In Frankfort
It’s possible that for advocacy professionals in Kentucky, April is both the best and worst month of the year. That’s because it includes the final weeks of the state legislative session, which are a flurry of late nights, early mornings, and hours listening to debate on amendments to amendments to legislation. This time of year, is a blur as legislators race to finish up their legislative business, prepare to act on any vetoes that the Governor may issue, and ensure that a new budget is enacted. It also represents a conclusion and, with that conclusion, a time for everyone involved to exhale, catch up on some sleep, and begin preparations to do it all again.
Because of the strong and consistent engagement of Credit Union professionals across Kentucky, the Credit Union movement ended this year’s session in a stronger position and with more allies than we started it.
While legislators and advocacy professionals alike took a minute to catch their breath later in the month, it won’t be long before committee meetings and interim work begin to prepare for the 2027 session. Stay tuned for how you can add your voice to our efforts during this time, as we can’t let up and need to continue building on the strong engagement of the past months.
What’s Next
Advocacy on Track is quickly approaching. Register now.
The 4th Annual Advocacy on Track event takes place on Friday, June 5th at the Historic Churchill Downs. Senator Rand Paul is confirmed to be joining us as a speaker, and more exciting speakers are in the works. This event is presented free of charge to members of our Host Leagues: Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Space is limited, so secure your spot now.
The Great Bourbon Raffle, benefiting Kentucky’s Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, is also underway. Sales of tickets will go live in early May, so stay tuned to our social media for more information and announcements. The 2026 Great Bourbon Raffle will see winners for each of the 50 available prize lots drawn live and in person, also streaming on our Facebook, from the main stage at Vision 2026, our League Annual Meeting and Convention, on August 13th.
What This Means for You
Stay engaged beyond the legislative session. As interim work begins and planning for the next session ramps up, your continued involvement will be key to maintaining momentum and building on the strong relationships and advocacy efforts established this year.
If you have any questions about advocacy or upcoming legislative issues, feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hagerty
SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
LAST CALL for Southeast Management School
Time is running out to register for Southeast Management School. The final enrollment deadline is June 1, and credit union professionals are encouraged to register now to secure their spot before rates increase.
Hosted in partnership with Southeastern Regional Credit Union Schools, Southeast Management School will be held June 14-19, 2026 at the UGA Center for Continuing Education in Athens, Georgia. This nationally recognized program is designed to strengthen leadership, financial, and operational skills for current and emerging credit union leaders.
For those looking to grow into or excel in leadership roles, the program offers a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and focus on strategic thinking, professional development, and peer collaboration.
Kentucky’s Credit Unions also plans to offer financial assistance for credit unions under $250 million in assets to help offset the cost of attendance. Scholarship details and award amounts are still being finalized, but interested participants are encouraged to apply once available.
Key Dates:
- Final Enrollment Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Program Dates: June 14–19, 2026
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your growth and your credit union’s future. Register today at: https://srcus.org/management-school/
Southeast Regional Directors’ Conference
See what the coast can teach you.
Picture sunrise over the Atlantic, sand still cool beneath your feet, and a location full of fellow volunteer leaders ready to tackle the toughest questions facing credit unions today. That is what awaits at the 2026 Southeast Regional Directors’ Conference, coming to Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC, August 2–4.
Each year, the participating leagues of SRCUS carry this conference to a new corner of the Southeast. In 2026 the Carolinas take their turn, weaving Lowcountry charm into three days of expert-led sessions, spirited discussion, and fresh perspectives you can bring back to your boardroom or supervisory committee meetings.
Who Should Attend
This conference is designed for credit union board directors and supervisory committee members.
Introducing Elevate Women's Leadership Network
We are excited to announce the rebrand of the Kentucky Sister Society of GWLN to Elevate Women’s Leadership Network, a Kentucky-based initiative focused on connection, leadership development, and engagement for women in credit unions.
Elevate is designed to bring women together across the state through meaningful programming, networking opportunities, and shared experiences that support both personal and professional growth.
A full year of programming is already underway. Join us at an upcoming event:
QUARTERLY MEETINGS
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June 9 @ 11:00 am ET - REGISTER HERE
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September 11 @ 1:00 pm ET - REGISTER HERE
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December 8 @ 11:00 am ET - REGISTER HERE
ELEVATE BOOK CLUB
A space to connect, learn and grow. The Elevate Book Club brings women together to discuss books that challenge ideas, spark conversation, and support leadership development.
- June 11 @ 1:00 pm ET – Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes – REGISTER HERE
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September 15 @ 11:00 am ET - When Women Lead by Julia Boorstin – REGISTER HERE
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December 16 @ 11:00 am ET – Radical Candor by Kim Scott – REGISTER HERE
POWERFUL IN PURPLE @ ADVOCACY ON TRACK
Elevate members are invited to wear purple at Advocacy on Track on June 5th as a visible show of unity and support for women leading across Kentucky's credit unions.
INAUGURAL WINE TASTING EVENT @ VISION 2026
Join us for a “Tour of Italy.” Elevate invites members to an exclusive wine tasting led by an expert sommelier. Sample four handpicked wines, then enjoy a full glass of your favorite.
Tickets are $100 and seats are limited.
August 12, 2026
The Galt House
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
REGISTER HERE
We look forward to growing Elevate and creating more opportunities for women leading across Kentucky's Credit Unions.
Service One Credit Union Donates $15,000 to the SKYCTC Foundation
At their annual meeting on April 20th, Service One Credit Union (SOCU) presented a $15,000 donation to the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Foundation (SKYCTC). This donation was in response to SKYCTC’s Annual Giving Day as a challenge to other donors; if 75 gifts were contributed, then Service One would donate $15,000.
The SKYCTC Foundation is the primary source of fundraising for the college, leading efforts that positively impact student success. These funds expand programs and opportunities that equip students for success, such as investing in hands-on training equipment, helping cover uniform costs, and professional development. Through this contribution, students are provided with the tools they need to grow both academically and professionally.
Heather Rogers, Executive Director of the SKYCTC Foundation, said, “This was our most successful Giving Day so far, surpassing the 75 Donor Challenge along the way. 104 donors contributed over $32,000 to benefit our students through scholarships, programs, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Pathfinder Food Pantry.”
“At Service One, we believe that when people have access to opportunity, entire communities move forward,” said SOCU President and CEO Justin Morris. “Supporting education is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve others and help individuals build a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
Through continued annual support, Service One contributes to the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to quality education while promoting inclusive learning environments. SOCU remains dedicated to its ongoing partnership with the SKYCTC Foundation and higher education.
Service One Credit Union Promotes Matt Whalen to Chief Lending Officer
Service One Credit Union is proud to share that Matt Whalen has been promoted to the executive role of Chief Lending Officer. In this role Matt will continue to serve our members by having executive oversight of the lending operations and support functions.
Matt’s career is defined by over 25 years of banking experience, including his previous role as VP of Lending at Service One Credit Union. His expertise is anchored by professional designations, including Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) and Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), as well as a credential in Business Law from Cornell University.
"At the end of the day, lending is about helping people move forward. Matt understands that responsibility and approaches it with both care and expertise. I’m confident he will continue to expand our ability to meet members where they are and help them reach their financial goals.” says Service One President and CEO Justin Morris.
Reflecting on his new role, Whalen emphasizes that his work is guided by the simple philosophy of people helping people. "Being part of the communities we serve, I see firsthand how important a fair and helpful financial partner can be," Whalen says. He highlights that his primary goal as Chief Lending Officer is to ensure Service One remains supportive of its members while championing lending solutions that help our members reach their financial goals. "I’m honored to serve an organization where ’To Serve Others’ isn't just a slogan—it’s how we operate every day."
Matt also enjoys exploring local historic sites and discovering new restaurants throughout the region.
Commonwealth Credit Union Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Commonwealth Credit Union officially marked its 75th Anniversary on April 2nd, 2026, celebrating a milestone made possible by the members, communities, and team members who have shaped its story for generations. The day was a special time to honor the people who have been part of CCU’s journey from the very beginning and to reflect on the impact created over seven and a half decades of service.
To celebrate the occasion, all 18 CCU branches welcomed members with sweet treats throughout the day, inviting them to stop in and share in the anniversary excitement. Team members across the organization joined in the celebration as well, wearing exclusive "75 Years of Impact" shirts that highlighted the pride and purpose behind this milestone year.
As a thank you to the members who have trusted CCU with their financial goals, the credit union also introduced a special anniversary certificate offer. Members used it as an opportunity to strengthen their savings, take meaningful steps toward their financial goals, and share in something that honors 75 years of partnership. The strong response reflected how deeply members value the credit union’s commitment to their financial well‑being and how powerful it can be when a milestone is marked with something that benefits the people CCU serves.
The celebration of April 2nd reflects the heart of CCU’s mission, bringing people together, honoring shared history, and continuing to build strong financial futures. As CCU steps forward into its next chapter, the organization remains committed to creating positive change and helping the communities it serves thrive, one member at a time.
To learn more about CCU’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations, visit ccuky.org/75th-anniversary
From the President's Desk
The only thing American's appreciate as much as a victorious underdog is to witness the greatest athletes performing at unmatched levels.
As we celebrate Derby Week in the Bluegrass State, one name still echoes louder than any other: Secretariat.
In 1973, “Big Red” did what no horse had done in 25 years — he swept the Triple Crown with a heart and performance that still leave us breathless more than 50 years later. He set unbreakable records in the Kentucky Derby (1:59 2/5), Preakness, and Belmont Stakes — winning the Belmont by an astonishing 31 lengths in a world-record 2:24. His heart, discovered after his passing, weighed an estimated 22 pounds — nearly 2.5 times the size of an average horse’s.
Secretariat wasn’t just faster. He had more heart. And that makes him the perfect symbol for what Kentucky credit unions stand for.
Running Like Secretariat
- Unmatched Heart Like Secretariat’s legendary oversized heart, credit unions run on something bigger than profit. We’re member-owned cooperatives. Every extra dollar we earn goes back to our members — in better loan rates, higher savings yields, lower fees, and stronger communities. That’s the credit union difference.
- Record-Setting Performance Secretariat accelerated through every quarter-mile. Kentucky credit unions do the same: we keep improving services, expanding technology, and delivering value even as costs and competition rise.
- Power Through Partnership Secretariat had an elite team — trainer Lucien Laurin, jockey Ron Turcotte, and a dedicated barn behind him. No champion runs alone. That’s the challenge for us today. Our movement is strong, but we can be unstoppable if we run as a unified field instead of separate stables.
Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President
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