Election Watch 2006
Credit Union Political Spotlight
Art and Mary Wood
July’s political spotlight features a unique couple. They have been married for eight years and are both CEOs of credit unions.
With more than 30 years of credit union experience behind them, Art and Mary Wood became politically active only 4 years ago. Their first political campaign involved a local city commission race in Plant City, their home town of 32,000 people, situated between Tampa and Lakeland, Florida.
After the successful city commission campaign, they worked on a campaign for one of their neighbors, Rich Glorioso, who was running for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. Coincidentally, he ran against a banker in the primary, whom he defeated. Glorioso went on to become elected. After the city and state races, they campaigned for their US Congressman, Mike Bilirakis. Mike is retiring after this year, so they are now working for the US Congressional campaign of his son, Gus Bilirakis (who is currently a representative in the FL House). Along the way, Mary, whose credit union serves county employees and elected officials, also assisted in campaigns for the Sheriff, county commission, State Attorney, and the Property Appraiser.
Some of their campaign activities include hosting three successful fundraisers at their home in Plant City; going door-to-door to 900 homes for their state representative and US Congressman; more door-to-door canvassing for ballot petitions; plus folding & stuffing thousands of envelopes for county commission races.
Art and Mary have learned that politicians are hugely appreciative when you donate your time. The Woods’ also donate a substantial part of their salaries to candidates who support credit union causes, regardless of their party affiliation.
While Art and Mary became politically active because of their personal values and credit union causes, they have discovered many unanticipated benefits. For example, it has opened a large new circle of friends. They have become close personal friends of their elected officials and are often invited to their family holidays, personal dinners, and events. They have been offered tours and visits to places not normally open to the public.
Art Wood began his credit union career as a volunteer in 1967. For the last nine years he has been CEO at the Railroad & Industrial FCU in Tampa. R&I FCU has $165 million in assets, 60 employees, and 7 branches. In 1979 Mary Wood began working at what is now Fairwinds Credit Union in Orlando while pursuing her college degree in the evenings. Mary is now CEO of Florida West Coast CU in Tampa for the past 7 years. FWCCU has $45 million in assets, 24 employees, and 4 branches. Mary is the current Chairman of the League’s Governmental Affairs Committee.
In short, Art and Mary’s accomplishments have led them to believe everyone should be involved with politics. These encounters allow you to live your values, support credit union causes, and enjoy more of life’s rewarding experiences.
Where will the "Political Spotlight" shine next? Please email us if you know an individual or group within the credit union movement who is engaged in the political process.
