A CEO Transition 18 Months In The Making
A long-term approach to succession at Tower FCU ensured a smooth passing of the torch at the top level of leadership.
A long-term approach to succession at Tower FCU ensured a smooth passing of the torch at the top level of leadership.
How Arizona’s largest credit union acquires top talent for its professional, management, and senior leadership roles.
In May 2016, industry maverick Jim Blaine announced his retirement from State Employees’ Credit Union. His successor, longtime SECU executive Mike Lord, was named soon after. In this ongoing series, CreditUnions.com details Blaine’s history with the credit union and the movement, how SECU arrived at a successor, and what’s next under Lord for the $30 billion institution.
Overlooked editorial gems provide insight and inspiration for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in 2017.
This financial cooperative decided to stake its future on hiring a new leader based on mission, credit union experience or not.
In episode No. 625, Callahan vice president Chris Howard and Mike Lawson discuss what credit unions can gain from a team-focused approach to development.
NAFCU conference attendees hear of hope for change in Washington, how size and gender matters in executive pay, and that risk management includes reputations.
Credit unions correlate giving back and growing loans, while accounting standards and succession planning spur table talk.
In February, Callahan & Associates visited Iowa-based Veridian Credit Union ($20.B, Waterloo, IA) for a two-day investigation into how the credit union creates a culture where everyone is a leader and everyone is an owner. Learn more in this quarter’s Anatomy Of A Leadership Culture.
Experts weigh-in on American Flag Credit Union, whose Board chair needs advice on how to ensure viability and success during an unexpected CEO departure.

A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.

Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.

This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.

How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
It’s Good To Be A Credit Union