What’s Happening in Washington, D.C.
I know it’s not breaking news to say that we live in dynamic and largely unprecedented times, especially when it comes to the action in Washington, D.C. and Frankfort. But, with that said, I think it’s important to remember that while it can seem like all of government moves together and it can be hard sometimes to draw the line between our branches of government and remember which branches are imbued with which powers, we need to take the time to remind ourselves of these facts in order to continue being the most effective and impactful advocates we can be.
When we read about the news that the administration wants to or plans to shutter an agency like the CFPB or the CDFI Fund, it’s important to remember that because they were created by an act of Congress only an act of Congress can eliminate them. It’s also important to heed the reminders we see in the news that the Judicial branch is where we turn when there is a disagreement on how the laws written by Congress are executed by the President and his administration, and that while that judicial process may, and often does, take a great deal of time to reach a resolution, they are the referees of our governing system.
Why It Matters
I think it’s important from time to time to take a step back and remind ourselves how the system is constructed and intended to function, because with new announcements, policies, and proposals coming out, it’s understandable to sometimes lose the forest for the trees.
How We Advocate
Not only should we remind ourselves how the system is constructed, we remind ourselves how we can most effectively advocate and drive impactful change for the credit union movement. What that means is that our advocacy work is primarily focused on the legislative branch with the intent of shaping and influencing potential laws to advance our movement, but while most of our work is focused there, we still engage actively with certain parts of the executive branch (such as with the NCUA) and may even occasionally find ourselves interacting with the judicial branch.
What’s Next
You can be rest assured, however, that regardless of what or how many new proposals, announcements, or actions come out of D.C. or Frankfort, your team at Kentucky’s Credit Unions is there, paying attention, and always advocating for the betterment of our movement.
If you have any questions about advocacy or upcoming legislative issues, feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hagerty
SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
Jon Jeffreys
President & CEO
Callahan & Associates
Scott Simpson
(Incoming) President & CEO
America's Credit Unions
Free Registration Open for November 6th Veteran 2 Entrepreneur Event
Abound Credit Union and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host their tenth annual Veteran 2 Entrepreneur workshop on Thursday, Nov 6, 2025 from 9:30AM – 12:30PM ET at the Colvin Community Center, 230 Freedoms Way Radcliff, KY 40160.
This no-cost event was developed to help area veterans cultivate their entrepreneurial skills as they transition to small business ownership after leaving military service. This year’s agenda will include a session on “Mission: AI-Powered Success” along with special guests, networking opportunities, and more.
“When veterans transition to successful entrepreneurs, they strengthen the entire community. Abound is proud to support military families and offer resources to assist veterans in starting small businesses,” says Ray Springsteen, President & CEO. “This decade-long, ongoing partnership with the SBDC is a great way to meet the unique needs of our local veterans.”
The in-person workshop provides the information needed to help veterans start, grow and fund small businesses. Participants at this year’s event will learn from successful veteran small business owners, resource partners and experts.
More information about the free event and online registration may be found here.
UK Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Rosalind Parks as Associate Vice President of Digital Banking
UK Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the appointment of Rosalind Parks as the organization’s new Associate Vice President of Digital Banking.
“As illustrated by bringing on a high caliber and experienced Financial Services Professional with Rosalind, we are making an emphatic and intentional statement about prioritizing the digital banking experience for our members,” said Ryan Ross, President and CEO of UK Federal Credit Union. “We are committed to making banking with UKFCU effortless and efficient with innovative technology.”
Please join us in welcoming Rosalind Parks to UK Federal Credit Union!
KIT Federal Credit Union Opens Little KIT
On Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025, we had a ribbon cutting for our Little Kit Blessings Pantry. Thank you to everyone who came to our branch to support us as we celebrated this new addition to Kit. This is perfectly in line with our mission to serve and support our community. Thank you to our Middletown Chamber of Commerce for making our vision of this celebration complete with the ribbon cutting. Thank you to everyone who has donated food items and personal hygiene items for our pantry. Thank you, to each and every single one of you who were in attendance and most importantly thank you to our CEO, Andrea R Maxwell for having an idea, acting on it and making it happen! You are such an incredible leader of our Credit Union and are passionate about giving back to our community and making our world a better place! Because of your aspiration, Little Kit will make such a positive impact in our community, by not only providing those in need a meal or toiletries, but also by uniting everyone to assist and support this mission, together.
If you would like to make a donation to our pantry, please feel free to stop by and leave what you can in Little Kit. If Little Kit is stocked full, we would be glad for you to bring your items in Big Kit and we can fill the pantry as needed!
CCU Expands Membership Across 36 Kentucky Counties
Commonwealth Credit Union (CCU) has opened its doors wider than ever before, welcoming individuals and businesses from 36 counties across Eastern and Southern Kentucky into its growing membership family. This expansion marks a major milestone in CCU’s mission to deliver personalized financial services to more Kentuckians.
“This expansion is about more than geography—it’s about access,” said Karen Harbin, President/CEO of CCU. “We’re creating new opportunities for thousands of Kentuckians to take control of their financial futures, with support that’s local, personal, and built to last.”
The newly eligible counties include Adair, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Elliott, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, McCreary, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe. Businesses and organizations located in these counties are also eligible to join.
For nearly 75 years, CCU has been a trusted financial partner, known for its member-first approach and deep community roots. This expansion continues that legacy, bringing financial education, local decision-making, and hands-on support to areas that have sought more inclusive options.
“We believe financial wellness shouldn’t be determined by zip code,” said Randy Fawns, CCU Board Chair. “This move allows us to build stronger relationships in communities that deserve more choices and more guidance.”
With its people-first philosophy and commitment to economic empowerment, Commonwealth Credit Union is helping Kentuckians thrive, one member at a time.
Service One’s Valerie Wilcox Featured in VIP Bowling Green Magazine
What began as a temporary teller job turned into a lifelong passion for helping others reach their goals. Valerie Wilcox, Vice President, Controller, and Project Management Lead at Service One Credit Union, was featured in VIP Bowling Green for her commitment to empowering members and supporting local children through United Way’s Kindergarten Readiness Group.
From the President's Desk
The weather has been crazy unpredictable this year. Still, it's an easy prediction that it is going to be cold and potentially icy by Martin Luther King Day in January. Believe me, you'll be very happy that you will be leaving these climes for the tropical breeze and sunshine of the Florida Keys when you join us for the Visionaries Retreat January 20 - 23!
Scott Simpson, new President/CEO of America's Credit Unions will be joining you for a session. You'll get to hear from Scott and ask about his plans for our national advocacy group.
Jon Jeffreys, President/CEO, of Callahan & Associates will host an engaging session on member impact and growth.
Seema Sheth from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will be another keynote speaker.
Travis Clark, U.S. Economist for VISA, will be on-hand to share his insights and prognostications on 2026 and beyond.
Plus, we have a few other awesome speakers with whom we are finalizing as guests.
In addition to these great learning and networking sessions, you'll have ample time to swim with dolphins, explore the Keys, cavort on Duval Street in Key West (and have a beverage at Ernest Hemingway's favorite hangout.
This agenda is so spectacular we are opening the invitation up to credit union leaders from around the country. There are limited spots, so reserve yours today!
PS - there's a $25 gift card to the first 4 people who email me with the name of Hemingway's favorite bar in Key West.
Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President
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