Tools to Prepare Boards for the Future of Credit Union Leadership

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 19, 2025

Strong governance is vital to every credit union’s success. As the industry evolves, board members need relevant tools, training, and insights to lead with confidence and support long-term organizational strength. The resources below — including the upcoming VisionBoard governance experience — are designed to equip directors with what they need to serve effectively and stay ahead of emerging expectations.

VisionBoard

Join credit union board leaders nationwide for a transformational governance experience designed to strengthen strategic leadership, deepen collaboration, and inspire innovation. VisionBoard is designed to empower attendees to lead with clarity, adaptability, and confidence. This is where visionary governance takes root — and the future of credit union leadership comes to life.

This is more than just a conference — it’s a launchpad for confident board leadership. Expect to:

Gain strategic insight to lead at the board level with distinction.
Align board and executive leadership for a stronger, unified direction.
Stay ahead of industry trends and governance innovations specific to your credit union’s asset size.
Walk away with tools and tactics you can apply right away. Join a growing network of directors committed to advancing the Credit Union Movement.

Learn more and register today!

NCUA Succession Planning Final Rule

The National Credit Union Administration’s (NCUA) final rule on succession planning takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The final rule amends parts 701 and 741 of NCUA’s regulations and requires credit union boards of directors to establish processes for succession planning for key positions. Succession planning is the process through which federally insured credit unions (FICUs) identify, develop, and retain key personnel, to ensure viability and continue effective performance. The final rule covers all FICUs, which the NCUA finds appropriate to protect the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) from undue risk, noting that “[t]he inclusion of FISCUs within the scope of the final rule is consistent with the Board’s statutory authority to ensure a safe and sound system of cooperative credit for its member-owners.”

Section 701.4(e) will require a FICU to establish a written succession plan, approved by the board of directors, that is consistent with the credit union’s size and complexity.

Click HERE to read the bulletin from GoWest’s Compliance team with full details about the final rule.

GoWest member credit unions can access InfoSight360 for free and find CU PolicyPro model policy “1520: Succession Planning” and model procedures “1520.10: Succession Plan” to start building their plans.

The NCUA has also provided a succession plan template for smaller credit unions to leverage in developing succession plans.

Contact the GoWest Compliance team with questions.

VisionBoard Resource Center

Effective governance is essential to the strength of the credit union system. The VisionBoard Resource Center has information designed to support board members in their leadership responsibilities and help them navigate emerging issues with clarity and confidence. The resource center topics include: