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CUES supports Maui’s revitalization with conference and donations.
Amid shifting headlines and evolving news cycles, it’s easy for important stories to fade from view. While the flames may have receded from top stories on the mainland, the very real challenges confronting the people of Maui persist, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding resiliency and revitalization takes center stage.
At CUES, we’re committed to keeping this conversation going, not only in the context of Hawaii but also as a valuable source of learning for credit unions and leaders worldwide. This commitment includes concrete action by holding our signature conference for directors on Maui in December along with providing financial support to the relief efforts.
The island of Maui and its generous inhabitants have graciously welcomed CUES and our members 10 times since 2000. In that time, Maui has hosted almost 4,000 people from CUES, including attendees, sponsors, speakers and staff. Credit union executives and directors from 484 unique credit unions have attended. We’ve made countless friends, learned many lessons, and grown as people and leaders, all against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful places in the world.
For these reasons and more, CUES is dedicated to helping Maui. In addition to bringing our top conference for directors back to the island this year, we have committed $30,000 to relief efforts, beginning with a $15,000 contribution to the National Credit Union Foundation‘s CUAid fund, which directly helps credit union employees and volunteers bounce back from natural disasters. Beyond our credit union ohana, CUES also is supporting the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund, providing financial resources directly to the Maui community at large.
In the world of credit unions, one thing remains abundantly clear: Resilience is a defining trait that merits ongoing discussion. Over the coming months, we’re excited about harnessing the thought leadership of CUES faculty, alumni, staff, partners and speakers to discuss resiliency as a critical skill of successful credit union leadership. We will continue to explore this topic in our content, at our events and through our network of partnerships.
Credit unions were built upon the principle of self-help. Through the cooperative model, members uplift themselves and their communities … the very essence of resilience in the face of financial hardship. Today, as credit unions navigate ever-evolving uncertainties, resilience continues to emerge as a critical trait for leadership and members—mirroring the enduring spirit that has driven the movement from its inception. The ability to adapt, innovate and persevere is not only rooted in the history of credit unions but is paramount for their continued success and positive impact. CUES is looking forward to convening and facilitating that ongoing leadership conversation.
If you are among the 400-plus registered attendees or would like to join us, it’s not too late to experience Directors Conference, one of the movement’s most important leadership development events—and show your support for the Maui community in so doing.
Heather McKissick, I-CUDE, is CEO of CUES. Her 30-year not-for-profit career encompasses six different industry sectors. She is a former EVP at University Federal Credit Union, Austin, Texas, where she served for nine years. Prior to that, she was CEO of Leadership Austin, an organization dedicated to developing community and civic leaders across Central Texas. McKissick is the previous director of organizational development at one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the US and was an administrator and faculty member at St. Edward’s University.
