MADISON, Wis.-Former South Carolina Credit Union League President John Franklin was named as CUNA's new chief operating officer and executive vice president in the Madison office. Franklin, who had served as the league president from 1995 until recently, will officially start in his new post Jan. 5. The 30-year credit union trade association veteran will be succeeding Pete Crear, who will remain as executive vice president of external relations. In his new position, Franklin will be responsible for the day-to-day strategic, tactical and administrative operations of CUNA's Madison operations, which focus on professional development and information resources for credit unions, as well as administration for CUNA. "I am very pleased and thrilled that John has accepted this appointment," CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica said. "John is a seasoned credit union professional, having served not only as a league professional/executive, but as a federal credit union examiner. In short, John knows credit unions inside and out, and back again." Prior to working in the credit union trades, Franklin was an examiner for five years with the Bureau of Federal Credit Unions, which became NCUA while he was there. From 1974 to 1995, he served as the South Carolina L0eague's COO among other positions. Franklin holds a BA in accounting from the University of South Florida.