CHARLESTON, S.C. –The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) has concluded its winter conference here. During the meeting, Tracie Kenyon was also honored with the association’s highest award.
The organization said the annual conference provides a “valuable forum for leagues and other system leaders to share ideas, discuss emerging trends, strategize on advocacy issues, and collaborate to further strengthen the credit union system.”
According to the AACUL, the conference brought together league presidents, league service corporation and association executives, league chairs, government and political affairs professionals, state credit union foundation executives, CUNA board members, national and state regulators, as well as system partner organizations.
The Discussions
Key discussions focused on advocacy, consumer awareness, innovation, and financial inclusion, the AACUL said. Among those addressing the meeting where NCUA Chairman Todd Harper, NCUA Board Member Rodney Hood, and CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle.
According to the AACUL:
- Nussle spoke about the ways advocacy strategy is evolving, why successful CUNA-league system collaboration continues to be paramount, and the importance of measuring and showcasing the ways credit unions support financial well-being and advance the communities they serve
- National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland and CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk provided updates on the Financial Well-being for All journey
- State CU foundation executives shared financial well-being initiatives happening across the nation
- A Credit Unions for Kids panel discussion “highlighted the alignment” between supporting local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and fostering financial well-being within communities. League presidents John Bratsakis, Diana Dykstra, Troy Stang, and Caroline Willard shared the reasons and ways their leagues champion Credit Unions for Kids in their states and nationwide.
Additional Speakers
Conference participants also heard from Christopher Lorence, executive director, CU Awareness, LLC; Ryan Donovan, president/CEO, Council of Federal Home Loan Banks; Ronny Chapman, senior vice president fintech solutions, CUNA Mutual Group; and Dr. Troy Hall, culture strategist, bestselling author, talent retention expert, the AACUL reported.
Board Elections
Elected to serve on the board were:
- John Bratsakis, president/CEO of the MD & DC Credit Union Association
- Patrick Conway, president/CEO of the CrossState Credit Union Association
- Jeff Olson, president/CEO of the Dakota Credit Union Association
- Debbie Painter, president/CEO of The Kentucky Credit Union League
- Dan Schline, president/CEO of the Carolinas Credit Union League.
Olson will serve as Chair, Conway will serve as Vice Chair, and Painter will serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the board.
Other ex-officio members of the AACUL Board include Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues (immediate past chair); Jim Nussle, president/CEO of CUNA; and Brad Miller, president of AACUL.
Kenyon is Honored
In addition, Tracie Kenyon, president/CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU), was recognized with the 2022 Eagle Award by the AACUL during its meeting.
The Eagle Award is AACUL’s highest honor and was established in 1981 to recognize a league president who has an outstanding record of achievement at the league level.
“Eagle Award winners are willing to speak out and take a stand on critical issues, demonstrate leadership beyond the league level, are innovative in creating or implementing new ideas, maintain an unremitting dedication to credit union and personal principles, and sustain an unflagging focus on important issues,” the AACUL said.
Kenyon has served as the president/CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions for over 21 years and has “dedicated her entire professional career to advancing and championing credit unions and credit union leagues, placing special focus on the heart of the movement: the people and relationships that make the credit union difference,” according to the organization.
Prior to her career at Montana’s Credit Unions, Kenyon was with the Utah league for six years. Before that, she started her career in credit unions more than thirty years ago as a teller.
‘Humbled and Grateful’
“I am humbled and grateful to be honored by my peers with the Eagle Award,” said Kenyon. “As I wind down my time as a league president, I want to put an exclamation point on the importance of leagues in the credit union system. Our role as fierce advocates and conveners helps to assure that there will be a vibrant credit union movement for future generations.”
According to the AACUL, under Kenyon’s leadership, MCU garnered - and continually maintains - 100% credit union affiliation.
“Additionally, over her tenure she initiated two unique opportunities for Montana credit unions: Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, a charitable organization that creatively combines advocacy efforts with outreach and development; and Montana Credit Union League Group Benefit Trust, a self-funded benefit plan for employees of Montana’s credit unions that incorporates wholistic approaches to wellness including financial wellbeing,” the AACUL said.
Lives the Philosophy
“Tracie lives the credit union philosophy and never misses an opportunity to share her knowledge and dedication through countless interviews, speaking engagements, CU strategic plans, and written articles educating and promoting the credit union industry,” said Jeff Olson, AACUL chair and president and CEO of the Dakota Credit Union Association. “Tracie is generous with her time in a variety of ways – from mentoring individuals to supporting organizations through board service. There are countless people in our industry who have benefited from Tracie’s insight and support over the years.”
Added AACUL President Brad Miller, “Tracie is an inclusive, engaged and determined leader. When she was AACUL Chair, Tracie led Leagues through difficult situations – tirelessly and gracefully – by championing collaboration. Tracie’s passion for people as well as credit unions is both palpable and admirable.”
Career of Service
The AACUL noted Kenyon’s service to credit unions extends beyond Montana, including leadership roles on the board of CUNA, the American Association of Credit Union Leagues; CULAC; the Filene Research Institute; the National Credit Union Foundation, and Western CUNA Management School. She is a recipient of numerous national recognitions and awards, including the 2017 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award and the 2009 Her Wegner Memorial Award for Montana Credit Unions for Community Development.
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