CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • COVID-19
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » Green: Think of your legacy to CU movement
Policy & Issues GAC21 Wednesday

Green: Think of your legacy to CU movement

March 3, 2021
BradGreen

Newly elected CUNA Board Chairman Brad Green began his tenure with a challenging question: what legacy will you leave for the credit union movement? Green, president/CEO of Listerhill Credit Union, Sheffield, Ala., says the CUNA/League system is as strong as it is today because of the engagement of member credit unions.

Green offers four specific areas for credit union leaders to consider, starting with engaging in credit union advocacy.

He says he “cringes” when he hears CUNA or Leagues referred to as “they or it,” because “CUNA and Leagues are as strong as they are because of the dues and engagement of our member credit unions.”

“We must move beyond dues paid and lean in and engage collectively to see change and results that we desire or expect,” he says. “CUNA and Leagues are what we make them.”

He also calls on credit unions to continue their legacy of being disruptive financial services providers that meet the needs of consumers.

“Reimagine financial services in innovative ways that enhance the financial well-being of our members. Our impact isn’t in our asset growth, but in the growth and strength of our members’ assets,” Green says. “We should be purposefully finding ways to disrupt the frustrations of the mundane, traditional financial service providers of today.”

He went on to name members as a third area of focus.

“Members should grow financially stronger as a result of their relationship with the credit union.  They should find themselves better prepared for their financial future. They should be encouraged in thrift and provided access to more affordable credit,” he says. “They should have budgets that allow them to live healthy financial lives within their means. They should be able to save enough money to prepare and protect against life’s financial contingencies. Are we managing member relationships and helping them to help themselves financially?”

He concluded by calling on credit unions to be resilient, to lean in instead of pulling away from difficult situations, and to “engage, rather than disengage.”

Green will serve as CUNA Board chairman until the Annual General Meeting at the 2022 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference.

► Visit CUNA News for more conference coverage, sponsored by Podium. Get live updates on Twitter via @CUNA_News, @cumagazine, @cuna, and #CUNAGAC. Follow the conference on Facebook and Instagram and visit cuna.org/gac for more information.

KEYWORDS CUNA GAC
Credit Union Magazine - Spring 2021

Spring 2021

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2021 edition features CUNA's 2021 advocacy agenda, strategic planning guidance, and labor market insights.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • PCA flexibility coming soon from NCUA

  • CUNA leaders talk CFPB supervision compliance details

  • 48 credit union leaders graduate from Foundation’s virtual DE Program

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

How have vaccination efforts affected your remote work policy?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites
  • Privacy Policy

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors