Del. Jeion Ward Named League's 2020 Legislator of the Year

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Lewis Wood
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Del. Jeion Ward has been honored by Virginia-based credit unions as their 2020 Legislator of the Year. Presenting the award is Virginia Credit Union League President Rick Pillow (pictured right).

Del. Jeion Ward (D-92nd) has been honored by Virginia-based credit unions as their 2020 Legislator of the Year. In a presentation ceremony on Nov. 10, Del. Ward was recognized by the Virginia Credit Union League, the state trade association for the Commonwealth’s 116 member-owned credit unions, for her longstanding support and for recently serving as patron for key credit union legislation during the 2020 General Assembly session. That legislation became law and aids state-chartered credit unions in attracting and retaining board members.

"For more than 15 years, we’ve been able to count on Del. Ward’s support, for which we’re grateful and appreciative,” noted Virginia Credit Union League President Rick Pillow. “She’s a fiercely proud credit union member and her leadership and support on credit union legislation this year was key to our success.”

Del. Ward noted that she’s long considered her credit union to be family. Her first paycheck more than 30 years ago was deposited at Hampton Roads Educators Credit Union.

“I’m honored to be recognized by credit unions, because I’m so grateful for my credit union,” said Del. Ward. “They care about people. They care about us, the members."

Del. Ward at the Nov. 10 reception, which was hosted by her credit union, Hampton Roads Educators' Credit Union.

BayPort Credit Union CEO Jim Mears (pictured left), Del. Jeion Ward and Hampton Roads Educators' Credit Union CEO Karen Orie (right).

Del. Ward, a middle school educator, has served the 92nd District (portions of Hampton City) since 2004. She currently chairs the House Labor and Commerce Committee, the committee that hears most legislation that affects credit unions and the financial services industry.

The Virginia Credit Union League’s Legislator of the Year Award is presented to lawmakers and elected officials demonstrating extraordinary leadership in advancing legislation and policies that help credit unions compete and ensure credit unions remain a viable financial services option for consumers.

The Virginia Credit Union League is the state trade association representing the 116 member-owned, not-for-profit credit unions headquartered in the Commonwealth. The League’s many services include regulatory, political and public advocacy; professional development; and a wide range of informational and operational resources. Organized in 1934, with offices in Richmond and Lynchburg, the League is the voice of Virginia’s credit unions and works to ensure a thriving credit union movement.