adminAs the nation mourns the loss of a civil rights giant, Congressman John Lewis, we are also reflecting on his prodigious life. Every day this week, we’ll share insight from some of our affiliated CEOs in Georgia who had the honor of meeting and working with Congressman Lewis.
This week, LSCU honored to the civil rights giant and true public servant Congressman John Lewis. Congressman Lewis was a tireless advocate for the credit union industry. He will truly be missed.
“I was saddened to hear the news late Friday that John Lewis had passed away. I worked with John for my 31 years at the state trade association on credit union issues. John was a true friend to credit unions as well as a long-time advocate for civil rights for all. Whenever I would see him, whether in his local or DC offices, in airports or just around town – he was always so warm, gracious, kind-hearted and open to stopping and talking. John loved cooperative finance, making sure all people had access to affordable financial services, which led to his love of credit unions and what we do every day. In his position on the Ways and Means Committee and his stature as the conscience of the Congress whenever credit unions faced a tax battle he was always willing to help protect credit unions. Back in the late 1990s, John was the first Georgian to sign onto HR 1151, when the system needed to pass a bill to allow credit unions to serve/add multiple groups to their field of membership. He always told me that there were few things he saw the same as Speaker Gingrich, but credit unions were one of the few and he would always be happy to stand with him on protecting credit unions and what they provided to all consumers.”
- – Cindy Connelly
Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Georgia United Credit Union
I had the pleasure of meeting Congressman Lewis on a few occasions but one sticks out. Mr. Lewis was campaigning, standing in the middle of the intersection of Virginia Ave and North Highland Ave during a fall festival. I approached him with encouragement regarding his campaign and to inquire about his view on credit unions. Mr. Lewis, with his usual passion, let me know how much he appreciated and supported credit unions and all the wonderful support they give to the citizens of his district. That encounter raised my respect for this gentleman to a higher level and remains there to this day and beyond. I consider Congressman Lewis to be a great American that we will all miss. God Bless him.
- – Chuck Head
President/CEO, Atlanta Postal Credit Union
