LAFCU Recognizes Retiring Board Members for Decades of Service
LAFCU recently recognized three longtime members of its board of directors during its All Staff Day, honoring more than a century of combined service that helped guide the credit union’s growth and evolution.
Employees gave a standing ovation to Mel Place, Tommie G. Culpepper and Jere Glen Auvenshine as they marked the conclusion of their board service. Together, the three devoted a combined 106 years to LAFCU, supporting its development from an automotive-industry credit union to a full-service, $1.1 billion financial institution. Each retiree received a framed certificate signed by LAFCU employees.
“Mel, Tommie and Jere never forgot who they were serving — the members,” said LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke. “Their insight, mentorship and commitment grounded LAFCU and kept us focused through times of growth, change and innovation. They made tough decisions when it mattered and helped shape LAFCU into the strong, people-first credit union it is today. We are deeply grateful for their service and the legacy they leave behind.”
Mel Place – 40 Years of Service
Place joined the LAFCU board in 1985, when the credit union had about 40 employees and nearly $116 million in assets. Over the following four decades, LAFCU expanded to nearly 200 employees and more than $1.1 billion in assets.
During his tenure, Place served as board vice president and participated on the Asset/Liability Management and Election committees. A Holt resident and longtime General Motors employee for 41 years, he also held multiple leadership roles with the UAW, including serving 31 years as chairman of Local 1618.
Place helped support initiatives that increased access and convenience for members and played a role in decisions that contributed to LAFCU’s growth. These included its first merger with Mid-Michigan Credit Union in Charlotte, followed by mergers with Centel Credit Union in Owosso and Lansing Postal Credit Union. During his service, LAFCU also transitioned from a federal to a state charter and became an early investor in a credit union service organization, Member Driven Technologies.
“Serving on the board gave me a voice for the autoworkers, especially during tough times,” Place said. “We were able to help people through layoffs with payment deferments and special loans. And knowing that members are still in such good hands today means a lot. It’s been a good ride — we have some of the best leadership we’ve ever had at LAFCU.”
Tommie G. Culpepper – 40 Years of Service
Culpepper, a lifelong Lansing resident, retired from the LAFCU board after 40 years of volunteer service. Known for his steady approach, he provided continuity through multiple periods of organizational change while keeping member needs central to board discussions.
His service began on LAFCU’s credit committee before he moved into board leadership roles, including serving as board secretary. Culpepper also served on the Delinquency and Insurance committees, contributing practical insight informed by a strong understanding of the membership. During his tenure, he supported key initiatives including the merger with Lansing Postal Credit Union and the development of the St. Johns branch.
LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke described Culpepper as a trusted mentor whose guidance was rooted in fairness.
“Serving the credit union has been an honor,” Culpepper said. “I thank the membership for the opportunity.”
Jere Glen Auvenshine – 26 Years of Service
Auvenshine joined the LAFCU board in 1999 and served as board treasurer. He brought extensive financial expertise from his 39-year career at General Motors, where he served as UAW financial secretary-treasurer. A Lansing native, Auvenshine maintained close ties to both the local community and the UAW membership that LAFCU was founded to serve.
During his service, Auvenshine helped guide the credit union through major milestones, including surpassing $1 billion in assets, expanding relationships with new UAW members and supporting long-term leadership stability. He also chaired the committee responsible for CEO contracts, contributing to executive continuity.
Outside the boardroom, Auvenshine helped strengthen member connections by creating the annual LAFCU-UAW Picnic in Bradenton, Florida. Held each February, the event brings together about 100 LAFCU members and retirees and reflects the credit union’s people-helping-people philosophy.
Reflecting on his service, Auvenshine said the most rewarding part was “meeting lots of new and nice people, networking at conferences and connecting with others all over the country.”
A Legacy of Service
Spyke noted that Michigan was once home to nearly a dozen automotive-related credit unions and that LAFCU is the only one that remains.
“These three gentlemen helped steward LAFCU over decades and into a modern, resilient organization,” Spyke said. “They furthered the credit union movement and ensured LAFCU remained true to the principle of people helping people, including its employees. Their service will guide us for decades to come.”
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