True Sky vice chair named one of most influential women leaders in Oklahoma

Judy Richey, vice chair of True Sky Credit Union’s board of directors, has been named a “Fifty Making a Difference” honoree by The Journal Record, Oklahoma City’s business newspaper.

Richey will be recognized at an Oct. 10 banquet at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

“This is an exceptional class of women making a tremendous difference in Oklahoma,” said Russell Ray, editor of The Journal Record. “They come from every corner of the state and represent all sectors, from law to health care, banking, nonprofits, academia, and more.”

Nominees were requested to indicate their most professional and personal accomplishments, as well as personal philosophy. Richey indicated her most professional accomplishment was when she served as manager of the Operational Support Division, FAA Academy, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.

“I was on the leadership team that provided logistics for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners,” Richey said. “After the 9/11 tragedy, authorization was made for the airport screening program we know today. It was a tremendous opportunity to support aviation security and assist with the administrative processes. I stood in the Mike Monroney Center Auditorium as the first screeners were sworn in and realized I was a direct contributor to this historic moment.”

On a personal note, Richey is a leader for the communications team for Crossings Community Church disaster response team. On May 20, 2013, Moore, Okla., was hit with one of the most devastating tornadoes in the state’s history. Richey was in the Moore Red Cross shelter the following morning, helping set up the shelter. Additionally, she assisted the Salvation Army for several days with intake and processing and worked with her church team in sorting through debris.

“Victims arrived in shock and despair. By my personal interest and caring, I gave them comfort and assurance that their lives would return to some normalcy,” Richey said. “I instilled hope where there was only devastation. In all of the rubble, I and other members of my team, found small mementos to connect them with their past and to stand on for the future. This gave them the hope to move forward.”

In additional to her current vice chair position on True Sky’s board, Richey has been chair, secretary, and treasurer, providing the credit union with 19 years of volunteer service. She was instrumental in developing the board’s succession plan. She served nine years on the Supervisory Committee and is presently on the executive committee of RISE, a women’s leadership organization for Oklahoma City credit unions.

About True Sky Credit UnionWith headquarters in Oklahoma City and eight branches in the greater Oklahoma City metro area, True Sky Credit Union has been serving members for 73 years.