America’s Credit Unions board leaders call on CUs to ‘embrace cooperative spirit’

America’s Credit Unions Transition Board of Directors Chair Brian Schools and Vice Chair Lisa Ginter are encouraging credit unions to embrace the industry’s cooperative spirit as the new organization begins its transformative journey in 2024.

“Now that the voting period has closed, it’s time to set our sights on the future,” said Schools, president and CEO of Chartway Credit Union, Virginia Beach, Va.

“The Transition Board is committed to combining the best of both CUNA and NAFCU,” said Ginter, CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union, Kansas City, Mo. “But we want to be clear that a transformation of this magnitude won’t happen overnight. There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure America’s Credit Unions is set up the right way and meets your needs.”

Schools said the board will prioritize establishing a new culture and governance practices to support the vision of the organization, and will hold America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle accountable to delivering what credit unions need from a single national trade association.

Ginter and Schools also reiterated the importance of credit unions continuing to provide feedback on what they need from America’s Credit Unions to ensure the organization is meeting its mission.

“There are tremendous opportunities ahead for all credit unions. We know we are the best financial services option for consumers and main street small businesses. America’s Credit Unions will ensure policymakers never question this again,” Ginter stressed.

America’s Credit Unions will be legally formed Jan. 1, 2024. Credit unions can access merger-related resources online, and additional information on the transformation will be shared with credit unions as it becomes available.