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After 18 years of dedicated service, Jon Paradise has announced his departure from the Maine Credit Union League. Though he served in a multitude of roles during his time with the organization, including Director of Communications and as Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs for many years, he most recently served in the role of Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement.
During his tenure he used his public affairs and communications experience to build awareness and positive perception of credit unions. He was a regular presence on TV and radio stations across Maine tirelessly promoting credit unions, financial education and community involvement. He also helped to ensure the credit union voice was strong and present in articles and editorial pages of newspapers and publications around the state and nationally.
In addition, Paradise was a champion for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Upon assuming the leadership role for coordinating the Campaign, Paradise helped the Campaign go from raising $100,000 annually to 18 consecutive years of record-breaking totals including 2017’s amount of $740,000. He played an integral role in making the Campaign the largest philanthropic fundraising effort dedicated to ending hunger in Maine that is not affiliated with a specific hunger organization.
Paradise also utilized his fundraising and advocacy skills to increase fundraising from CULAC from $25,000 in 2000 to a record-breaking $103,000 in 2017, and consistently placing Maine among the top CULAC fundraising states in the country.
“Having the opportunity to be part of a movement that is more like family for the past 18 years has been an honor,” Paradise remarked, adding, “I have been fortunate to have worked with so many great people, and advocate on issues that truly make a difference in improving the lives of Mainers. The timing to pursue new opportunities and to utilize my more than 30 years of public affairs, communications and advocacy experience in new and different ways feels right. This is a chapter in my life that I will always cherish, and be proud to have been a part of a great organization that has a bright future ahead. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank long-time League President John Murphy for his support and guidance for 17 years, and to current President Todd Mason for the opportunity to learn and grow in new ways.”
“Jon will be missed, but I respect his decision” stated Todd Mason, the President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “He was a strong and vocal advocate for credit unions, and passionate about helping those in need. Jon can be proud of the lasting contributions he made, and I am confident his commitment to credit unions will not end. On behalf of the Maine Credit Union League and our 55 member credit unions, we wish Jon and his family only the best.”
Mason said Paradise’s duties and responsibilities will be assumed by Tim Brooks, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at the League, and other members of Brooks’ team.