Skip to main content

"Credit union staff and directors find success and inspiration at the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions Conference"

www.NCOFCU.org

There were directors and staff at a local credit union serving first responders who had been looking for ways to improve the services they provide to their members. After hearing of the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions Inc (NCOFCU) conference they decided to attend.

The day of the conference finally arrived. They felt nervous, yet excited, as they waited in line to register. Once inside, they found themselves surrounded by other first responder credit union professionals eager to learn, teach, and share ideas. The conference was a whirlwind of workshops, keynote speeches, vendor exhibits, and special networking events. They took notes, asked questions, and networked with other attendees and vendors.

After the conference, they felt more confident in their ability to lead their credit union into the future. They had met others in the industry who were facing similar challenges and had networked with experts who could help guide their organization to success.

In addition to the knowledge and connections they gained, they had also been inspired by the passion and commitment of their fellow first responder credit union professionals. They realized that the first responder credit union movement was much larger than just their local institution and that by working together, they could accomplish great things for their members and communities.

They returned to their credit union with renewed enthusiasm and shared what they learned with their staff and fellow directors. Together, they implemented new policies and practices that helped them better serve their membership and stay ahead of the competition.

In summary, attending the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions Conference provided them with a wealth of valuable information, invaluable connections, and a renewed passion for the first responder credit union movement. For anyone working in the first responder credit union community, it's a must-attend annual event that can help drive success and growth for years to come. NCOFCU 2023 Annual Educational Conference

NCOFCU’s National Board of Directors

Chairman: Michael McCormick V. Chair. San Diego Firefighters FCU 
1st V. Chairman:  
David Lantrip Director Houston Firefighters FCU
2nd V. Chairman: 
Brian Kurzel V. Chair. Charlotte Fire Dept. CU
Treasurer: Gene Benick Newark Firefighters FCU
Secretary: 
Andy Doyle Director F&A CU
Directors: 
Bonnie Sensing Exec. Admin. Nashville Firefighters CU, Michael Tobler Chairman NY Firefighters Bravest FCU, John Cowin Chairman Syracuse Firefighters CU, Al Comeaux Chairman Baton Rouge CU
Associate Directors: Johnny Player Treasurer of Akron Fire Police CU, Marc 
Sanders Director of Boston Firefighters CU, Bob  Whitaker Director of Baton Rouge Firemens CU.

Staff: Grant Sheehan CEO
  305-951-3306

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New York Stock Exchange building venue for 24/7 tokenized stock and ETF exchange

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), via its owner   Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) , is building a new digital trading venue for 24/7 trading of tokenized stocks and ETFs, using blockchain and stablecoin-based funding for instant settlement, aiming to modernize markets by running parallel to the traditional exchange. This platform will support native digital securities and traditional shares as tokens, allowing for continuous liquidity and integrating digital assets into mainstream finance, with plans to launch later in 2026 after regulatory approval.   Key Features of the New NYSE Platform: 24/7 Trading:  Operates continuously, unlike the traditional exchange's weekday hours. Instant Settlement:  Transactions settle immediately, moving away from the current T+1 (trade date plus one day) model. Stablecoin-Based Funding :  Uses stablecoins (digital tokens pegged to fiat currency like the USD) for funding and collateral, streamlining processes outside banking hou...

Breaking: NCUA Moves to Remove a Major Barrier to Board Service

NCUA just proposed a rule that would allow federal credit unions to reimburse or directly pay reasonable dependent care costs for volunteer officials when those costs are incurred while attending board meetings or performing official duties. Childcare and eldercare costs are real barriers to serving on a board — especially for working professionals, single parents, and caregivers. At the same time, expectations for board engagement, training, and oversight continue to rise. A few important guardrails remain: ✔️ Applies only to federal credit unions ✔️ Covers dependent care only — not lost wages or compensation ✔️ Requires written board policy and reasonable controls ✔️ IRS tax treatment still applies (talk to your CPA) Bottom line: this won't fix board recruitment challenges by itself, but it removes a real friction point for people who want to serve and simply can't absorb the added costs. NCUA is also asking for comments — including whether training and conferences...

Sunday Reading - How pensions work

  The Pension Promise   How pensions work Colloquially speaking, pensions are retirement plans that result in employees receiving a fixed amount of money from their former employers during retirement, often for life (although the technical legal definition of pensions is significantly more nuanced ). Unlike “defined contribution plans” like 401(k) plans, “defined benefit plans” like pensions make it so the employer , rather than the employee, determines how much money is set aside for the plan and how it’s invested (often in stocks, bonds, and other assets). In retirement, monthly payouts include both the principal and investment earnings. Employers often use fact...

New FRCUA Manuals Alert!

New & Updated Manuals Now in the First Responder Credit Union Academy! NCUA "What you Need to Know." Building a Budget Policies & Procedures CEO Strategic Planning Checklist Board Strategic Priorities Directors'  Strategic Planning Checklist We’re always improving the First Responder Credit Union Academy to give you the tools you need to succeed. Our manuals are regularly updated with the latest insights, best practices, and industry guidance — so you can stay informed, confident, and ready to serve your members. Check out the latest updates and keep your skills sharp:  https://www.ncofcu.org/first-responder-credit-union-academy  ================================================= Remember, you're not alone with  NCOFCU.org Join/Upgrade Check out some of NCOFCU's additional features: First Responder Credit Union Academy Financial Literacy Podcasts YouTube Mini's Blog Job Board  

Small credit union closures and mergers.

NCOFCU Podcast on the loss of small creditunions. Grant Sheehan CCUE | CEO-NCOFCU examines the rapid decline of small credit unions, why each closure matters to communities, and the threat this trend poses to the cooperative identity and tax protections of the movement. The episode explores practical solutions: larger credit unions acting as stewards, collaboration through shared resources and technology, and the advocacy work of the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions to amplify every credit union's voice. Listen for a call to action on preserving community-focused financial cooperatives and strengthening the future of the credit union movement. Be sure to visit NCOFCU's "First Responders Credit Unions Academy" for your continued credit union education and certification in meeting N C U A’s requirements.  ================================================= Remember, you're not alone with  NCOFCU.org Join/Upgrade Check out some of NCOFCU's additional f...

Long-Stalled Credit Card Competition Act Moves Forward In Senate Clarity Act Markup

WASHINGTON—A long-stalled bipartisan push to boost competition in the credit card market moved closer to becoming law late Friday, as Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) advanced a new amendment attached to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Digital Asset Market Structure and Investor Protection Act, commonly known as the Clarity Act. Dick Durbin The amendment, a core component of the long-debated Credit Card Competition Act, would prohibit major credit-card networks and large issuing banks from enforcing network exclusivity on credit cards. Supporters argue the measure would expand transaction-routing competition, weaken the dominance of the largest payment networks, and reduce swipe fees that merchants say inflate consumer prices. The renewed momentum reflects President Trump’s recent backing of efforts to rein in credit card costs, a shift that has altered the political trajectory of legislation that has struggled to advance in prior Congresses. With Tru...

NCUA Issues 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter to Credit Unions

Alexandria, VA (January 14, 2026)  ― The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) today announced its 2026 Supervisory Priorities, which continue the agency’s policy of “No Regulation by Enforcement,” while prioritizing safety and soundness. This policy underscores NCUA’s commitment to providing clarity and transparency in its oversight. The letter outlines NCUA’s priorities for the year and provides information to help credit unions prepare for examinations. This year, the agency will continue to focus on risk-based supervision, tailoring the examination scope to the credit union’s unique risk profile. Key Highlights of the 2026 Supervisory Priorities: Risk-Focused Examinations:  Examiners will concentrate on areas posing the greatest risk to credit union members, the credit union system, and the Share Insurance Fund. Balance Sheet Management and Lending:  With loan performance at its weakest point in over a decade, examiners will review credit risk management practic...

What Will 2026 Hold for CUs?

NEW YORK—As credit unions look to the new year, forecasters heading into 2026 see the U.S. economy cooling but not collapsing, with slower job growth, easing inflation and modest interest-rate cuts forming the backbone of a “soft-landing” outlook that still hinges on big unknowns: trade policy, geopolitics, fiscal decisions in Washington and whether households keep spending after several years of higher prices. Credit union leaders know they have a stake in all of that and more. In addition to the economic forecasts below, the CU Daily also other 2026-related previews, including: 2026 Forecast: The Auto Sales, Lending Trends to be Watching 2026 Forecast: What Companies are Saying About Hiring in New Yea r 2026 Forecast: FASB Puts Two Digital Asset Topics on its Agenda 2026 Forecast: How One Large Bank is Deploying Generative AI 2026 Forecast: Automobile Prices to Remain High as Loan Terms Get Longer 2026 Forecast: Is This a Model for How CUs Might Approach Workforce & AI? What the ...