State Employees' Credit Union (SECU), the $31.8-billion behemoth based in Raleigh, N.C., announced it is re-affiliating with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), citing the organization's "new vision" and "new direction."
SECU said representatives from both SECU and CUNA, including Maurice Smith, a CUNA board member and CEO of Local Government Federal Credit Union, a $1.7-billion institution also based in Raleigh, met on Wednesday to discuss the future of the trade association and its "strategic objectives."
SECU has been "vocal" in its requests for credit unions to have direct access to CUNA membership separate from any league membership requirement—indeed, the credit union's decision to disaffiliate several years ago has long been seen as one of the triggers behind the trade group's decision to rethink its structure and governance.
Smith, SECU noted, was "proactive" in keeping SECU advised of changes being contemplated at CUNA and made "convincing arguments" about the critical role the "new" CUNA will play in the future of the credit union movement.
"SECU has enjoyed a long, positive, highly-trusted working relationship with Maurice Smith," said SECU CEO Jim Blaine in a statement. "Maurice believes in the future of CUNA, and we look forward to working again with Jim Nussle and his team to make that future happen."
Nussle, CUNA's president & CEO, welcomed SECU back into the fold. "We're glad to have your voice and advocacy," he said.
