WICHITA, Kan. and ST. LOUIS, Mo.–The Kansas CU Association and the Missouri CU Association have voted in favor of a merger to create what will be called the Heartland Credit Union Association effective Jan. 1. Both CEOs of the associations said they will retire in 2016, and a search is being launched for a new CEO to lead the combined organization.
Combining efforts of both associations will strengthen the credit union voice locally and nationally, and provide member credit unions with greater support, enhanced staff expertise and more opportunities for networking and training, the associations said in a statement.
"This historic vote unites two strong organizations with comparable philosophies and similar cultures," Marla Marsh, President/CEO of the Kansas Credit Union Association. "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."
Heartland Credit Union Association will be headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., which the two groups described as a “solid halfway point between the two states.” To ensure a strong advocacy presence, branch offices will be located in the Capitol cities of Topeka, Kan. and Jefferson City, Mo. The associations said that additional offices will remain in Wichita and St. Louis.
"We are moving forward with combining operations, aligning staff and preparing for a new look," said Don Cohenour, President/CEO of the Missouri Credit Union Association. "This collaboration creates greater opportunities for sustainability, strength and success for more than 200 credit unions in Kansas and Missouri."
According to the organizations, integration of association products and services, as well as communications platforms, will occur throughout the next six months.
The vote in favor of the merger follows town hall meetings, special membership meetings, and electronic voting. The boards of both the KCUA and MCUA have formed a Joint Collaboration Task Force to create a vision and vehicle for the new organization.
O'Rourke & Associates has been chosen to conduct the search for a new CEO to succeed Marsh and Cohenour, who have said they will stay on board until a new person is named.