WARNER ROBINS, Ga. – Edward “Buck” Levins, the former CEO of Robins Financial Credit Unionwho played a critical role in the effort to pass a history-making piece of credit union legislation in Congress, has died. Mr. Levins, for whom an award was named that is presented each year, was 84.
Levins, who served a term as chairman of what was then CUNA and is now America’s Credit Unions, was at the center of the Credit Union Campaign for Consumer Choice, the joint CUNA/NAFCU campaign of 1997-98 that helped push the Credit Union Membership Access Act (HR 1151) toward overwhelming passage in Congress after credit unions lost a Supreme Court decision on field of membership.
The new law not only saved many credit unions from having to restrict their charters and perhaps expel some members, but it also became a landmark pivot point for credit unions in the U.S. by vastly expanding membership eligibility.
Levins spent much of those two years travelling the country and raising funds for the congressional fight
‘Dedication, Leadership & Service’
“Born Jan. 1, 1942, in Montezuma, Ga., Levins’ life was marked by dedication, leadership, and service,” Robins Financial said in a statement. “He committed 40 years of his career to Robins Financial Credit Union, where he played a significant role in the organization’s growth and long-term stability. During his tenure, Levins was a strong advocate for the credit union movement at both the state and national levels.”
Leving served as CEO for 16 years before leaving in 2004.
The credit union said Levins’ leadership during the battle to pass the CUMAA “helped ensure continued access to affordable financial services for millions of Americans.”
Meaningful Impact’
“Mr. Levins’s leadership had a meaningful impact on the credit union industry as a whole,” RFCU President and CEO Christina O’Brien said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Today, the Buck Levins award is handed out every year at the America’s Credit Unions GAC. The award recognizes a credit union league, credit union or credit union individual whose efforts in the political arena have contributed to elevating the political presence of credit unions at the state or national level.
Numerous Positions Held
During his career, Levins served as chairman of the Georgia Credit Union League, Georgia Central Credit Union and the Georgia Credit Union Acceptance Board. He also served 10 years with CUNA, including as chairman.
Below, Buck Levins appears third from left in Oval Office on August 7, 1998, as President Clinton signs HR 1151 into law.
