BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- CUNA's Marketing and Business Development Council has named Martin Kelly, senior vice-president of marketing and business development at US Federal Credit Union, the 2007 Marketing Professional of the Year.

The national honor, conferred annually to a credit union marketing executive, was presented at the CMBDC annual conference. The CMBDC describes the distinction as reserved exclusively for the credit union marketing elite: individuals who, in all aspects of their chosen profession, consistently excel for the benefit of their employer, and the advancement of ideals of the credit union movement.

Kelly is the seventh recipient since the award was initiated in 2001 and is the first from a Minnesota credit union to receive the honor.

"We are delighted with this recognition," said Bill Raker, US Federal president/CEO, "Marty not only demonstrates marketing excellence, but he readily shares in US Federal's commitment to deliver the service, value and experience our members can trust."

Kelly has been active in credit union marketing for over 15 years, the past four with US Federal. Prior to USFCU, he was vice president of marketing for Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Brainerd, and was part of the marketing team at University of Iowa Community Credit Union in Iowa City, Iowa. He serves on a variety of industry boards, and is a regular contributor to nationally syndicated credit union publications.

"I'm extremely flattered," said Kelly, "I have the great fortune of working alongside outstanding people at US Federal. Their talent and dedication to our membership is truly inspiring."