COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.–What is the Defense Credit Union Council’s (DCUC) view of the proposed merger between CUNA and NAFCU?
For an answer, DCUC CEO Tony Hernandez said he has turned to the “old War College” answer: “It always depends.”
“You have to see how things unfold,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez spoke with CUToday.info after his first public appearance since the two trade groups announced plans to combine by NAFCU CEO Dan Berger and CUNA CEO Jim Nussle, who appeared on-stage during the DCUC annual meeting. Hernandez acted as moderator of the session.
Hernandez said he was “happy” the DCUC event could be a forum for that discussion.
“I think there are a lot of unanswered questions out there that I think CUNA and NAFCU’s boards are working to answer,” Hernandez said. “I think it’s a relief valve for our members to be able to ask those questions, to ask difficult questions. And, in my opinion, it took a lot of courage for them to be up on stage and to take those questions. I think they got some good feedback from our members. I thought this conversation was good for the industry to have.”
Hernandez said he thought it was a “special moment” and a “class move” when Nussle had praise for Berger during the Q&A, and Berger received a standing ovation from the audience.
“He was emotional, I was emotional and it was just a great moment up on stage,” said Hernandez.
Other Notes from DCUC
- The 2024 Meeting: The DCUC will host its 2024 Annual Conference at the Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla. from August 12-16.
- Funds Raised. This year's charity of choice during the DCUC meeting was the Robert Irvine Foundation for which it raised a total of $33,000. This brings the total funds raised by DCUC’s Conference with a Purpose to $433,000 since 2003. Erik Wahl, one of DCUC’s conference keynote speakers, donated the artwork created during his presentation. This artwork was later presented during a live auction, contributing further funds to the Foundation's cause. This year’s fundraiser also included an online Silent Auction, the popular 50/50 raffle, as well as mulligan and gimme string sales during DCUC’s Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament. The Robert Irvine Foundation dedicates itself to giving back and supporting service members, veterans, Gold-Star families, first responders, and their families by offering diverse resiliency, health, and wellness programs, in addition to the financial support of top-rated military and first responder organizations. The Foundation continues to advance its programs and create additional resources to further support these communities’ evolving needs.
- Board Changes: During the meeting, two DCUC board positions were filled. Frank Padak, president/CEO of Scott Credit Union, and Jack Fallis, president/CEO of Global Credit Union, were re-elected to the two open representative-at-large positions. Additionally, DCUC held its first passing of the gavel ceremony, which honored Bill Birnie’s years of leadership as past board chairman and announced DCUC’s newest board chairman, Jack Fallis.