ORLANDO, Fla.—New National Association of CUSOs (NACUSO) president, Randy Salser, said the organization is sharpening its focus on advocacy, collaboration and member engagement as it works to position CUSOs to compete in an evolving financial services landscape.
Speaking at NACUSO’s Reimagine conference, Salser, who has been in the role for six months, described a fast-paced start centered on “engagement, advocacy and building collaborative momentum.”
“We’re reestablishing NACUSO as the place where credit unions, CUSOs and partners come together to collaborate,” Salser said.
Salser said NACUSO has increased its presence in Washington, including multiple visits to Capitol Hill and meetings with policymakers, as part of an effort to better communicate the role CUSOs play in the credit union system.
‘Come With Us’
“When you come with us, it really helps tell the story and shape the narrative,” Salser said, encouraging members to participate in advocacy efforts as part of the organization’s lobbying efforts.
In addition to advocacy, Salser pointed to expanded investments in education and thought leadership. NACUSO plans to relaunch its website in mid-May with added content including podcasts, webinars, case studies and white papers designed to highlight collaboration within the CUSO ecosystem.
“We’re focused on telling the CUSO story and showing that success comes through collaboration,” Salser said.
How to Beat Big Banks
He also underscored competitive pressures from large financial institutions.
“Large banks are investing billions into innovation. We can’t outspend them, but we can out-collaborate them,” Salser said.
Salser added that growing NACUSO’s membership base remains a priority, noting that scale strengthens the organization’s voice with policymakers.
“It matters on Capitol Hill when we can say we have a strong membership base representing hundreds of millions of Americans,” he said.
Delivering a treasurer’s report on behalf of NACUSO leadership, Salser said the organization remains on solid financial footing, citing disciplined expense management alongside continued investments in core priorities such as advocacy, education and member engagement.
New Board Leadership
Separately, NACUSO has announced the results of its board elections.
- Chairman: Nick Evens, president and CEO of Curql Collective,
- Vice Chair: Scott Collins, EVP, CU*Answers
- Treasurer: Mike Hagerty, COO, Community America Credit Union, Treasurer
- Secretary: Mary Beth Spuck, CEO, Resource One Credit Union
