WASHINGTON — After months of what it said has been development and collaboration across the credit union industry, a new national trade group for credit unions beneath a certain asset threshold has officially announced its new name: the National Small Credit Union Association (NSCUA).
Organizers said the NSCUA has been formed with a “clear and focused purpose: to support, strengthen, and elevate small credit unions across the United States.”
The National Small Credit Union Association will represent CUs under $500 million in assets and has been built to “deliver practical solutions, strategic guidance, and a collaborative network tailored specifically to the needs of smaller institutions,” organizers said.
The CU Daily first reported discussions were underway about forming such a group here.
An ‘Essential Role’
“Small credit unions play an essential role in the financial lives of their members and communities,” Joshua C. Urbick, president and CEO of NSCUA as well as the $29.2-million IBEW 26 Federal Credit Union in Lanham, Md. “NSCUA is being built to ensure these institutions are not only preserved, but positioned to grow, adapt, and succeed in a rapidly evolving environment.”
Urbick earlier authored a popular op-ed about the state of credit unions in the CU Daily here.
Added Mianna Chernek, SVP and chief strategy officer with the new group, “Small credit unions are facing real challenges, but also real opportunities. This organization is focused on advancing practical solutions and building strategic partnerships, while creating a network where leaders can collaborate and move forward together.”
Others also offered their endorsement.
- “As a small credit union CEO, you are often balancing everything at once with limited resources,” said Andrew Crosby, CEO of Cheney Federal Credit Union. “Having an organization focused specifically on our needs, where we can share ideas and access real support, is something this movement has needed for a long time.”
- “Strong strategy and strong governance are not optional for small credit unions that want to remain viable long term,” said Michael Wolsten of Michael Wolsten Consulting. “There is a growing need for intentional strategic planning, board succession planning, and ongoing leadership development. Organizations like NSCUA can play a meaningful role in helping credit unions build that foundation and execute with clarity.”
‘Clarity & Purpose’
Organizers said the NSCUA name reflects clarity and purpose, aligning directly with its mission to support small credit unions nationwide. Its official logo, featuring the United States Capitol dome, represents a national presence, headquarters in the nation’s capital, and a commitment to strong, steady leadership within the movement, organizers added.
NSCUA said it is currently in its foundational phase, with work underway to establish its strategic initiatives and membership framework. Early engagement from credit unions and industry partners across the country has reinforced the need for an organization focused specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities facing smaller institutions.
Key Priorities
The association will focus on key priorities including:
- Strengthening executive leadership and board governance
- Providing practical operational support and shared solutions
- Fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across small credit unions
- Supporting sustainable growth and long-term viability
- Serving as a constructive voice when needed on issues impacting small institutions
For strategic partnership inquiries or to explore opportunities to get involved, contact NSCUA at [email protected]
10 Responses
Just what we need – another industry trade group that over 80% of all credit unions are eligible to join. Small CUs have been vocal about their disdain for large CU’s while calling for unified movement. We have already have a few bank organizations lobbying against large credit unions, we don’t need another one.
Interesting comment. This organization doesn’t seem to be interested in trying to put down big credit unions at all, rather providing something more specific and helpful for the small ones, that are struggling to survive. Why is that a problem for you, exactly? Maybe *you* don’t want a small credit union association, but many of us welcome it. -Doug Wadsworth
Well you do just fine putting them down, so you’re right, we don’t need an association to do it. Would just like to know how small CUs lament large credit unions, tell them are to blame for their lot in life, and then wonder why there isn’t a united “movement”.
I didn’t get any of this from reading about what NSCUA is trying to do. I think it will be a great addition. Just like CUWLA has been a strong addition to the movement.
I don’t think this is about “disdain” for large credit unions. It’s about acknowledging that not all credit unions are dealing with the same challenges right now.
Smaller CUs are under real pressure. If a group wants to organize to provide more targeted support, that seems like a reasonable response, not a threat to the movement. The number of people seeing it as a threat it weird to me, almost suspicious.
Not every initiative has to serve every credit union. If it’s not relevant to you, you don’t have to participate. BTW criticizing others in the movement for organizing around different needs doesn’t exactly model the unity that is being call for.
There’s a difference between unity and uniformity. Unity works through differences. Uniformity asks people to ignore them. If we can’t be honest about what different credit unions are facing, it’s hard to see how we move forward together.
Not every effort in the movement is about large credit unions or leagues. This is simply about addressing the needs of small credit unions.
We’ve been waiting for this for a long time, highly anticipated!
My entire team is excited about this. We’re really looking forward to have something dedicated to us. hope it’s something we can actually afford
So excited for this! Absolutely needed and will definitely be additive to the movement!
This is great! Any voice promoting Credit Unions getting back to the basics of “People Helping People” is an awesome step forward.