GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–CU*Answers said it has added a new credit union owner, the $85-million Post Community Credit Union in Battle Creek, Mich.
Post Community CU, which converted to the online CU*BASE core processing system in early 2014, represents the 128th CU*Answers credit union owner.
“With 10 new owners added during the past 18 months, we continue to be very excited by the growing number of credit unions who wish to actively participate in our cooperative CUSO, including having an equal voting privilege in helping set the future direction of their technology partner,” said EVP Scott Page.
Separately, Chris Butler, CEO of Community Credit Union, was recognized by CU*Answers as the 11th recipient of the Robert H. Mackay award at the 2015 CU*BASE Leadership Conference. CU*Answers CEO Randy Karnes praised Butler, who has served as CU*Answers Board Chair since 2001, saying, “Our growth during his term as chairman has been impressive and his leadership on the Board has been a huge contributor to that.”
Butler’s credit union, Community CU in LaCrosse, Wis., recently announced its decision to merge with Verve, a Credit Union in Oshkosh, Wis., pending regulatory approval. The merger will mark a transition for Butler, who will serve as the West Region President, overseeing the credit union’s growth strategies on the western side of the state.
As Butler is an elected member of the CU*Answers board, the CUSO said the change also signals a transition for the CUSO and its network, since currently only CEOs can serve on the CUSO Board. Karnes explained that CU*Answers has new goals to respond to a leadership challenge that is emerging as the roles for credit union executives begin to change.
“In our shrinking industry, the recombination of charters is redefining the job titles for many long-time CU professionals,” said Karnes. “Our CUSO needs a strong community of leaders eligible to lead on the board, so we need to look at the industry in a new way. New alliances, mergers, and operating models will be a key factor in shaping the next decade of credit union success. For CU*Answers to continue as a successful network into the future, it must also evolve. Chris has a unique perspective on these changes and we value his leadership during this time of transition.”
The Robert H. Mackay award was established in 2005 to recognize the leadership contribution of Robert Mackay, retired CEO of Berrien Teacher CU (now known as Honor Credit Union,) who served as a member of the CU*Answers board from 1985 to 2007 and as chairman for 19 of those years. Each year the award is presented to an individual who exemplifies these leadership skills.
Recently elected to three year terms on the CU*Answers’ board were: Chris Butler, CEO of Community CU in LaCrosse, Wis.; Scott McFarland, CEO of Honor CU in St. Joseph, Mich.; and Don Mills, President & CEO of Alpena Alcona Area CU in Alpena, Mich.,