The Office of Small Credit Unions, an initiative of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, has launched the Small Credit Union Mentorship Network, a new program designed to strengthen support and resources across credit unions of all sizes.
The network connects leaders from small credit unions with experienced peers at larger credit unions that offer specialized expertise in areas such as lending, compliance, operations, and technology. The mentorship network brings together credit unions serving as both mentors and mentees, creating opportunities to gain practical insights, exchange ideas, and build supportive professional connections. Small credit unions in this program are defined as those with assets of $150 million or less, while large credit unions have assets above $150 million.
“Through the Office of Small Credit Unions, our goal is to ensure that smaller institutions have access to the resources, guidance, and industry connections they may not have,” said Susan Lee, Director of the Office of Small Credit Unions. “The Small Credit Union Mentorship Network brings credit unions together by connecting small credit unions with experienced peers, allowing them to share knowledge and real-world expertise while strengthening long-term success.”
“We believe the true strength of the credit union movement lies in our willingness to support one another, share our experiences, and collaborate across all sizes and geographies,” said Karen Koundourakis, Chief Retail Officer of Lake Michigan Credit Union. “This spirit of unity and mentorship is at the very heart of our mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with The League to help build a stronger, more resilient future for our movement and the communities we serve.”
“Small credit unions often operate with limited staff and resources, so access to experienced peers can make a real difference,” said Kristin Finch, CEO and Manager of Birmingham City Credit Union. “That’s what made the Small Credit Union Mentorship Network such a valuable opportunity for us. Learning from credit unions that have navigated similar challenges helps us bring new ideas back to better serve our members.”