"The lack of talent available to step into credit union roles when people retire. Our credit union is more than 30 years old, and there are employees who have been doing the same job there since the beginning. Succession planning and internal training are big challenges."

Samantha McNally, Financial Services Representative, Heritage Family Credit Union

Karnail Kooner

"Disruptors. For example, ever since Uber came in, it has been destroying the taxi industry, and credit unions that held medallion loans are paying the price. Also, I work in retirement sales, and I've noticed while people are living longer, they're not saving enough. That will have an impact on credit unions' financials."

Karnail Kooner, Retirement Sales Specialist, CUNA Mutual Group

Carol Sam

"The changes in the political environment. Credit unions have to continue to lobby in D.C. on issues such as preserving their tax-exempt status, and on business lending limits – it's really important we get relief on that. It's hard because the banking industry is strong in its advocacy, and credit unions have to up their game, especially now with President Trump. In my opinion, he's very pro-bank, and we have to guard against that. But, he's starting to shoot himself in the foot, so hopefully with the elections coming up, the tide will turn. We can't be a secret. We need to get out and promote what we do for people."

Carol Sam, Board Director, San Francisco Federal Credit Union

Alfred Gauthier

"One thing I heard [in CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle's ACUC speech] that was scary is that banks are outspending credit unions 43 to one on advertising. It's good that CUNA is putting that $100 million [into the Open Your Eyes program]. It's also hard for small credit unions – ours is only $120 million – that would like to offer more but don't have the resources. We still do a good job of offering a full line of products, but we would like to do better."

Alfred M. Gauthier, Chairman of the Board, New Bedford Credit Union

Theodore Streeter

"Losing business to payday lenders and for-profit banks. Credit unions are composed of members and need to consider the future financial health of their members. They need to focus on serving the underserved, because credit unions can benefit underserved consumers more than anyone else in the financial services industry can."

Theodore Streeter, Senior Enterprise Support Technician, UMassFive College Federal Credit Union

Joshua Miller

"At our credit union, we know members on a first-name basis and treat their money as if it were ours. It's about being honest, for example, by telling a member a credit card isn't the best option for them. The challenge for all credit unions is making sure they do not get away from this philosophy, which always puts the member first."

Joshua Miller, Financial Services Officer, ORNL Federal Credit Union