Ohio Credit Union League & Affiliates
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For 90 years, the Ohio Credit Union League & Affiliates (OCUL) has championed the interests of credit unions and stakeholders as a dedicated partner and advocate, helping them serve their members, businesses, and communities.
The 2025 Strategic and Operating Plan unifies OCUL and its affiliates under the same strategic blueprint, fostering alignment across initiatives to ensure a cohesive approach in driving value for credit unions and stakeholders while amplifying collective impact. By leveraging the expertise of its Board, management, and staff, the plan outlines strategic priorities that strengthen OCUL’s support for credit unions in achieving their mission.
In a challenging operating environment, this plan emphasizes impactful advocacy, expert guidance, and collaborative solutions. It focuses on key deliverables, including Navatros growth, advocacy and Foundation models, strong stakeholder connections, and system collaboration.
OCUL’s top deliverables in 2025 are:
• Protect and advance credit union and stakeholder interests
• Lead credit unions to sustainable growth and operational excellence
• Expand revenue sources to ensure long-term financial stability
• Foster collaboration to help stakeholders succeed
With a clear mission and strategic focus, OCUL aims to remain an indispensable resource for credit unions, empowering them to meet evolving consumer needs and market challenges.
PURPOSE, MISSION, VISION, AND BELIEFS
OCUL’s purpose, mission, vision, and beliefs form the foundation of its partnership with credit unions, guiding strategies and decisions for future actions.
PURPOSE
The Purpose Statement is the core reason why OCUL exists: Champion Ohio credit unions so they can transform lives and communities.
MISSION
The Mission Statement drives OCUL’s organizational achievement: Strengthen credit unions through advocacy, resources, and collaboration.
VISION
The Vision Statement defines OCUL’s aspiration: Be the best organization our members, partners, and team ever experience.
BELIEFS
Beliefs are shared values that drive OCUL’s purpose, mission, and vision:
• Collaboration
• Passion
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Inclusion
WHO WE SERVE
OCUL supports credit unions and their stakeholders, prioritizing their growth and success to shape the future of the Credit Union Movement. When they thrive, people and communities prosper.
STRATEGIC CHOICES
With limited resources and growing stakeholder needs, OCUL’s strategic choices guide resource allocation to achieve its mission:
• Thrive as an independent, indispensable partner
• Build a service culture that puts stakeholders first
• Secure new resources for financial resiliency
• Forge partnerships that enhance impact and reach
• Maintain discipline and take accountability for results
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Strategic priorities drive action toward OCUL’s mission and deliverables. A disciplined focus on these priorities guides management, Board reporting, staff efforts, and resource allocation:
Advocacy: Shape an environment that empowers credit unions to thrive and better serve members
OCUL’s advocacy efforts focus on creating a favorable environment for credit unions to grow and serve their members. By influencing policy, regulations, and public perception, OCUL aims to protect and advance the interests of credit unions, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
• Influence advocacy outcomes that advance credit unions.
• Defend stakeholders from regulatory and legal threats.
• Grow the number of involved credit unions.
• Fortify political action committee impact.
Leadership: Strengthen credit unions and partners with strategic support and resources for success
OCUL is committed to empowering credit unions and partners by providing targeted support, strategic guidance, and essential resources. Through collaborative leadership and expert insights, OCUL aims to enhance the capabilities of credit unions, helping them achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
• Implement strategies to attract and retain top talent.
• Maintain transparent and regular communication on initiatives, advocacy, and trends.
• Establish feedback channels to uncover member needs.
• Deliver solutions that solve for member challenges and opportunities.
Growth: Diversify and grow revenue streams for long-term financial vitality
OCUL focuses on diversifying and expanding revenue sources to ensure long-term financial stability. By exploring new opportunities and optimizing existing ones, OCUL aims to build a resilient financial foundation that supports continued innovation, member value, and organizational growth.
• Expand advocacy capacity and impact for credit unions and stakeholders.
• Operate Navatros as an independent affiliate for market expansion and growth.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s impact through expanded fundraising and partnerships.
• Fortify League revenue streams for growth and future vitality.
Collaboration: Harness the collective strength of credit unions and partners to tackle challenges and seize opportunities
OCUL leverages the collective power of credit unions and their partners to address shared challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By fostering strong alliances and promoting a cooperative spirit, OCUL enhances the ability of credit unions to achieve greater impact and drive meaningful change in the communities they serve.
• Lead education, dialogues, and networking events for industry leaders.
• Form alliances with associations and stakeholders sharing common interests.
• Partner with stakeholders to support and advance the credit union industry.
• Pursue joint ventures for scale and revenue expansion.
