UKIAH, Calif. – Robert L. Scott of Westport is the new chair of the Mendo Lake Credit Union (MLCU) board of directors.

Scott was elected to the post during the credit union’s 55th annual meeting of staff, directors and members.

Joining Scott on the board from Lake County is newly-elected director John Burke from Kelseyville.  

Burke also serves as a board member for the Lake County Children's Museum of Art and Science, and says that he is “looking forward to being a part of a financial institution whose sole interest is to serve the needs of its members, with the mission of making Lake and Mendocino Counties a great place to live and work.”  

Outgoing chair Cameron Reeves from Lakeport will continue to serve as a director.

Mendocino County board members are Larry Myers, vice chair; Arlene Colombini, secretary/treasurer; directors Karen Christopherson and Monte Hill – all of Ukiah; and director Dale Simpson, Fort Bragg.

Carolyn Welch of Ukiah was elected to the Supervisory Committee joining members Dave Goodman and Madelin Holtkamp of Ukiah.

For MLCU, 2013 was “a year of amazing growth and substantial progress,” the credit union’s chief executive officer, Richard Cooper, reported during the meeting.

Highlights for the year included a merge with Fort Bragg Community Federal Credit Union, which increased assets by more than $47 million and brought more than 4,700 members to MLCU. In addition, a major data processing conversion was completed.

The credit union saw an increase in lending that included over $38 million in new consumer loans issued during 2013.

Cooper also noted that more than $85,000 was invested to assist nonprofits and community service organizations in the two-county area.

“Thanks go out to our dedicated volunteer group, including our Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee, as well as our remarkable service team (over 60 strong!) who serve our members every day,” noted Cooper. He went on to thank the membership for its “continued trust and confidence,” noting that MLCU “looks forward to continuing to grow and meet the communities’ financial needs in the years to come.”

Total assets reported for MLCU for 2013 grew from $127 million to $174 million, according to figures published in the MLCU Annual Report.

The number of members increased from 18,528 to 25,043. During 2013, MLCU was recognized by the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, receiving first place in the state Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award. This award acknowledged MLCU’s ongoing work with elementary school, high school and college students in both counties.

Mendo Lake Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative and has been serving members’ financial needs since 1959. MLCU branches are located in Lakeport, Clearlake, Fort Bragg and Ukiah.