Board Governance

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.

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Why it matters

Boards serve as the backbone of credit unions—they secure decisions, set values, and map the path forward. As credit unions encounter shifts both internally and externally, including leadership turnover, evolving member needs, heightened regulatory pressures, the rapid digitalization of financial services, and an increase in merger activity, boards bear the responsibility for guiding necessary adjustments in people, processes, and protocols as needed to uphold the credit union’s mission and relevance.

Effective board governance situates the credit union board as the locus of dependability, even in times of crisis and change. Therefore, it is essential to the sustainability and health of the credit union to think critically about board governance, including board evaluation practices, renewal processes, and board composition. Filene has resources highlighting opportunities for credit unions to strengthen their approach to governance.

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Research in this topic

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Report #681 | Oct 5, 2026 | Members
Board Governance

From Structure to Strategy: Shaping Credit Union Governance for a More Complex Future
- Amy Hillman
This report compares Carver Policy Governance with a principles-based approach to credit union governance, using NCUA expectations as the regulatory baseline. It helps boards understand where each model adds value, where strict policy governance can fall short, and how governance can evolve as credit unions become more complex.
Report #675 | Jul 22, 2026 | Members
Board Governance Mergers and Acquisitions

Leveraging Behavioral Assessment Tools to Improve Credit Union Board Governance
- Amy Hillman
- Tiffany Litscher
- George Hofheimer
Strong board governance depends on more than having the right skills around the table. This report looks at how behavioral assessment tools can help credit union boards and executive teams better understand how they communicate, make decisions, build trust, and work together.
Report #656 | Dec 11, 2025 | Members
Board Governance Strategy and Planning

Mergers: Lessons from Success & Failure
- Amy Hillman
Credit unions are merging at an unprecedented pace, and this report uncovers why strategic partnerships are reshaping the future of the industry. Leaders reveal how ego and culture often determine success or failure, and why thoughtful, member-centered preparation can turn a merger into a powerful catalyst for long-term growth and impact.
Report #654 | Sep 25, 2025 | Members
Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy and Planning Board Governance Culture

Mergers: Why & What?
- Amy Hillman
Mergers are reshaping the credit union landscape—scaled operations, broader product offerings, market expansion, and new technology are just some of the drivers. But even with clear goals, the path is complex and the true value can take years to realize. That’s why our latest research brief, "Mergers: Why and What," explores the most important question credit union leaders must ask before taking action: Why pursue a merger in the first place?

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Blog | Jun 19, 2026
Board Governance

Webinar: In Uncertain Times, Boards Create Clarity. Lessons from Credit Union CEOs and Board Chairs
- Jessica Gamache
- Amy Hillman
- Tansley Stearns
- Teri Kuehn
- Jeff Meshey
- Kevin Haskew
Review webinar materials from "In Uncertain Times, Boards Create Clarity. Lessons from Credit Union CEOs and Board Chairs," hosted June 16, 2026.
Member Exclusive Webinar | Jun 18, 2026
Board Governance

In Uncertain Times, Boards Create Clarity. Lessons from Credit Union CEOs and Board Chairs.
- Teri Kuehn
- Kevin Haskew
- Jessica Gamache
In this member-exclusive session, Filene Fellow Dr. Amy Hillman shares what truly makes boards effective during disruption, from meaningful board assessments to strong chair leadership and a trusted board chair-CEO partnership. You'll walk away with practical lessons to help your board lead with clarity and confidence when decisions get tough.
Blog | Jan 8, 2026
Payments Attracting and Engaging Younger Members Artificial Intelligence Financial Well-being Board Governance

big.bright.minds. 2025 Recap
Last month over 400 credit union leaders and industry experts gathered in Nashville, making it our biggest big.bright.minds. event to date! Thank you so much to our members and supporters for making it a resounding success due to your incredible energy and invaluable insights. Let's celebrate the highlights with a recap of the key sessions presented by our Filene Fellows!
Blog | Aug 29, 2025
Board Governance Strategy and Planning

Strengthening Your Board for the Year Ahead: Curated Research for Credit Union Leaders
- Jenny Armistead
As your board wraps up strategic planning, the real work begins—staying informed and engaged with the issues that will shape your credit union's future. Filene's new Curated Research for CU Board Members page offers quick, powerful insights designed to help board members make informed and more confident decisions as you plan for the year ahead.

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Board Governance

Why it matters

Research in this topic

From Structure to Strategy: Shaping Credit Union Governance for a More Complex Future

Leveraging Behavioral Assessment Tools to Improve Credit Union Board Governance

Mergers: Lessons from Success & Failure

Mergers: Why & What?

More opportunities

Webinar: In Uncertain Times, Boards Create Clarity. Lessons from Credit Union CEOs and Board Chairs

In Uncertain Times, Boards Create Clarity. Lessons from Credit Union CEOs and Board Chairs.

big.bright.minds. 2025 Recap

Strengthening Your Board for the Year Ahead: Curated Research for Credit Union Leaders

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