GREENSBORO, N.C. Elizabeth Hamilton was just a teenager in 1943 when she became the secretary of the board of directors at Tri-City Telco CU. She is just now retiring from the board 70 years later which Tri-City Telco says makes her the longest serving credit union volunteer in U.S. history.
Sis, as most know her by, was the manager and CEO of the now $140-million credit union for 55 years, retiring from the position in 2003. During that time she managed as many as five other credit unions in addition.
Sis spent 12 years on the National Association of State CU Supervisors Council Board, 21 years on CUNA Board, and 25 years on the North Carolina CU League Board as the first female board member.
Her career has gained her numerous accolades in the industry, including the 2003 prestigious Order of Longleaf Pine and the 2007 Larry Johnson Order of Merit Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award presented to North Carolina credit union leaders. In 2012 she was named North Carolina CU Volunteer of the year.
