As we close out the holiday season—and the year—it’s natural to reflect on where we’ve been and look ahead to what’s coming next. That reflection is no different in the world of advocacy.
In 2025, the Credit Union movement faced meaningful challenges, most notably federal tax reform. With that challenge came an opportunity to showcase one of our greatest strengths: the depth and reach of our grassroots network. That network was mobilized in record time and with powerful results. At the state level, we also encountered significant hurdles, including litigation brought by the Kentucky Bankers Association against one of our own over the acceptance of public funds. Once again, Credit Unions leaned in—successfully defending our position in the courts—and remain deeply engaged as this issue and others head into a highly active legislative session.
Looking ahead, the key to our success in 2025 is the same key that will drive our success in 2026: engagement. Engagement at the leadership level among Credit Union professionals, and engagement through your continued ability to activate and grow the grassroots strength of our movement. With strong, sustained participation at every level, we are well positioned to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.
Thank you for a great 2025, and thank you in advance for what promises to be a fantastic 2026. Keep up the great work.
If you have any questions about advocacy or upcoming legislative issues, feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hagerty
SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
Visionaries Retreat Hotel Deadline has been EXTENDED!
Good news, the hotel deadline for Visionaries Retreat has been extended.
If you have been on the fence, this gives you a little more time to lock in your room and finalize plans to join us January 20–23 in the Florida Keys. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of the conversations, connections, and experience that make Visionaries Retreat so impactful.
Now is the time to secure your spot and your stay.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
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U belong at SRCUS: Join us for 2026
Are U a lifelonglearner ready to better the future for yourself, your organization, and the movement?
We recognize you as a shaper of the industry and are dedicated to your ongoing development. Gain the skills and knowledge you need for that next step in your career at SRCUS’ Southeast Management School!
At SRCUS:
- U expand your operational and financial knowledge, leadership skills, and peer network
- U rise to new challenges that stretch your limits and perspective
- U grow a deeper connection to the values that make the credit union difference
- U have fun
- Plus, U can earn your CCUE designation!
The three-year program offers a rigorous academic curriculum with direct credit union applications. For more than 50 years, SRCUS has prepared leaders like U to lead the financial industry of tomorrow.
Be a part of the incoming class. Invest in your professional growth today!
Enrollment Opens in December!
This is your chance to secure a spot in one of the most respected leadership development programs in the credit union industry.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or develop your leadership skills, Southeast Management School offers the tools and knowledge U need to succeed. And with the new Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation available to graduates, there’s never been a better time to enroll.
Key Dates:
- Enrollment Opens: December 2025
- Scholarship Applications Due: May 15, 2026
- Enrollment Deadline: June 1, 2026 (April 1 for early enrollment)
For Alumni:
If you’re a past Southeast Management School graduate (class of 2014 or later), you’ll also have the opportunity to join the SRCUS Alumni Program, running June 17–19, 2026. This on-campus experience offers a path to earn your CCUE designation through program refreshers and testing. Registration also opens in December!
Stay tuned for more details on how to enroll → www.srcus.org
Turning Compassion Into Tradition: Audubon Federal’s Christmas Outreach
In Oct. 2020 when Jessica Higdon became CEO of Audubon Federal Credit Union, it was not truly involved with any community services or issues in Daviess County. One of the first issues she ran across was Christmas for Foster children and teens.
In 2025, 142,579 children were taken into the Foster Care system in KY. At any given time throughout the year there are an average of 100 children or teens without foster families. During Christmas it is no different. Others may recently have been placed with a new family with little time to get gifts.
Since 2021 Kelli Neal with Sunrise Children’s Services have supplied Audubon Federal with a list of children and teens that it is questionable if they would receive any gifts Christmas morning. Our first year there were 26 children on the list. This 2025 has been the smallest list of 12 but most all were teens the most difficult to place.
These list, these children and teens are grabbed up by both the staff and Members quickly, we look forward to it each year and we all overspend! If you have a Foster service near you, and are not already involved, it might be blessing to your Credit Union to see how you can assist come Christmas 2026.
Supporting Students at BCTC!
MHCU's Lauren (left) presents the check to BCTC’s Erin T (right)
From the President's Desk
I learned a valuable lesson while working for Disney, and particularly at Walt Disney World. My trainer, who worked in several "face character" capacities, was once the Mayor of the Magic Kingdom. He saw two identical twins, he guessed they were both in their seventies, bickering about taking a photo in front of Cinderella's castle.
"Ladies," he declared, "please allow me to take a picture of BOTH of you!"
They finally agreed, he snapped the shot of them, and that was that. Just another guest moment among thousands for him.
Until about six months later, when he received a copy of that picture in the mail. (Disney is fantastic about finding the cast members that are involved in special moments with guests when they receive mail.) He immediately recognized the two ladies and he read the accompanying note.
"To the Mayor of the Magic Kingdom - I'm sorry I don't know your name, but last December, you snapped this photo of my sister and me in front of the castle. We were separated at birth in Poland as the (World War) was raging. Separately, we were both raised in the United States, and only learned of each other's existance less than a year ago. This trip to WDW was the first time we were together since we were infants, and this is the only picture I have with my sister. She passed away last month, and I will forever be grateful for your insistence that we take this picture together."
The lesson, which is something we are smart to remember every day we work with our members, is you never know who you are talking to and what they are dealing with. Simple thoughtfulness and compassion, even when delivered as part of our daily work, can change lives.
The work you do every day is so important to so many people. It makes advocating for you in the halls of Frankfort and Washington DC so rewarding. Thank you for being you.
Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President
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