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 […]
One Movement. Are We Acting Like It?
March 26, 2026 by Scott Butterfield Something is stirring in the credit union movement. You can feel it at conferences, read it in the trades, and hear it in the hallways of league events. There is a growing tension, sometimes raw, sometimes polite, between small and large credit unions. And if we are not careful, […]
When leadership sets the standard: Herb Wegner Award winners and the underserved Hispanic communities they chose to serve
March 6, 2026 by Scott Butterfield Something is stirring in the credit union movement. You can feel it at conferences, read it in the trades, and hear it in the hallways of league events. There is a growing tension, sometimes raw, sometimes polite, between small and large credit unions. And if we are not careful, […]
What LEGO and vinyl records can teach credit unions about reversing decline
February 4, 2026 by Scott Butterfield I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about the credit union industry’s trajectory. We all see the data: membership growth increasingly concentrated among the largest credit unions, consolidation accelerating, smaller institutions struggling to stay relevant. It’s easy to look at these trends and conclude that for many credit […]