Confessions of a Retired CEO: Favoring Expertise over Common Sense
Chip Filson shares the reflections of a retired CEO, who—given the benefit of hindsight—can see one of the major mistakes he made when dealing with his credit union superivsory committee and the distance between the credit union and members that was created as a result.
Do Plants Have Feelings?
On the question of, “Do credit unions have too much capital?” Chip Filson debates what it means or if it’s possible to have too high a net worth, and what that might say about the credit unions relationship with its members.
What if All New Credit Union Charters Were Stopped Today?
What if tomorrow, there were no new credit union charters ever again, asks Chip Filson. While the idea may seem crazy, Filson wonders if that isn’t the exact path our industry has been headed down for some time, and ponders how we might get on a new trail.
How to Review a Cooperative’s Annual Report
As credit unions turn in annual reports and prepare for annual meetings, Chip Filson explains why this time of year is the perfect opportunity to assess the true cooperative nature of the credit union.
NCUA’s Financial Fairy Tales
Following the reduction in staff by nearly a quarter, the NCUA claimed it was delivering millions in cost savings to credit unions. However, the numbers show a different outcome: an increase in total spending even with fewer staff members, says Chip Filson.
A Chance for NCUA Chairman Hauptman to Make His Mark
Currently operating as a one-member board, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman has the opportunity to make changes without any opposition from other board members. With this opportunity, Chip Filson suggests Hauptman reassess the NCUSIF’s Normal Operating Level.
When the Song Fades: Leadership Turnover and the Loss of Cooperative Identity
Chip Filson shares the insight gained from his conversation with former CEO, Randy Karnes, on the topics of leadership, succession, and ensuring the mission of the credit union is passed down through leaders.
Washington Post Opinion on Taxing Credit Unions
Chip Filson discusses the history of credit unions’ tax exemption, why it was created in the first place, if we are still the same industry that was granted it to begin with, and what we would do without it.
Can Credit Unions Buy Their Way to Success?
In an effort to increase their membership, credit unions have been offering cash rewards for new account openings, loans, and more. Chip Filson wonders at the long-term effects of such a strategy and what it might mean for the relationship between financial institution and member.
A Post Every Credit Union Employee Should Read
As an industry that prizes itself on putting people before profit, should we not also priotitize creating opportunites for future generations within the credit union? Thanks to mergers, credit union leaders are pulling the ladder up behind them, preventing future generations from taking on roles that should have been theirs, Chip Filson argues.
