Everything Co-op has dedicated the Month of September to interviewing the 2023 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees. Induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the U.S. cooperative community bestows on the extraordinary people who have made genuinely heroic contributions in support of cooperative enterprise. The first interview to kick off this tribute will be with Maurice Smith, attorney and counselor at law.
Maurice and Vernon will discuss his co-op journey and projections about the future of the cooperative movement. Be sure to tune in at WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM and WOL Livestream on Thursday, September 7 at 10:30 am EDT for Everything Co-op to listen to the powerful life story of our first honoree, Maurice Smith.
As the retired CEO of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), the fourth largest credit union in North Carolina, Maurice has led the expansion of the institution at an industry-leading pace—16-fold organic growth rate to current $3.8B in assets—while creating an enduring brand for 400,000 members. Maurice has accomplished this with his agile style of leadership, based on co-op principles and values, and staying focused on maximizing member value. He leverages quantitative financial acumen and qualitative leadership traits in creating cultures of collaboration and engagement.
Maurice has been the CUNA Board Chair, CUNA CEO Council Executive Committee Chair, National Cooperative Bank Board Chair, and Filene Administrative Board Chair. He has served on critical board committees, including audit, governance, and nominating. Since retiring, Maurice has practiced law for organizations whose values reflect his own.
