CEO Update: Next Steps—The Hard Work Begins

America’s Credit Unions held their first Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) as a merged entity. It was great to see many friends and industry colleagues who traveled across the globe to attend the conference. My thoughts were challenged and inspired by the many discussions this past week about the future of the credit union industry.

It was also fascinating to watch the emerging power structure created by the merger take its position within the industry, while also witnessing some of the ongoing power struggles as a result. You don’t need a master’s degree in organizational management to recognize the undercurrent that’s taking place. The question is how deep does it go?

This was all against the backdrop of the DCUC Board approving the final design for our new three-year strategy. It is both ambitious and realistic yet timed to seize opportunities and minimize threats. So, now the hard work begins!

In executing our plan there are three types of tasks we will implement within the next 90 days.

The first task is executing plans already in place.

We have an Overseas Sub-Council Conference in less than two months. This year’s agenda will include a couple of exciting “firsts” for our organization. While I’m not able to share many of the details at this time, I can say that this is an incredible opportunity for our overseas member credit unions. For those planning to attend, feel free to give me a call for more information.

We are also well underway with preparations for our largest conference less than six months from now in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you have never been to a DCUC conference, we highly encourage you to join us at the Vinoy from August 12th to 16th for our Annual Conference.  The week will include an important annual business meeting where we will discuss our strategic plan and how it enhances our value proposition. We need and value your input.
 
The second task is securing the path to more success.

Part of where DCUC is heading is recognizing the need to hire a Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO). For those who have seen the industry “thrash” over the last six months, I’m sure you understand this need as well. While I do all I can in terms of leading DCUC’s advocacy efforts within the DoD and on Capitol Hill, and certainly not without John McKechnie’s much-appreciated assistance, there is still so much more DCUC can do to advocate on behalf of our members.

However, I cannot be both CEO and CAO and grow the organization. Thus, the DCUC Board has authorized this position to bolster our advocacy efforts. I am excited about this opportunity and what it will mean for our organization, its members, and the industry. In fact, and we don’t say this enough: Over the last three years, DCUC has been the only credit union trade association able to point to actual wins, both in Congress and on the regulatory side.

Yet, while we absolutely value the success gained from our joint trade efforts, we don’t give ourselves enough credit. Part of that stems from my belief that you can get a lot more done when you care less about who takes the credit. And though I still see this as true, if we don’t tell our story, people may either miss or fail to see DCUC’s value.

As such, we will be taking steps to strengthen our communications and outreach to members. With a CAO assisting me with grassroots efforts, I’ll have more time to foster communications with our member credit unions; exactly what you should expect a trade association president to prioritize.

Finally, there are initiatives we will be leading that no one else is focused on.

These tasks may be visible to others, but they are often seen as not plausible courses of action. However, we recognize areas that need to be addressed for DCUC to transform into its full potential.  
I won’t be disclosing all the details because like I said earlier—there is an emerging power structure coupled with power struggles felt and seen within the industry. And frankly, there are plenty of antibodies ready to check our tactical movements.

DCUC will be analyzing industry needs and making sure we are well-positioned for where and when you need us. I would like to enlist more of you to join us in this endeavor. So, if you have questions, please give me a call.
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As always, DCUC could not have grown in the last 60 years without your support. I am truly thankful for the trust you have placed in our association. Our members do an amazing job in serving those who serve our country and that is something we can all continue to rally behind. ​