A Direct Line Blog

By Tracie Kenyon, MCU President/CEO

Where did the last 22 years go? As I reach the end of my tenure as President/CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU), I find myself wanting to reflect on the “big things” (I have a list of those to share with you); however, when I stop and ask myself, “Did I make a difference?” I am reminded of John Lennon quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”

Taking that into account, while I’m proud of the big accomplishments, I am most delighted to leave this position with hundreds of positive relationships that I’ve forged, including those of the talented and amazing team members at MCU. I am pleased that Montana credit unions and MCU have an outstanding reputation in our movement. And I am thankful that we have retained our collaborative, cooperative spirit…in fact, I would argue that we have improved upon it.

These intangibles are the building blocks for the future and certainly what I’m most excited about as my “legacy.”

As promised, here’s a list of the “major accomplishments” from my time as the leader of this fantastic organization:

• Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD) was formed in 2002 to help credit unions provide turnkey strategies for helping Montanans achieve financial well-being.
• Montana Credit Union League Group Benefit Trust was formed in 2007 to provide a collaborate approach to employee benefit solutions.
• Governance modernization has been an ongoing topic of conversation since 2001 to ensure that our organization continues to represent our members (we’ve enacted three major revisions).
• Dues modernization happened in 2002 to provide a more equitable structure (we’ve enacted several revisions).
• Affiliation was 85% in 2001, it climbed to 100% by 2003 and has stayed at that level.
• Herb Wegner Award from the National Credit Union Foundation was presented to MCUCD in 2009 in recognition of the excellent work that we do to promote financial well-being for all.
• CULAC fundraising has exceeded our national goal every year. These dollars help elect credit union friendly lawmakers.
• Political engagement: MCU has been actively involved in electing credit union friendly candidates on both sides of the aisle.
• Rebrand to Montana’s Credit Unions to reflect our desire to always put our membership first.
• Building move and remodel. In 2010 we relocated to 101 North Rodney Street when we purchased the historic Weinstein Grocery Building.
• Collaboration with other state leagues. For many years, our organization has served as the meeting planners for several state leagues; in addition, we outsource to other leagues when we need assistance.

I’m sure that I missed something in the “big stuff,” but I’m not stressing because my new motto is “rejoice in liminal spaces” – I find that the everyday times are where we forge friendships and build relationships and that’s what endures.

Note: Tracie retires soon after a wonderful career at the helm of Montana’s Credit Unions. We will be introducing our new CEO, Gerry Singleton, soon. In the meantime, you can contact any member of our MCU team if you need anything.