In Frankfort & D.C.
As we move through October and toward Election Day, there is no shortage of headlines competing for our attention. From ongoing discussions in Washington regarding federal programs and funding priorities to policy debates here in Kentucky, the pace of change can sometimes feel relentless. Yet amid all the noise, one thing remains clear: engagement matters.
The credit union movement continues to thrive because people choose to get involved. Whether it's sharing your Credit Union story with a legislator, participating in advocacy initiatives, attending a town hall, or simply staying informed about the issues that affect your members, meaningful change begins when individuals engage.
Why It Matters
For credit unions, that means continuing to tell our story. It means helping policymakers understand the positive impact credit unions have on working families, small businesses, local communities, and individuals seeking a trusted financial partner.
The issues and personalities involved in public policy may change over time, but the value of maintaining strong relationships and open dialogue with decision-makers remains constant. Recent policy discussions in both Frankfort and Washington, D.C., are good reminders that public policy decisions can and do have meaningful consequences for the communities Credit Unions serve and for Credit Unions themselves.
While specific proposals and headlines will continue to evolve, our responsibility remains the same: stay informed, stay engaged, and continue advocating for policies that allow Credit Unions to meet the financial needs of their members.
What’s Next
As your advocacy team, we remain actively engaged with lawmakers, regulators, and industry partners in both Frankfort and Washington. We are monitoring developments, sharing your stories, and working every day to ensure the credit union perspective is heard.
No matter the outcome of the election next week or any election, our mission remains unchanged. Kentucky's Credit Unions are built on the mission of people helping people, and we will continue advocating for policies that strengthen our movement, empower our members, and support the communities we call home.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Together, we will ensure that Kentucky's Credit Unions continue to have a strong and effective voice wherever decisions are being made.
Please reach out with any questions or if we can be of service in any way.
Sincerely,
Kyle Hagerty
SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
Connecting Credit Unions Across Kentucky
As we wrap up another year of KCU Connect Lunches, we want to thank everyone who joined us throughout 2026! These gatherings are a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build relationships, and share ideas with fellow credit union professionals.
A special thank you to Morgan Pottinger McGarvey for sponsoring our lunches throughout the year!
We're looking forward to bringing everyone together again in 2027. Stay tuned for next year's dates and locations!
Service One Credit Union Announces Stuart Cook as New Director of Marketing
Service One Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Cook as their new Director of Marketing. In this role, Cook will lead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, and member communications across the credit union’s service areas.
Cook brings a decade of multifaceted marketing experience spanning healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and financial services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stuart to the Service One team,” said Jennifer Martin, Vice President of Marketing & Community Development. “His extensive background across diverse industries and his deep commitment to community-driven marketing make him an exceptional fit for our organization. As we continue to expand our reach and deepen relationships with our members, Stuart’s leadership and fresh perspective will be invaluable.”
A native of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Cook originally came to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. After spending several years living and working in Nashville, he has returned to make his home once again in Bowling Green.
Outside of his professional career, Cook is an avid tabletop gamer and reader who serves as a virtual community organizer, coordinating global online gaming groups and introducing new players to the hobby.
Commonwealth Credit Union Revamps Flyer Credit Union
The future of financial education in our community is looking brighter at Flyer Credit Union, the student-run branch we proudly sponsor at Franklin County High School. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local students, we recently completed a remodel of the in-school branch, giving the space a fresh, modern look that better reflects the exciting opportunities available through credit union membership. The renovation included new wall and door graphics, updated branding elements, and eye-catching in-branch posters designed to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students.
The updated branch is more than just a new look. It is an investment in the financial futures of Franklin County students. By creating a modern and inviting space, we hope to encourage more students to visit Flyer Credit Union. The branch serves as a valuable educational resource, helping students build financial confidence.
Supporting Flyer Credit Union is one of the many ways we give back to the communities we serve. We believe that investing in local schools and financial education programs helps strengthen our community for generations to come. By providing students with access to real-world financial experiences in a newly refreshed environment, we are helping prepare tomorrow’s leaders for success while reinforcing our commitment to education, community involvement, and the financial well-being of our members.
From the President's Desk
End of an Era for CUNA Strategic Services
Earlier this year, America's Credit Unions made the decision to exit its majority ownership interest in CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). That decision reflected their continued work to “ensure (their) resources and investments are aligned with strategic priorities” and focused on the areas where they believe they can deliver the greatest value to their members. In addition, their review of the service landscape highlighted that many of these capabilities are already available through Leagues and their affiliated service corporations.
Since then, CSS and its shareholders have carefully evaluated the available paths forward, including potential alternatives that would allow CSS to continue under different ownership.
After an extensive review, CSS shareholders have voted to dissolve the organization. While multiple scenarios were explored, elements of the vendor relationships made a sale a less viable option than a move to dissolve.
CSS will now begin an orderly wind-down, with operations concluding November 30 and final dissolution planned for December 31.
For credit unions that currently participate in CSS programs, CSS will communicate directly about provider relationships, important dates and any actions you may need to take. America’s Credit Unions will also maintain information and updates on its website throughout the transition.
For our part, Kentucky’s Credit Unions has a small ownership share of CSS, which, based on recent valuations, is equal to about $30,000. As dissolution occurs, I will keep you posted as to the impact it has on our balance sheet.
This is one of the most profound examples of how the financial engines of the League system is shifting away from the traditional “revenue share” model. For the past several years, League leadership has been working diligently to prepare us for this inevitable and impactful shift – by standing up new service lines committed to providing value to our credit unions and your members. These business lines include more intensive compliance support through Compliance+, Policy+, custom training options, and Auto Advisors, which now counts 15 credit unions as clients.
The bottom line is this: the League can’t rely solely on collected dues to support our important activities in advocacy, education, and support. We are learning that we can no longer depend on revenue sharing from vendors. The times are changing, and we have been charged with being the agents of change, and not the victims of change.
As always, we appreciate your ongoing commitment to the League.
Sincerely,
Jim Kasch
League President
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