America First Lobbyist Barney Chapman Retires

OGDEN, Utah – Winding up a 37-year career, Barney B. Chapman, senior vice president and the long-time chief lobbyist for the $3.1 billion America First Federal Credit Union, has retired, the CU has announced. Chapman, who has been at the center of Utah’s legendary battles with the banking lobby both in Salt Lake City and in Washington, will continue as a consultant. “His unique ability to bring insight and perspective” to political action duties is greatly admired, said John Lund, executive vice president of America First and chairman of the Utah League of Credit Unions. Chapman, said Lund, “was especially helpful to our legislation campaign because he could bring the issues involved to the human level and show how Utah credit unions deserve continued protection from state and federal taxation.” Taking over Chapman’s government affairs duties is Sheryl Cox, marketing administrator, who has been promoted to vice president of government relations. Chapman, who also is retiring from a parallel career with the Air Force Reserves, began work with America First in 1968 as a part-time teller. He soon was promoted to assistant collections supervisor and later to branch manager at Hill Air Force Base. In 1974 he helped the CU open its first branch in Bountiful and in 1974 helped start a personnel and training department. In 1979, he became chief of staff and was made vice president and head of human resources. He later was named staff coordinator for the CU’s legislative committee and in 1996 put together the CU’s first “political action plan.” He has worked on the Utah League’s legislative committee since 1976, and will continue as a consultant on government affairs. “The most important lesson to credit unions is to get politically involved,” urged Chapman. “Get involved in your communities, educate your members and your staff and do not forget your roots.” Chapman cautions CUs to be prepared for a federal battle to retain their tax-exempt status in the next few years. “Our best resource is our members,” Chapman said. “Keeping them mobilized as we go along is extremely important, and all credit unions can do that regardless of their size”. Chapman, who has been Weber County Campaign coordinator for U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch. (R.-Utah), is also a trustee of Weber State University, treasurer of the Utah Defense Alliance Board and State Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council. [email protected]