WASHINGTON-For the first time in the organization's history, NAFCU's Board has elected a female chair, and if her surname is any indication, the trade group's future endeavors should sizzle. Southwest Airlines FCU President Diane Furnas has been selected as NAFCU's new chair. She'll take over the role after NAFCU's annual meeting during the association's Annual Conference at the end of July. Furnas was chosen at the regular June 12 NAFCU Board meeting to replace current Chairman Jim Mills, president of Three Rivers Federal Credit Union of Fort Wayne, Ind., who announced his plans to retire in February after serving six years on the board and three years as chairman. Furnas has more than 30 years of experience in the credit union community, with 27 of those as president and CEO of Southwest Airlines FCU. She is also the chair of NAFCU Services Corporation and was named NAFCU's Professional of the Year in 1998. Among her numerous local activities, Furnas has served on various Irving, Texas, City Council task forces, the Mayor's State of the City Committee, and as business chair for the Irving Chamber of Commerce. "While I will miss my service to NAFCU, I feel very comfortable leaving the association in the capable hands of Diane Furnas and the other NAFCU Board members," Mills commented. "I look forward to working with the board and the staff to provide our membership with the top-notch Washington representation and association services they've come to expect from NAFCU," Furnas said. Other table officers elected for the 2003-04 year include: * Michael Vadala, president of The Summit FCU in Rochester, N.Y., as vice chair. Vadala currently serves as NAFCU's secretary and chairs its Legislative Committee. * As secretary, Xerox FCU President and CEO Bill Cheney, who chairs both the Membership and Corporate Credit Union Committees. * John Milazzo, Jr., president of Campus FCU in Baton Rouge, La., won his second term as treasurer. Each position is for a one-year term limited only by the three, three-year term limit on board members. [email protected]