I Get Up Again
Life isn’t for the faint of heart. Neither is working in the credit union movement. Over the past 40 years, I’ve learned that no matter how carefully we plan, life has a way of introducing challenges we never saw coming. Emergencies. Health issues. Loss. Betrayal. Unexpected setbacks. Toxic environments. Professional disappointments. Circumstances beyond our control […]
Growth Without Drift: The Board’s Role in Protecting Culture During Expansion
Growth is exciting for credit unions. A new branch, a merger opportunity, an expanded field of membership, or a fast-growing lending program all create momentum and optimism inside an organization. In many boardrooms, these milestones are naturally viewed as signs of progress and success. But growth also creates pressure: pressure on leadership teams, systems, staffing […]
Why Developing Latino Credit Union Professionals Is Mission-Critical for Our Future
We (YCUP) are better credit union leaders today because Latino and Latina leaders have shaped our careers, challenged our thinking, supported our growth, and inspired us to lead with greater purpose. That is not an abstract statement. It is a lived truth. For nearly 15 years, Pablo DeFilippi, EVP at Inclusiv, has been a mentor and […]
When Vendors Say “Merge for Growth” — Why Merger Isn’t Always the Right Answer for Growth
Every day, credit-union leaders open their inboxes to a familiar-looking message: “Expand fast. Acquire now. Merge for growth!” These emails—from consulting firms, tech vendors, or service providers—pitch mergers as the shortcut to scale, new markets, and competitive advantage. The message is seductive: “Why wait for organic growth when you can merge and leap forward?” But for many […]
Watch: Scott Butterfield Recaps the Small Credit Union Roundtable at ENGAGE 2026
Scott Butterfield recently joined CU Broadcast to discuss the key themes and insights that emerged from the Small Credit Union Roundtable at ENGAGE 2026. The session brought together leaders from smaller credit unions to share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the movement, from growth and member engagement to operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. […]
How Long Does CDFI Certification Take?
For many credit unions, becoming a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) can unlock valuable funding opportunities, strengthen community impact, and support long-term growth. But one of the most common questions institutions ask is: “How long does the CDFI certification process actually take?” The short answer: it depends. Typical CDFI Certification Timeline The certification process […]
What Is the Difference Between the CDFI TA Grant and FA Grant?
If your credit union is exploring Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) funding opportunities, you’ve probably come across two common terms: Technical Assistance (TA) grants and Financial Assistance (FA) grants. While both programs are offered through the CDFI Fund, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help your institution determine which opportunity is the […]
CDFI, DEI, OTP – an alphabet of hope and concern
The 2022 CDFI CORE funding round just closed. So, anything related to CDFI is top of mind for our team right now. Like anyone involved in the CDFI space, this was a record-breaking year. More certification and more grant applications than ever before. This increased awareness and participation is exciting! But this ramped up output […]
Small credit union lenders – kicking ass and taking names
According to CUNA Mutual’s Credit Union Trends Report – December 2021, credit union consumer loan growth peaked at 10.5 percent in 2016. It has decreased annually since then, reaching 5.9 percent in 2021. Drilling down a bit further, the chart below reflects the loan growth challenges smaller credit unions have faced during the past two […]