(December 14, 2011, New York, NY) Lynda Milton, CEO of the nearly $6 million in assets Team Financial Federal Credit Union, a community development credit union (CDCU) serving over 1,800 low- and moderate-income residents of Houston Texas, has just been named as one of five final honorees in the 2011 “Women 2 Watch” by the Credit Union Times.

Lynda Milton, Team Financial FCU CEO and Federation Board Chairman.

Milton, who is the current Chairman of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (Federation), began her credit union career more than 40 years ago while still in college at the Prairie View A&M University Federal Credit Union. After graduating, Milton remained in the credit union movement, working at another Houston credit union until 1979 when she joined Houston Teamsters Federal Credit Union as Assistant Manager. Later that year, Milton became Manager, and in 2004, was named President/CEO of the credit union. Under her leadership, Houston Teamsters Federal Credit Union expanded its field of membership and changed its name to Team Financial Federal Credit Union.

Throughout her career, Milton has been a devoted proponent of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and has been especially committed to assisting small credit unions to not only survive, but to thrive. This belief has permeated her career, with Milton providing extensive assistance and mentorship to small credit unions throughout Texas, as well as in her service on the Federation’s Board of Directors. Milton became Chairman of the Federation’s Board of Directors earlier this year.

“All of us at the Federation have known Lynda for years, and have worked especially closely with her throughout her tenure on our Board of Directors,” said Federation President/CEO Cliff Rosenthal, “She has been a champion for small credit unions, serving both as an example of what a small credit union can achieve, and as a mentor for other small credit unions in Texas and beyond. She is a true leader and is most deserving of this recognition,” he added.

In addition to serving on the Federation’s Board, Milton is also a board member with the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) and has been especially active with the Texas Credit Union League, serving as Chairman of the Small Credit Union Committee; as a member of the Legislative/Regulatory Advisory Committee, and as a member of the Task Force for Collaboration and Innovation.  Milton also served as a member and former President of the Houston Chapter of Credit Unions.

In 2007 Milton was also named a CU Hero by CUNA’s Credit Union Magazine.

To learn more about Milton and her recent selection to the Credit Union Times’ “Women 2 Watch,” and to view a brief profile video, go to: http://www.cutimes.com/2011/12/11/w2w-lynda-milton-believes-size-doesnt-define-capab.

© 2011 National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.