“To God be the glory,” said Haynes as she moved off the stage into the next chapter of her life.
Honors Rita Haynes for over 50 years of leadership
Some 350 members and guests walked the red carpet entering Faith Community United Credit Union’s Black Tie Gala Celebration at Hilton South’s 700 Beta Ballroom.
Fox 8 News Co-Anchor, Wayne Dawson, master of ceremonies for the evening, called on person after person who gave accolades to the great work accomplished by Faith CU and its leadership over the sixty years. A pictorial film from the past to the present ran as attendees enjoyed a scrumptious steak and chicken dinner to the music of Hubb’s Grove.
Dr. R. A. Vernon, The WORD Church, sr. pastor and keynote speaker, topped the evening off with his address that pulled the credit report on the honoree, Rita L. Haynes and called her a “bad little black sister.”
He noted her humility, 55 years of marriage to James E. Haynes, her love for people, and obedience to God as cornerstones of her success as the leader of this premier community development credit union.
Congratulatory remarks were given by State Rep.John Barnes, Jr., Ward 5 Councilwoman, Phyllis Cleveland, CUNA officer and Ohio Credit Union League President, Paul Mercer, World Council of CU and Shreveport FCU CEO, Helen Godfrey-Smith, African American Credit Union Coalition and 1st Choice FCU of Atlanta, CEO, Sheila Montgomery, and National Federation of Community Development CU of NY, Terri Fowlkes.
Proclamations were read from Mayor Frank Jackson, The Cleveland City Council, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge.
A media presentation, “Honoring the Legacy of Rita L. Haynes,” featured former U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes, Bishop F. E. Perry Cathedral COGIC, Debra Milton former VISTA, Rev. Bruce Goode, past board president and owner of Goode Investments, James E. Haynes, Jr., lifetime member and son of the honoree, Rosary Martin, business member and co-owner of H.M. Martin Funeral Home. The general theme spoken by all was thanks for your service and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.
President Henry Stoudermire Jr. presented Faith’s Board of Directors as follows:
Dr. Renee T. Cavor, 1st vice president, George Barany, 2nd vice president, James Poole, secretary, LaRese Purnell, Deborah Hayden, Shadina Terry, I. Kaye Evans-Gaines and
Stacey Banks-Houston.
Past board members and volunteers were acknowledged as members called out their names during a period of remembrance. One charter member, Elna Welch was in attendance along with long-time officers, staff and volunteers, Ethel Boyd, Augustine Hill, John Richardson, James Harris, Bemba Jones, Henry Stoudermire, Sr., James E. Haynes, Bennie Williams-Roper, Mamie Cole and Phyllis Cleveland.
Cavor presented the search committee and the new CEO, Vaughn Johnson, who was hired in June 2011 based on his credentials and corporate credit union experience.
Johnson addressed the group acknowledging that no one can fill the shoes of Rita Haynes but they can build on the legacy.
He presented his management team, Jacqueline Moore, CFO; Jama Haynes, COO; Gloria McClendon, VP of Lending and Member Service Representatives; and consultants Kimyata Anderson, L. B. Palmer, Obed Melendez, John Richardson, Ennis Prince, Shirley Ware, and Brad West.
After a stirring special tribute by Tyniece Wingfield, Rita Haynes, escorted by her husband, James E. Haynes, recalled the major roll her husband and children Jama and James Jr. allowed her to play in the local, regional and national credit union arena.
She acknowledged the churches, other credit unions, banks and associations that worked with Faith to become a financial source of help in this underserved area of Cleveland, Ohio and Cuyahoga County. She also recalled the many volunteers who are now with the Lord, such as Walter Freeman, Carrie Cain, Moses Hill. Rev. David & Luther Hill, Josephine Veasey, Wilma Cade, Elizabeth Henderson-Ahart, Frank Chapman and Thomas Roper, Sr. and Robert Eaton.
She thanked the board of directors and everyone for attending and making this gala one that she would never forget.
She especially thanked her pastor, Dr. R. A. Vernon and wife, the Gala Committee, Renee Cavor, LaRese Parnell, Bennie Williams-Roper, sponsors and supporters, Alvin Photographers, Pro Visions Media Group, staff and CSD Imagination, event planners.
“Most of all I thank God for choosing me to be a vessel to bless his people, for his protection and favor for over 50 years. I will continue to trust in the Lord with all my heart… Proverbs 3:5
“To God be the glory,” said Haynes as she moved off the stage into the next chapter of her life.
