CEO Update: Building a Better National Trade Association

​DCUC’s growth and results have outpaced our expectations for 2025. With the tremendous support of our members and partners, DCUC successfully closed 7 out of 8 strategic objectives outlined in our three-year plan, just 15 months following board approval in March 2024. Reaching this milestone exemplifies the strength of our collective commitment and the power of a results-driven association.

Over the past nine months, DCUC surpassed numerous objectives, overcame several challenges, and positioned our association for continued growth. We signed many new member credit unions, forged two significant strategic partnerships, and saw a sharp spike in sponsor interest across our conferences and events. Our advocacy gained increased momentum on Capitol Hill, earning recognition and influence that prompted others to step up their efforts and earn their dues.

There were many “DCUC Firsts” in 2025, many of which culminated during the last month:

• Organized and led an industry-wide defense of credit unions’ tax-exempt status
  
• Presented industry views on 2025 NCUA Budget at NCUA Board Meeting
  
• Secured improved regulatory clarity for credit unions supporting homeless veterans through the NCUA’s Rule on Unhoused Veterans
  
• Improved the educational content, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities at our events
• Provided and prepared an industry witness before the Senate Banking Committee
  
• Served as the industry voice leading opposition of the Credit Card Competition Act
  
• Led as the first trade association to respond to and advocate for the preservation of the CDFI Fund
  
• Represented the industry on legislation extending the NCUA Central Liquidity Facility in the FY 2026 NDAA
  
• Ignited nationwide interest and momentum for both the Pay Our Troops Act and Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act—the only industry trade association to do so
  
• Significantly improved our communications, becoming the first to alert, mobilize, and deliver results on behalf of the entire industry
  

The best part: we have the receipts for all the above! I don’t typically post our wins since we are always on the move. However, how else would our members see the tremendous value in DCUC membership?

DCUC has skillfully disrupted the industry’s conventional approach to advocacy, and our industry is better served as a result. Competition drives excellence, and when the competition proves to be highly competent, credible, and results-oriented, complacency doesn’t stand a chance.

All of this was anticipated, planned, and executed throughout the year. Every step of our success in 2025 has been intentional, strategic, and well-documented. Our efforts and results are chronicled in each of our monthly ALERT editions, industry’s press coverage, and in our weekly updates to DCUC members.

Take a look at the titles for each CEO update in 2025— spot the pattern?

• January—“Meeting the Challenges Head-On in 2025”
  
• February—“DCUC is a Stronger Trade Association Now Than Ever Before!”
  
• March—“The Power of Momentum in Driving Success”
  
• April—“Being Stable and Dynamic— How DCUC Gets Results
  
• May—Things Are Falling Into Place
  
• June—DCUC: Driving Advocacy, Intelligence and Collaboration Across the Credit Union Industry
  
• July—This Year’s DCUC Annual Conference
  
• August—DCUC = Stability, Results, and Value
  
• September—No Turning Back: DCUC’s Momentum and Mission
  

Next month, we will present our next three-year plan and ideas to your DCUC Board of Directors. We expect thoughtful discussions outlining the bold steps we plan to take for our evolution. These include a potential name-change, rebranding as THE National Industry Leader (vs. a niche military-focused council), hiring additional staff to handle our growth, and promoting DCUC’s tremendous value (dollar-for-dollar) compared to what others offer at 10x more.

I am excited about DCUC’s future. Our journey continues with purpose, discipline, and drive! Stay tuned for more details on how we plan and implement our strategy. And keep following along to see how well we execute this strategy.

As always, we thank you for your continued support.