Elizabeth “Sis” Hamilton is stepping down from 70 years ofservice to the credit union industry, marking the end of her tenureas the longest-serving credit union volunteer in U.S. history,according to the North Carolina Credit Union League.

Hamilton was manager and then CEO of Summit Credit Union for 55years until she retired in 2003, the NCCUL said, and has managedas many as five other credit unions while running thatGreensboro institution, the league said.

Hamilton began her volunteer career with credit unions in 1943when she became board secretary for Tri-City Telco Credit Union,now the $139 million, 24,000-member Summit CU.

Her career also extended beyond the Tarheel State, including 12years on the NASCUS Council Board and 21 years on CUNA's board.

Back home, she spent 25 years on the NCCUL board as its firstfemale member. Accolades include the Order of Longleaf Pine in 2003and the 2007 Larry Johnson Order of Merit Lifetime AchievementAward, the highest award presented to North Carolina credit unionleaders. Last year, she was named North Carolina Credit UnionVolunteer of the Year.

“There is no doubt Sis is leaving behind a great legacy andlarge shoes to fill. Her presence on the Board of Directors and inthe credit union industry will be missed,” the league said in itsannouncement this week that Hamilton had decided not to seekre-election to the Summit CU board.