When Tracie Kenyon retires in May as president and CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions, she’ll leave behind a legacy of 22 years of service to the league that includes deepening its service to the state’s cooperatives and their members. And while leagues nationwide merged during Kenyon’s tenure, Montana’s credit unions proved an exception to that trend and now boasts 100% membership among the state’s 45 credit unions.
Kenyon’s career with credit unions extends back to March 5, 1985, when she began an 11-year run with four different cooperatives in the Northwest, where she served increasingly responsible roles before entering the league space in Utah in 1996. She took over in Montana in 2001.
During that tenure, she helped lead the creation and success of such initiatives as Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, a charitable organization involved in outreach, development, and advocacy; and the Montana Credit Union League Group Benefit Trust, a self-funded benefit plan for Montana credit union employees that combines financial wellbeing with a holistic approach to general wellness.
Kenyon also has earned the accolades of her league peers, including the December 2022 presentation of the Eagle Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.
“Tracie is generous with her time in a variety of ways — from mentoring individuals to supporting organizations through board service,” said Jeff Olson, chair of the AACUL and president and CEO of the Dakota Credit Union Association, in an announcement. “There are countless people in our industry who have benefited from Tracie’s insight and support over the years.”
Consumers deserve the opportunity to engage with a financial cooperative. It’s our job to ensure the option continues to be available. — Tracie Kenyon, President & CEO, Montana’s Credit Unions
What was your credit union career path before you came to Montana?
Tracie Kenyon: I worked for four natural person credit unions in Washington and Oregon in jobs that included phone receptionist, real estate loan manager, collector, IRA coordinator, training manager, and marketing director. That was from March 1985 to September 1996. Then from September 1996 to September 2001, I worked for the Utah League of Credit Unions in several capacities, ending as senior vice president for dues-supported services.
Beyond your duties at Montana’s Credit Unions, what other roles have you filled in the credit union movement?
TK: I’ve served on the National Credit Union Foundation board; as chair of the Member Service Group board; on the AACUL board (including one year as chairman); for 11 years on the Filene Research Institute board, including three as chairman; and I’m currently treasurer of the Western CUNA Management School board, where I’ve served for a total of eight years.
When is your retirement effective, and who will be your successor?
TK: I’m working with Montana’s Credit Unions through May and my board is working with Humanidei + O’Rourke to select my successor.
The Exit Interview series features parting thoughts and wisdom from influential leaders in the credit union movement upon their retirement. Read the whole series on CreditUnions.com.
How has the credit union industry changed during your career? Where do you think it’s headed?
TK: Credit unions have become more complex, offering more products and services. And since HR 1151 in 1998, we’re more politically engaged. Meanwhile, credit unions continue to provide the best services to their member-owners. Happily, I see a resurgence and commitment to cooperative values, which is one of our key differentiators.
What advice do you have for someone assuming a role like yours in the industry today?
TK: Keep purpose constant. Consumers deserve the opportunity to engage with a financial cooperative. It’s our job to ensure the option continues to be available.
What would you like to be remembered for from your work at the league?
TK: I’m most proud of the fact we have had 100% affiliation for most of my tenure through building beneficial programs such as Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, a 501(c)3 that works through Montana credit unions to improve the social and economic wellbeing of all Montanans. As a benefit to credit union employees, we also created a self-funded health benefits program to offer affordable employee health insurance and other group benefits.
What would you like to be remembered for from your work in the credit union industry as a whole?
TK: I would like to be remembered as a passionate advocate for cooperative credit, a person who created synergies, and someone with a kind and open heart.
“Leagues continue to be an important part of the credit union system. Although our service offerings might evolve, our mission remains the same: elevating credit unions’ stature through political, philanthropic, and philosophical advocacy.”
How about the role of leagues? How has that changed and where do you think that’s headed?
TK: Leagues continue to be an important part of the credit union system. Although our service offerings might evolve, our mission remains the same: elevating credit unions’ stature through political, philanthropic, and philosophical advocacy.
Do you think your league will merge or remain as is? Why?
TK: It’s the desire of the members of the Montana Credit Union League to remain independent. We believe our members are best served by a local entity, and, even though we’re a less populated state, we’re important to the entire credit union movement as both of our senators serve on the Senate Banking Committee: Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
What are your plans for retirement?
TK: I’ve become a certified professional coach and intend to work with credit union professionals to help them achieve their goals. I have always been fascinated with talent development and am excited to work with individuals who are ready to develop into their best selves.
What’s left on your bucket list?
TK: As a lifelong learner, I am hoping to become DEI Certified, continue to develop my coaching skills, and share the good news about credit unions. Oh, and I’d like to spend more time with my family!
What are your parting words for the credit union industry?
TK: I’m so proud to have served in an industry — movement — that places the highest value on people. Other industries try to project something similar, but it’s mostly a false narrative because of their for-profit structure. I’m deeply in love with the ideal of cooperation. The idea that people pool their resources to allow everyone an opportunity for financial success still brings tears to my eyes.
This interview has been edited and condensed.