Consumers Credit Union opens volunteer board applications

Consumers Credit Union is taking member applications for its volunteer Board of Directors through Sept. 11, with an election set for the credit union’s annual meeting on March 10, 2027. The process gives members a direct role in governance at the Lake Forest, Illinois-based institution, which says board service is a credit union-only privilege.

Why it matters: - Credit union members have an ownership stake and a voice in how their financial institution is run. - Board service can shape Consumers Credit Union’s direction, oversight and priorities for the next three years. - The opening gives members a path to influence governance at one of Illinois’ largest credit unions.

What happened: - Consumers Credit Union is accepting applications for its volunteer Board of Directors. - The application window runs from Aug. 1 until 5 p.m. Central time on Sept. 11. - Members can apply at myconsumers.org/BOD. - Elected board members will serve a three-year term. - The election will take place at the CCU Annual Business Meeting on March 10, 2027.

The details: - Applications will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee. - Board volunteers are required to attend meetings about once a month during the year. - Sean Rathjen, Consumers Credit Union CEO, said the board is seeking members who want to help guide the credit union’s future. - Rathjen said the all-volunteer board is a privilege unique to credit unions. - Rathjen said board diversity helps the credit union explore opportunities and address challenges from multiple perspectives.

Between the lines: - The board opening underscores how credit union governance differs from traditional banks, where customers usually do not have a direct ownership role. - Consumers Credit Union is leaning on member participation to reinforce its cooperative model. - The emphasis on diverse backgrounds suggests the credit union wants board input that reflects a range of member experiences.

What's next: - Consumers Credit Union will keep taking applications until the Sept. 11 deadline. - The Nominating Committee will evaluate candidates before the March 2027 election. - Members elected to the board will begin a three-year term after the annual meeting.

The bottom line: - Consumers Credit Union is inviting members to help govern the institution, with applications open now and a March 2027 election ahead.