NCBA CLUSA is proud to announce that Mike Schenk is assuming the role of co-chair of the Council of Cooperative Economists, following the retirement of outgoing Co-Chair Bill Hampel. Schenk joins Terry Barr, fellow CCE co-chair, as the council enters its second year.
Schenk has 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. In 1992 he joined the Credit Union National Association (CUNA)—the largest and most influential national trade association advocating for America’s credit unions. There are nearly 6,000 credit unions nationwide, with over 110 million memberships and $1.4 trillion in assets.
“Mike is a true leader in the field, a dedicated cooperator and credit union financial expert,” said NCBA CLUSA President & CEO Doug O’Brien. “I am thrilled to work with Mike and the council to delve deeper into how cooperatives make a positive impact on the economy and society.”
Schenk currently serves as vice president of Research & Policy Analysis for CUNA where he conducts economic research and supports CUNA’s public relations and advocacy efforts. His analyses regularly appear in trade publications such as Credit Union Magazine. He also is a frequent contributor to the financial media. His article, “Breaking the bank: Why consumers keep turning to credit unions,” appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of the Cooperative Business Journal.
“I am pleased to have worked with the CCE to explore the critical issue of measuring and communicating co-op impact,” Schenk said. “I’m also excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the group to investigate inclusivity metrics and to help promote meaningful conversations around greater economic growth and participation.”
Schenk serves on the board of Summit Credit Union in Madison, Wisconsin—a $3 billion financial cooperative with over 160,000 members. He serves as board vice chair and is vice chair of the credit union’s Asset-Liability Management Committee and chair of its Risk Management/Internal Audit Committee.
Members of the Council of Cooperative Economists include experts from a diverse set of cooperative associations, research institutions and academic institutions exploring the economic impact and potential of cooperatives. Most members have economic expertise; some bring legal, finance, management, labor relations or sociology expertise to the council.
The Council of Cooperative Economists provides information to the cooperative community, policymakers, thought leaders and other stakeholders, acting as a forum for best-in-class cooperative economists. The council shares and publishes research on the impact that cooperatives have on the economy and society. The council strives to represent all types of cooperatively organized enterprises across all sectors and regions of the nation’s economy. The council seeks collaboration with international groups where appropriate.