Unitus Promotes Worldwide Movement of Honesty and Transparency in Business, Hosting Emerging African Leaders in Portland

Portland, Ore., August 11, 2017 – Unitus Community Credit Union today hosted prominent members of African government and commerce to cultivate global connections and promote transparency, honesty and fairness in business throughout the world.

The visit took place as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, authorized by the U.S. Department of State and coordinated in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of Oregon.

The program connected current and emerging African leaders with their American counterparts, including Unitus leadership members Steve Stapp, President and CEO; Jason Werts, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Greg Spear, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and James Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer.

The visitors, identified as rising stars and future leaders of their countries, earned nomination and selection by U.S. Embassies in Africa to participate.

The assignment that brought them to Unitus was called Transparency and Accountability in Government and Business, a Sub-Regional Project for Africa. The group explored the challenges faced when adopting progressive governance practices, as well as how to realize the many positive rewards and outcomes these practices bring about.

Participants hailed from a range of nations include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Their current positions include influential roles in the Commission on Administrative Justice, the National Bank of Commerce, the University School of Law, and the Office of the President.

“Our Credit Union Movement provides a proven example of the power of honesty, transparency and fairness in action,” said Mr. Stapp. “As members of a credit union, these principles are second nature to us. However we owe a great debt to our global community, since the concept of the financial cooperative originated in Germany. Any time we are given the opportunity to promote the people-focused policies and values that have done so much good in our communities, we are thrilled and humbled to help others around the world do the same.”

About the World Affairs Council of Oregon

The World Affairs Council of Oregon offers over 40 public programs each year with experts and world leaders, hosts over 500 emerging leaders and entrepreneurs from around the globe and provides assistance to K-12 schools in their important work of teaching students to become citizens of the world. The World Affairs Council is a private, non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.