Three positions on the Gulf Winds Board of Directors will be filled this year. Each nominee must meet certain qualifications, be a member in good standing, and be at least 18 years of age. An appointed nominating committee has selected the following three qualified candidates for their vacancies:

LaRitza Crear (3 Year Term)

I have been an active volunteer of Gulf Winds Credit Union as a Board Member-in-Training since January 2024 and a member since 2000. I have also had the honor of serving on the Gulf Winds Supervisory Committee since March of last year. With a professional background that includes business operations and community engagement, I am committed to helping Gulf Winds navigate the evolving financial landscape to create longterm value for our members and the communities we serve.

If elected to serve on the Board at our upcoming Annual meeting, I will continue to work hard to represent you, the members of Gulf Winds. I humbly request your support.

Eric Haines (3 Year Term)

I’ve served on the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors for a combined 17 years and I would like to continue serving our membership. I am committed to growing Gulf Winds in a way that balances innovative solutions with best practices in safety and security. Gulf Winds needs knowledgeable and experienced volunteers who recognize today’s financial challenges, as well as its opportunities. I feel my experience and willingness to serve enables me to do just that.

I would like to thank our members for their support in the past. If re-elected to your Board of Directors, I will continue to work with my fellow board members and executive leaders to pursue our mission of helping our members and communities succeed financially.

A. Larry Maltby (3 Year Term)

I have been dedicated to the credit union movement for over 40 years, beginning with the Baton Rouge City-Parish Employees CU and the Escambia County Employees CU. My 
credit union volunteer experiences on Gulf Winds’ committees and boards over the years includes serving on a Supervisory Committee and multiple terms in various capacities 
including Director, Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. I have also participated in numerous national and regional volunteer training and development opportunities so that 
I might better be able to serve the credit union members from a position of knowledge and information. 

I seek your support and vote to allow me to continue to serve you, the member. I am committed to the financial well-being of Gulf Winds and the continued friendly and GoGulfWinds.com/prequalify courteous service our credit union offers.

Election Notes: If a member meets the qualifications and desires to run for a credit union office, but was not nominated by the nominating committee, he or she may be placed on the ballot by means of petition. The petition (official forms package available from the Gulf Winds administration office) must be signed by 10% of Gulf Winds’ members over age 18 years. The petition must be returned to the administration office no later than February 3, 2025. Candidates by petition must also submit a brief resume of qualifications and a signed certificate that they are agreeable to nomination and will serve if elected. All nominees’ names are certified by the nominating committee before they are recognized as official candidates. If there is only one candidate for each vacancy, a mail ballot will not be conducted. Pursuant to the bylaws, there will be no nominations from the floor at the business meeting.