About two weeks ago, Nussle requested to meet with Blaine.

"They talked about where they were, what had been done and the many things left to do," Blaine said. "It's still a work in progress. This change is pretty significant, and it may or may not work out. We'll see how this goes going forward."

Blaine triggered an industry-wide controversy and debate after stating he disaffiliated with CUNA and the state league in 2014 over the dual membership requirement and other issues.

In 2013, the $31.8 billion SECU backed a proposal to allow the Carolinas league to conduct a one-year test pilot program that would have allowed credit union members the choice of joining CUNA or the league.

The objective of the pilot program was to observe what impact affiliation choice would have on the state league and CUNA, including changes in affiliations rates, dues revenue, and what effect affiliations choice would have on legislative, regulatory and political affairs.

But Blaine said the test pilot program was not accepted by CUNA and the league. He argued that credit unions should have the option to independently choose membership, and that having direct representation in CUNA and was very much in line with the core cooperative principle of one member, one vote.

He also said the accelerating pace of mergers and the dissolution of credit unions, paired with the consolidation of numerous leagues, would indicate an urgent, inevitable need for structural changes at the trade associations if cooperative principles are of key importance.

While Blaine said he has talked to John Radebaugh, president/CEO of the Carolinas league, he also has had "feelers" or "inquiries" from two multi-state leagues about whether Blaine would be open to joining their trade association.

"We are kind of waiting to see how the leagues will sort out. I get the impression that one of the wild cards out there is there may be leagues who are looking at allowing membership from credit unions anywhere in the country," Blaine said. "That was one of the original concerns from the leagues about [member] optionality. I think that will give a whole new complexion."

However, although state leagues allow associate membership from out-of-state credit unions, their bylaws require those credit unions to be members of their home state leagues.

When the consolidation of the North Carolina and South Carolina leagues was proposed in 2012, Blaine said it made sense from the standpoint that it would save money. But what didn't make sense to Blaine was when he was told that his membership dues would more than double.

"We are only in North Carolina," Blaine explained in a 2013 CU Times interview. "Prior to the merger, we had the entire [North Carolina league] staff and they were doing a great job. Now we have half of their time and energies and we are going to pay twice as much. I have a hard time explaining that to the board and other people."

Although Blaine said he would join the North Carolina Credit Union League if it still existed, he also said he hasn't made up his mind about whether he'll re-affiliate with the Carolinas league.

As a CUNA member, Blaine said he hopes that there will be greater clarity on how priorities are set, as well as more transparency, more communication and mechanisms to include more credit unions in open discussions about the issues.

"I think over time we got away from the open dialogues that used to be done in conventions and meetings, and we need to get back to that," he said. "I think a little conflict or dissent never hurt anybody as long as it is public and it is respectful. I don't think it hurts to have the issues on the table and give everybody a chance to weigh in on them."

Blaine said he shared these thoughts with Nussle.

"I think he gets that," Blaine said. "I think he is concerned about how to reunite everybody around CUNA."