Board Governance

This report reviews research findings on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and explores their implications for and application in credit unions. Used effectively, DEI carries the potential to help deliver on credit unions’ mission and values while enhancing performance.

Fields of membership have evolved over the years, in part as a response to political, legal, and social changes affecting the credit union system. This report reviews debates related to those changes and draws on insights from them to present a case for reimagining fields of membership.

The origin and continued success of the US credit union sector can be attributed in large part to a unique model for cooperative entrepreneurship originating from the movement strategy of Edward Filene, Roy Bergengren, and the Credit Union National Extension Bureau (CUNEB).

A board of directors can make or break the success of a credit union. Yet credit unions sometimes find board governance lacking or inadequate for meeting their challenges. This report provides research-based recommendations for improving board composition, including formalizing recruitment and evaluation to help credit unions leverage more from their boards of directors.

Effective board governance is essential for credit union sustainability and health. From board evaluation practices to board composition, Filene has curated resources for credit union leaders seeking to learn more about strategies to improve board governance.