Despite a final recommendation by the CUNA System Structure and Governance Task Force to offer credit unions membership choice in CUNA and/or a league, the CUNA board of directors said Friday it voted to preserve the current dual membership requirement.
The CUNA board released the 24-page Task Force report and a prepared statement on Friday about its final recommendations of dual membership, improving cooperation with leagues on advocacy and streamling the CUNA board structure.
"The board believes the most effective advocacy model for credit unions is one in which credit unions are members of both their league and CUNA," the board stated in a release. "As a result, the board took action to preserve the current membership structure."
In response to the task force's conclusion on advocacy being CUNA's top priority, the board also said it took steps to ensure that its Advocacy Committee – formerly called the Government Affairs Committee – is positioned to serve the advocacy needs of member credit unions.
"This realignment reflects changes already put in place in CUNA's Advocacy Department," according to the board statement. "The Advocacy Committee will have expanded reach and scope beyond its predecessor committee, including an enhanced subcommittee structure designed to optimize CUNA's advocacy effectiveness. "
In addition, the board voted to maintain its current size of 24 directors.
The board referred other task force recommendations regarding its nomination process and governance policies to an ad hoc committee that will be appointed by CUNA Board Chair and Woodstone Credit Union President/CEO Susan Streifel. That committee will report its findings back to the CUNA board.
"We believe the current board size is effective and reflects the enormous range of geographies, asset sizes and distinct needs of our member credit unions," Streifel said. "The committee will look at the board's nominating process and governance policies and report back to the board with any suggested amendments."
CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle said the organization will develop and implement plans to ensure interdependence and strengthen CUNA's advocacy power.
"A more unified CUNA/League System will enable us to be an even more strategically focused and efficient organization. We understand our members' demands for value, and we will be focused on delivering results," Nussle said. "Well-planned and well-executed strategic changes will transform CUNA into an even more inclusive and accountable association."
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