According to the bylaws of Arizona Federal, members who have joined the credit union by December 31, 2005, are eligible to run for election to the Board of Directors.
Candidates may be selected by a nominating committee or by submitting a petition signed by at least 500 Arizona Federal members. Biographical information on nominees selected as of December 31, 2005, is printed below. For petition information, call (602) 683-1032. The deadline for submitting a petition is February 3, 2006.
Tim Black*
Tim Black has been a member of Arizona Federal for 35 years. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1986 and has served on the Executive Committee and as Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair for over 17 years.
Tim’s two decades of Board service reflect his strong character and dedication. He is an established leader on a variety of Board issues, basing his decisions on the best interests of members. The expansion of Branch evening and weekend hours is just one example. Sound financial management is essential. Since his addition to the Board in 1986, Arizona Federal has paid out millions in rebates and bonus dividends, while receiving the highest possible ratings from Federal Auditors for safety and soundness.
Tim earned his Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University. He retired as an Assistant Chief from the Phoenix Police Department and worked in the private sector for several years before accepting his current position as The Law Enforcement Advisor to the Arizona Attorney General.
Tim’s focus throughout his tenure with the Board has been providing quality service to all members while ensuring financial security. If re-elected, he will continue this commitment while working to increase member benefits such as higher dividend rates and lower loan rates.
Tom Burgess*
Tom Burgess has been a member of Arizona Federal since 1972 and served on the Board of Directors since 1988. During his career with the City of Phoenix and Fire Department, he learned the importance of both quality service and “people helping people,” which has been the theme, focus and mission of Arizona Federal.
During Tom’s 18 years on the Board of Directors, he has served as Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary. He played a critical role in providing temporary branch services at fire stations, lobbied for the Phoenix First Home Mortgage program for first time home buyers, insured that ATMs have been provided at police and fire locations, supported Saturday branches and assisted several members such as working parents to obtain financial services.
Tom has two master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminal Justice and served in the Army Reserves for 10 years. He has been a certified Public Financial Administrator and served for 15 years with the Phoenix Fire Department as the Budget and Fiscal Services Administrator. If re-elected to the Board of Directors, Tom will continue to work with Arizona Federal’s staff to ensure the safety and soundness of the credit union.
Jason Dragon
Jason Dragon has been a member of Arizona Federal since 1993. Jason has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Small Business Management from Northern Arizona University.
Jason is a true entrepreneur; he founded Emerald Computers, a computer service and manufacturing company, in 1999. He has successfully built up the company to two full retail stores with thousands of clients. He is currently the President and CEO of Emerald Computers. From this he has gained vast experience in serving the pubic and making transactions, even complicated ones, go as efficiently as possible. With his experience in business Jason will be an asset in cost cutting, service and management.
Jason is also a mortgage broker and has a great deal of experience in the areas of credit, banking regulations and loan products along with many other areas that directly relate to serving on this Board.
If elected to the Board, Jason would focus on making Arizona Federal more efficient, faster and easier to do business with. His goal is to provide the best experience for the members each time they enter a branch, which will lead to even more success for Arizona Federal.
Ray Temple
An Arizona Federal member for over 25 years, Ray Temple volunteered and participated in the Arizona Federal Rep Program recruiting new members until he was appointed to the Supervisory/Audit Committee in July 1992. Ray volunteered in this capacity until October 2003 (over 11 years) to assure the “safety and soundness” of the credit union. Through these opportunities Ray has gained valuable insight about credit union operations, functions, and NCUA rules and regulations.
Ray’s background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and working over 26 years with the City of Phoenix. The past 22+ years have been with the Fire Department where Ray’s current position of Financial Services Manager oversees the Budget, Payroll and Ambulance Transportation Sections. Before the Fire Department, Ray worked in the City Controller’s Office and Management and Budget Department. Ray would encourage membership feedback and promote Arizona Federal’s “PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE” philosophy. Ray’s financial background and extensive credit union service experience can be a valuable asset to Arizona Federals’ Board of Directors in its endeavors to improve the credit union and its services to the members.
Monroe Warren*
Monroe has been a member of Arizona Federal for more than 32 years. He has served as Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of Arizona Federal’s Board of Directors and has completed the National Association of Federal Credit Unions Volunteer Achievement Program and the Volunteer Leadership Program.
Monroe holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and currently is the Purchasing Director for the City of Scottsdale. He has worked in the city’s financial services department for 32 years and is a retired Finance and Accounting Officer for the Arizona National Guard. He is also involved with various community opportunities throughout the Valley.
Monroe believes the greatest challenge affecting the credit union is the current state of the economy. He believes the credit union will have to continue to work hard to provide low interest rate loans and above average return on deposits. He is committed to ensuring that Arizona Federal’s combination of services and loan/deposits rates will be the best for our members and the safest place for member investments. Monroe looks forward to a continued leadership role with Arizona Federal.
(*) denotes Incumbent
