Advocacy never slows down, and sometimes that can feel like a lot to keep up with. To make it easier, I will be sharing updates in a format that highlights the key areas you care about most: what is happening in Frankfort, what is happening in Washington, how it affects you, and what comes next. My goal is to make these updates quick to scan while still keeping you informed on the issues that matter.
What’s Happening in Frankfort
Preparations for the upcoming legislative session are underway, and our testimony before the Interim Banking & Insurance Committee is just weeks away. Your efforts to build both awareness and understanding of credit unions are more important than ever. We need to ensure our members and communities are ready to stand with us when called upon.
What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.
The same rings true when we look at the Capitol. With only a handful of legislative days left before Congress departs for the holiday recess, and the looming threat of a government shutdown, our federal legislative body presents a unique, albeit limited, set of opportunities for legislation both for and against credit unions. With a slim GOP majority in the House and the need for Democratic support in the Senate, very few pieces of legislation will make it to the President’s desk in the near future. Still, a couple of “must-pass” bills are expected to move.
Why It Matters
In a legislative environment like this, Representatives and Senators often view must-pass bills as vehicles for their own priorities through amendments. This is where it becomes crucial for staff, leadership, volunteers, and members to engage, lean in, and advocate for credit unions. These processes can happen quickly, and what matters most is that elected officials already know and appreciate the credit union difference before they make decisions. Sometimes it is as simple as explaining that credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives and sharing why that matters.
What's Next
I know this can sound like a big ask of you and your teams, but at its core, advocacy is about seizing simple opportunities to talk about credit unions, emphasize the cooperative, not-for-profit structure of credit unions, and share why that matters. There will be challenges ahead, but if we commit to having these conversations, credit unions will remain strong and continue uplifting members and communities for generations to come.
If you have any questions about advocacy or upcoming legislative issues, feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hagerty
SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
Expree’s Thom Payne Earns CUDE Designation
Expree Credit Union is excited to share that our Chief Experience Officer, Thom Payne, has earned the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation from the National Credit Union Foundation.
The CUDE program helps credit union leaders dive deeper into what makes credit unions unique - our people-first philosophy, our cooperative principles, and our role in building stronger communities. Graduates bring back fresh ideas and new ways to make a difference in the lives of members every day.
Thom’s accomplishment is a reflection of Expree’s commitment to continually growing, learning, and finding innovative ways to serve our members. With his CUDE training, Thom joins a worldwide network of credit union professionals who are dedicated to making financial well-being accessible to all.
We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and look forward to the positive impact it will bring to our members and community.
Signet Federal Credit Union Recognized for Marketing Excellence
Signet Federal Credit Union has been named a finalist for the 2025 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards in Excellence in Marketing—and our very own Director of Marketing & Communications, Katelynn Rowe, has been recognized as a National Rising Star finalist!
From Teller to CEO: Service One Names Justin Morris as New Leader
Service One Credit Union has appointed Justin Morris as Chief Executive Officer. Morris, who also serves as President, brings two decades of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of “Service to Others.” His journey from part-time teller to CEO reflects both his professional growth and the opportunities Service One creates for its people.
Morris began his career at Service One in 2005 while attending Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Finance, followed by a Master of Business Administration. Over the years, he has served in leadership roles in operations, accounting, and risk management. He has been instrumental in advancing Service One’s growth, driving financial innovation, expanding access to affordable credit, and strengthening the credit union’s role in the community.
“I am honored to be selected as the next President and CEO of Service One Credit Union,” said Morris. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board of Directors. Service One has a proud history of serving members and communities, and I look forward to building on that foundation by focusing on sustainable growth, enhancing digital experiences, and ensuring more people have access to affordable financial services.”
The appointment follows the announcement of longtime CEO Rebecca Stone’s upcoming retirement, effective January 9, 2026. Stone will continue to serve the credit union as Strategic Leadership Advisor through this transition period. “It has been my pleasure to work with Justin, I know Justin to be a proven leader with a strong vision for Service One’s future,” Stone said. “He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to members, associates, and the community. I am confident he will continue to strengthen our financial cooperative for years to come.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident that Justin is the right leader for this next chapter at Service One,” said J. Pat Stewart, Board Chair. “His dedication to our mission, his proven leadership, and his vision for sustainable growth and community impact will serve our members well.”
UKFCU Welcomes New Associate Vice President of Risk Management
UK Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the appointment of Anetria Cohen as Associate Vice President of Risk Management.
Anetria brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, encompassing legal, compliance, and risk management expertise.
In this role, Anetria will be responsible for enhancing and strengthening the Credit Union’s risk management considerations, with a focus on compliance and enterprise-wide oversight. She will lead the establishment of a comprehensive enterprise framework designed to address risk consistently throughout UKFCU, ensure alignment through horizontal oversight and processes, and clarify roles and responsibilities within the organization’s three lines of defense model.
Anetria began her career practicing corporate and business law with an emphasis on banking and securities, serving in both private law firms and at the Department of Financial Institutions, where she was recognized as a Dodd-Frank Act expert. Her professional background also includes extensive work in compliance, where she became a respected public speaker and trainer, delivering hundreds of seminars and webinars on topics such as lending, BSA and fraud prevention, deposits, privacy, and information security to institutions of all sizes as well as regulatory examiners. Most recently, she has worked in risk management, supporting a global bank with remediation initiatives and performing 1B and pre-completion testing.
“Anetria’s depth of knowledge in Compliance and proven leadership will be a tremendous asset to UKFCU,” said Ryan Ross, President and CEO of UK Federal Credit Union. “Her expertise will strengthen our ability to safeguard the Credit Union while continuing to deliver the highest level of trust and service to our members.”
She resides in Kentucky with her two children and three cats, and she enjoys the state’s scenic rolling hills and farmland.
UKFCU Welcomes New Head of Commercial Banking
The University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the appointment of David Soper as Head of Commercial Banking.
In this role, David will lead the continued growth of UKFCU’s commercial loan department, expand the Credit Union’s loan portfolio, and ensure that businesses across Central Kentucky experience UKFCU’s hallmark of exceptional member service.
David brings a proven track record of success in commercial banking, with many years of experience in building and managing high-performing loan portfolios. Most recently, he served as Senior Executive Officer at Monticello Bank, where he built, developed, and managed a $50 million portfolio. Prior to that, he worked as a Commercial Lender at Kentucky Bank, expanding and managing an $80 million portfolio. Over the course of his career, Soper has successfully closed more than $160 million in commercial loans, positioning him as a trusted leader in the financial services industry.
“David’s expertise in commercial lending, coupled with his passion for supporting local businesses, makes him the ideal leader to guide the expansion of our commercial banking division,” said Ryan Ross, President and CEO of UK Federal Credit Union. “We’re excited to see the positive impact he will bring to our members, our community, and our Credit Union.”
Raised and currently residing in Paris, KY, David is deeply connected to the Central Kentucky community. He and his wife are proud parents to three children – daughters Hannah and Ella, and son Carter – and share their home with two dogs. Beyond his career in banking, David is an active coach for youth baseball and soccer, and he enjoys pursuing his interest as a real estate investor and enthusiast.
With David’s leadership, UKFCU looks forward to expanding its commercial lending footprint while continuing to provide members with innovative solutions and best-in-class service.
Old Kentucky Home FCU Celebrates Ribbon Cutting in Bardstown
Old Kentucky Home Federal Credit Union marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 18 at its Bardstown location, 1008 Templin Avenue. Community members, local leaders, and credit union staff gathered to celebrate expanded access to member services in Nelson County.
Celebrating Growth and Advancement at Lake Chem
Lake Chem Announces CEO Transition: Connie Evans to Retire, Crystal Jackson Named CEO-Elect
From the President's Desk
The Power of Unity
One of the defining strengths of the credit union movement has always been our cooperative spirit. We are not competitors in the traditional sense. While each of our institutions has its own field of membership, priorities, and strategies, we share a common mission: to improve the financial lives of Kentuckians. That shared purpose has carried us through decades of change, challenge, and opportunity.
Today, our movement faces a coordinated attack from the banking lobby. The Kentucky Bankers Association has renewed its push to paint credit unions as unfair competitors, focusing on our tax status and perceived regulatory differences. Their narrative is designed to weaken us—not because we are failing, but because we are succeeding in serving members in ways banks cannot or will not.
In moments like these, the power of unity is not just a slogan. It is our greatest strategic asset. When credit unions come together, we amplify our collective voice in Frankfort and beyond. We show lawmakers, regulators, and the public that our cooperative difference matters—and that it deserves to be protected.
But unity is about more than defense. By working together, we can expand opportunities for innovation, share best practices, pool resources for advocacy, and build stronger connections to the communities we serve. Collaboration doesn’t erase our individuality; it multiplies our impact.
The League exists to be your partner in this work, but the real power lies in each of you—your willingness to join forces, speak with one voice, and stand shoulder to shoulder with your peers. No single credit union, no matter how large or small, can carry this fight alone. But together, we are stronger than any attack.
The power of unity is not theoretical. It is real, it is proven, and it is ours to wield. Let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure that credit unions not only survive these challenges but thrive for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President
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