbial rock and the hard place. Nationwide the insurance company was forming a bank. It also owned all of the credit union's facilities. All of the credit union's employees were actually employees of the insurance company. The credit union's data processing system was developed by the insurance company, and owned by it. The credit union was a single sponsor, and the sponsor would soon no longer be supporting the credit union. Instead, it would be directing its employees and the credit union's members to the bank it was forming. It could even staff the new bank with its employees working at the credit union if it wanted to. Simply, Paula learned that Nationwide the insurance company was shutting down its ties with the credit union.