By The Way

The By The Way newsletter is a great way to keep Kentucky credit unions informed of the latest updates in governmental affairs, compliance and regulations, education and training.  In addition, By the Way highlights the difference credit unions are making on a daily basis.

League Updates

From America's Credit Unions

  • HR & Organizational Development Council Conference

  • Regulatory Compliance Certification School

  • Credit Union Board School: Introduction & Designation

Educational Opportunities

  • SRCUS Management School

  • 2024 Executive Forum 

  • iLead at 11

Credit Union News

  • Greater Kentucky Credit Union Announces New CEO

  • Abound Credit Union Recognized as a 2024 Winner of Best Places to Work in Kentucky™

  • Commonwealth Credit Union President/CEO Karen Harbin Testifies in DC on behalf of credit unions

Compliance Updates

  • Liquidity Risk Management Webinar

  • InfoSight is here to help!

  • League Infosight Resources

  • Woods Rogers Vandeveter Black’s Hotline

 

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President's Update

“So, we've been outnumbered,
Raided and now cornered.
It's hard to fight when the fight ain't fair.
We're getting stronger now.
Find things they never found.
They might be bigger,
But we're faster and never scared.”

- Taylor Swift, Change

At a recent meeting with other credit union league presidents, I was struck by just how different this world has become for credit unions. CUNA and NAFCU have merged into America’s Credit Unions, creating a unified voice for movement advocacy; PSCU and COOP are merging, sparking more consolidation and less options; TruStage continues its evolution with a new CEO and expanded vision; and according to Ron Shevlin, with more than 38 million customers, the fintech CHIME has more primary accounts than JP Morgan Chase. Shifting dynamics on the NCUA board promise heightened attention to new priorities, and legislative bodies in both Washington DC and Frankfort require constant vigilance from us to keep bad laws from passing.

If it feels like credit unions, and your credit union especially, are under constant attack, I’m here to tell you you’re not wrong. When the very ground we walk on shifts so dramatically in a short period of time, it can be unsettling to say the least.

But here’s another thing I know. We are resilient. We are adaptable. We are strong. As Taylor Swift sings, they might be bigger, but we’re faster and never scared.

A healthy credit union system is comprised of healthy credit union leagues, which are made up of healthy credit unions, which are built with healthy members, families, and small businesses. We are fighting every day to protect our movement, to nurture a healthy environment, and to actively promote your credit union’s success. The world around us is changing rapidly, but our Kentucky Credit Union system continues to be a safe and empowered ecosystem. We are far stronger together than individually, and my team and I promise our tireless efforts to advocate for, support, and assist your credit union, now and forever.

We’re not scared of this new reality. We say bring it on.

Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President

 

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Governmental Affairs Update

Welcome to Spring in Kentucky. I hope you are well and the temperature roller coaster that March has been this year. 

Thinking back to our February update, it was always going to be a tough ask for March to live up to the level of action that we saw that month.  Even through that lens, March was eventful.  Early in March, Credit Union professionals from Credit Unions across our Commonwealth and 6,000 of their compatriots from Credit Unions across the world joined together in Washington, D.C. for the America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference, otherwise known simply as GAC.  This year, attendees heard from Members of Congress, Senators, Olympic Gold Medalists and even a former British Prime Minister all in addition to experiencing the largest exhibit hall in the industry.  In addition to all the great speakers and exhibitors, our Kentucky attendees spent considerable time on Capitol Hill doing the important work of directly engaging with our elected officials advocating for the betterment of the Credit Union movement.  Kentucky’s Credit Unions were able to deepen our relationships and strengthen the support our lawmakers have for Credit Unions and leave Washington in a better position than when we arrived.  Please consider joining us for a future GAC or Fall Hike the Hill event in the future and adding your voice to our advocacy efforts.

As always, please reach out with any questions or if I can be of service to you or your Credit Union in any way.

Sincerely,

Kyle Hagerty, CUCE
VP, Governmental Affairs & Compliance

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HR & Organizational Development Council Conference

April 21-24, 2024
Location: St. Pete Beach, FL

Reconnect and grow with your credit union industry peers during HR & Organizational Development Council Conference. Collaborate with credit union professionals facing similar challenges while exploring relevant and trending topics curated by the Conference committee. Celebrate and honor the winners of the HR & Organizational Development Council Awards. Return to your credit union with a fresh perspective, new insights, and enthusiasm for the industry and movement. 

REGISTER HERE

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Regulatory Compliance Certification School

April 15-19, 2024
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Be a credible voice of compliance.

Well-informed credit union compliance professionals are better positioned to keep operations running smoothly at their credit union. Keeping your foundational knowledge current while staying up to speed of shifting regulations is easier said than done. 

Whether you're new to the field or an experienced compliance professional, we offer two schools, Introduction and Update, to fit your experience level. 

Introduction: This covers the fundamentals of credit union compliance in an easy-to-follow approach for newer compliance professionals. There’s plenty to learn for anyone looking for a refresher in understanding regulatory complexities. Attendees can earn their Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE) designation.  

Update: Building upon the foundational knowledge gained at Introduction, this school incorporates a risk approach to handling compliance and focuses on learning by asset size for greater insights. Current CUCE designees can recertify their designation.

This event is endorsed by Compliance & Risk Council.

Who should attend?

All levels of compliance professionals, branch and retail managers, operations leadership, small credit union CEOs, internal auditors, and risk managers.

REGISTER HERE 

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Credit Union Board School: Introduction & Designation

May 5-10, 2024
Location: New Orleans, LA

Master your role as a board member

Be prepared to tackle challenges and make those tough decisions that ultimately propel your credit union forward. In this school, industry experts will guide you through every aspect of your role. You will come away with a solid understanding of essential knowledge to use in every step of your board journey.

NOTE: YOU CAN REGISTER FOR EITHER THE INTRODUCTION OR DESIGNATION TRACK, NOT BOTH.

Introduction: Understand credit union board effectiveness and financial condition.

Propel yourself forward by gaining a strong grasp of your role’s duties, responsibilities, and credit union finances. By attending this track, you can earn your Credit Union Board Financial Literacy Certificate, which satisfies the NCUA requirement for board financial literacy.

This track is appropriate for board members new to their role with little to no board and/or financial knowledge.

Designation: Become designated in effectively governing your credit union.

Join the 400+ board members who have earned the premier board designation, Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB). This designation will demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your role.

This track is appropriate for board members looking to become designated and dive deeper into the requirements of the role.

Who should attend?

Introduction: Board members new to their role with little to no board and/or financial knowledge.

Designation: Board members looking to earn their CCUB designation.

REGISTER HERE
 



 

 

SRCUS Management School

Start Your Journey!

Meeting Dates: Sunday, June 16, 2024 through Friday, June 21, 2024
Location: UGA Georgia Center for Continuing Education, 1197 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA.

Why Attend?

First-Rate Learning

Enjoy academic teaching that has direct credit union applications. The three-year program, which takes place one week per year in person, will help you develop your operational, managerial and leadership skills.

Collaboration

Engaging activities in class, on campus, and via team projects foster a collaborative atmosphere for you and your classmates. Form life-long bonds while benefiting from shared successes, resources, challenges, and solutions.

Shaping Leaders

This program is NOT a conference but a commitment we invite you to make toward a better future for yourself, your team, and your organization. For more than 50 years, we’ve seen alumni go on to hold leadership positions at their credit unions, in their local chapters, and with community-based organizations.

REGISTER HERE

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2024 Executive Forum

April 22-23, 2024 | Marriott Lexington City Center | Lexington, KY

Marriott Lexington City Center
121 W Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507

The Kentucky Credit Union League is proud to host an executive-level gathering for credit union leaders across the state. 

The Executive Forum is a one-day event with insightful presentations, timely updates and open discussion among your peers who are all facing similar challenges and looking to share best practices and experiences.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Attendance is limited to League-affiliated and associated credit unions. This conference is a special occasion for CEOs and their Executive Teams to come together for valuable education and networking opportunities. 

MORE INFORMATION HERE
RESERVE YOUR ROOM HERE

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iLead at 11

We recognize leaders are looking to accelerate their own performance through a leadership development program. iLead@11 is a virtual leadership program comprised of three main sections via two tracks, specifically curated for your leadership journey.  

Take control of your development, learn more about yourself and push yourself further than you imagined.

Registration is always open! Select dates and times convenient to you!

Use promo code KCU for exclusive Platinum Partner Reward pricing!

Have questions? Contact Janet Garrett or Jenna Dye.

*The iLead@11 Emerging Leaders track differs from our existing Emerging Leaders Program.

MORE INFORMATION

 

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Greater Kentucky Credit Union Announces New CEO

After serving over 22 years at Greater Kentucky Credit Union, President & CEO Debbie Pyle is excited to announce her retirement effective March 31, 2024.   The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the current CFO, Michael Little will be promoted to fill the position of President & CEO effective April 1, 2024. 

Michael Little is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy (2010) and a Master’s Degree of Professional Accountancy (2011).  He obtained his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in 2017.  Michael spent three years in industry and seven years in public accounting prior to joining Greater Kentucky Credit Union as their Chief Financial Officer in 2022. 

Throughout his career, Michael has found ways to give back to his community and to support those he considers neighbors and friends.  Michael has served on The Nest’s board of directors and its finance committee for the past two years, receiving both the rookie of the year and phoenix awards.  Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Brittany, son Reed, and pets Kit Kat and Zeke, watching and attending Mississippi State related sporting events, and traveling.  Michael is a member of Southland Christian Church, where he and his family have attended for the past six years.

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Abound Credit Union Recognized as a 2024 Winner of Best Places to Work in Kentucky

Abound Credit Union was recently named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work in Kentucky. This year’s award marks the third year in a row that the Credit Union has been recognized as a leading employer in the state. The 20th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky, a joint project of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM) in partnership with Workforce Research Group, honors employers in Kentucky that are making their workplaces great.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate as a Credit Union and recognize our 348 amazing team members,” says Ray Springsteen, President & CEO of Abound Credit Union. “Their dedication and passion for finding real solutions that make more possible for our Members and communities is inspiring.”

The Best Places to Work in Kentucky survey and awards program evaluates policies and practices through an employer assessment and captures employees’ opinions about their workplace experience through an employee feedback survey. Abound’s core values, which are lived by each team member every day, are: Selfless, Connected, Learning-Driven, Passionate, and Fun.

 

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Commonwealth Credit Union President/CEO Karen Harbin Testifies in DC on behalf of credit unions

Karen Harbin, President/CEO of Commonwealth Credit Union, took a strong stand before a House Financial Services subcommittee in Washington D.C. on March 7th, advocating for the alleviation of regulatory burdens on credit unions. 

As the Secretary of America’s Credit Unions Transition Board, she highlighted the increasing regulatory obstacles credit unions are facing from entities such as the CFPB, Federal Reserve, and NCUA. Emphasizing the dedication of credit unions to community welfare, she explained how regulatory overreach hinders their capacity to enhance the financial wellness of members. 

Harbin's testimony explored a range of concerns, including the CFPB's interpretation of "junk fees," potential ramifications of the overdraft proposal, and the ambiguity surrounding the application of UDAAP authority. Furthermore, she scrutinized the Federal Reserve's debit interchange proposal, urging for a pause in rulemaking until a thorough evaluation of the existing regulatory landscape's impact is conducted. 

Harbin's insights not only shed light on the need for regulatory reform but also underscored the crucial role of credit unions in providing essential financial services to communities.

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Liquidity Risk Management Webinar

The National Credit Union Administration will host a webinar on April 4, 2024 on liquidity risk management.

Registration for the Liquidity Risk Management webinar is now open. The webinar is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Eastern and run approximately 60 minutes.

On January 17, 2024, the NCUA released an advisory to credit unions on the importance of having a strong liquidity management framework given the growing levels of liquidity stress over the last few quarters. This webinar will discuss the key principles highlighted in that advisory.

REGISTER HERE

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InfoSight is here to help!

Whether it’s technical or content related, the area of regulatory compliance can prompt many questions. League InfoSight is always happy to hear from you and to provide you and your team with guidance and resources!

Check out this FAQ – this is the number one question our team gets asked:

Which policies require board approval?

There is a lot of subjectivity around policies and the associated review schedule. The NCUA Examiner's Guide recommends an annual review cycle for all "major" policies. Unfortunately, there isn't any guidance as to what policies the NCUA believes to be "major." Therefore, a conservative approach is for the credit union to have the board review all policies annually unless the credit union has conducted an appropriate analysis to make the determination of what policies may be considered "major."

The Resources area in CU PolicyPro includes a Policy List with Guidelines document which identifies policies found in CU PolicyPro that are mandatory based on regulation. We would recommend that “mandatory” policies at a minimum are included as “major” policies and are reviewed annually by the Board.

We are ready to answer your questions! Please contact our staff with feedback or inquiries at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mary Ann Koelzer, Senior Technology Products Manager, League InfoSight

Read the latest newsletter here: https://ky.leagueinfosight.com/files/is/1/file/Newsletters/2024/InfoSight%20eNewsletter%20Volume%2018%20Issue%2011.pdf

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League Infosight Resources

Don't forget about the League Infosight resources! Check out their quarterly regulatory update videos, weekly newsletters, and their easy-to-use checklists! Contact Andrew Barr for assistance or training on Infosight/Policy Pro. Infosight is free to your CU as a benefit of membership.

https://www.kycul.org/infosight

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Woods Rogers Vandeveter Black’s Hotline

Also don't forget about our Woods Rogers Vandeveter Black's Hotline for both HR/Employment AND Regulatory Compliance. WRVB gives Kentucky's Credit Union's access to expert attorneys for questions all as a part of your credit unions membership. https://www.kycul.org/compliance

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