GREENSBORO, N.C. – Steve Elam, the longtime executive director of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, is retiring Nov. 1 and is being replaced by CUNA Mutual Group's top sales executive here, John Slack, division vice president of sales.

Elam has been the chief staff officer of the Carolinas Foundation since 1999, helping guide the organization into a lead role in CU philanthropy. He was instrumental in the long-running CU campaign to raise funds on behalf of the Victory Junction Gang Camp, founded by the Petty family of NASCAR fame and Hollywood actor Paul Newman. "The foundation has flourished under Elam's leadership," said Mark Twisdale, CCUF chairman. "He really focused the foundation and gave us a brand. Before he came on board, we were still trying to find our niche." Announcement of Elam's retirement was made during the annual meeting of the North Carolina Credit Union League held recently in Pinehurst. The league, together with the South Carolina Credit Union League, jointly operate the foundation.

Slack is a 16-year veteran of the industry having been with CUNA Mutual for 10 years and previously was an executive at Delaware CUs.