Maximizing and ensuring shareholder value and performance requires an ongoing review of the depth of talent in an organization as well as the right complement of skills to lead effectively and navigate changing strategies.  As markets become more global and technology continues to play an even greater role in strategy, the criteria established for both [...]

As we begin the new year, most CEOs and C-Suite executives are thinking about how to strengthen the leadership team and management to best execute on strategy. Some leaders may have the “gene” that inspires them to naturally keep learning about the world and how it will impact their business. But many don’t have that [...]

Having just returned from NACUSO’s 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, I thought it would be appropriate to share some perspective on current issues and trends that will impact your credit union and its ability to survive and thrive. Gigi Hyland, Board Member, NCUA, spoke about the unprecedented challenge of addressing the worst economic recession [...]

Last week I attended a governance conference in New York City.  The primary focus of the meeting was education of directors who serve members and other important stakeholders. The real challenge that CEOs and boards face, is to learn as fast as the world is changing.  This implies a commitment to strengthening our skills to [...]

On January 25th, 2011, The Credit Union Leadership Forum held its first Web Seminar entitled, “A Practical Perspective: Regulatory Realities”, featuring Paul Peterson, NCUA Associate General Counsel, Teresa Halleck, President & CEO, San Diego County Credit Union and Sarah Snell Cooke, Editor-in-Chief, Credit Union Times and myself. We discussed the practical and real-world implications of [...]

As the NCUA considers regulatory changes for board governance, I am struck by the amount of time and energy dedicated by volunteers at credit unions.  As the business environment gets more complicated, boards and CEOs have to define and clarify their roles and responsibilities.  This will require more direct communication and understanding of strategy. Committing [...]

The world as we know it is in a continuous state of change for credit union directors.  The new proposed NCUA regulations will require increased board leadership, transparency and communication that is different than a “check the box” mentality.  What important leadership lessons are to be learned so that your board can make better decisions [...]

You might ask, what does governance, leadership and Chile have to do with credit union boards getting it right?   One thing I know to be true is the deep belief that credit union board members have in fulfilling the mission of protecting the members they serve.  But I would like to propose that there needs [...]

Mark V. Hurd resigned in August 2010, as chief executive of Hewlett-Packard, bringing into question some extremely complex financial, strategic and governance issues.  The results he achieved for the shareholders of H.P. were outstanding. During his five year tenure, revenues increased from $80 billion to $115 billion, securing H.P.’s leadership as the largest technology company [...]

In response to economic disruptions, the federal government is asserting higher standards of governance for all financial services institutions, including credit unions. During our presentation at the most recent Reality Check Conference, we obtained responses on the current governance practices at almost 70 credit unions across the country. Forty-three percent had no board member criteria [...]