Both leagues conducted town hall meetings to review details of the proposed merger with member credit unions in both states. Kansas credit unions voted electronically and at a special membership meeting. Missouri credit unions voted electronically and at their annual meeting.

“This historic vote unites two strong organizations with comparable philosophies and similar cultures,” Marsh said. “While Heartland Credit Union Association will create financial efficiencies and enhanced services opportunities for credit unions, state specific needs and local support will continue to be a high priority for us.”

To ensure an advocacy presence, the Heartland Association will operate branch offices in the capital cities of Topeka, Kan., and Jefferson City, Mo. Additional offices will remain open in Wichita, Kan., and St. Louis.

“We are moving forward with combining operations, aligning staff and preparing for a new look,” Cohenour said. ”This collaboration creates greater opportunities for sustainability, strength and success for more than 200 credit unions in Kansas and Missouri.”

Integration of both associations' products and services will occur throughout the next six months. The merger also will combine the for-profit companies of the association.

O'Rourke & Associates, a San Francisco-based executive recruitment firm, is conducting the search for the new Heartland league CEO.