CU Strategic Planning Bids Fond Farewell to Shirley Senn as She Embarks on a Mission to Preserve Small Credit Union Charters

Shirley Senn

CU Strategic Planning, a Callahan & Associates company, announces the transition of Shirley Senn, Chief Consulting Officer and former owner, who, after a decade of significant contributions to the pioneering CDFI consulting firm is stepping into the next chapter of her impactful career. Senn is dedicating her time and expertise to preserving small credit union charters and establishing new charters that serve distinct community needs.

Senn has been an instrumental contributor within CU Strategic Planning’s team, helping the organization secure over $1 billion in awards and grants for CDFI credit unions. Her efforts have empowered credit unions to bring transformative change to underserved communities across the country.

“Shirley’s research and vision have supported CU Strategic Planning’s success and growth over the past decade,” said Stacy Augustine, president of CU Strategic Planning. “Her unwavering dedication to underserved communities and her passion for preserving small credit unions as essential community resources are an inspiration to us all. We are immensely grateful for her integrity, drive, and the legacy she leaves behind. Every member of our team stands in support as she embarks on this critical mission.”

As CU Strategic Planning continues its work as a Callahan & Associates Company, Shirley’s legacy as a former owner and steward of CU Strategic Planning’s future is firmly cemented. All 36 staff members, now proud employee-owners, are committed to building on their shared achievements with Senn and expanding CU Strategic Planning’s impacts in the credit union and CDFI sectors. Senn’s mission-driven transition reflects her personal dedication to expanding her impacts beyond CDFIs, not a layoff or organizational consolidation, as CU Strategic Planning has continued to grow its headcount since becoming a Callahan & Associates company.

“After 10 wonderful years with CU Strategic Planning, I’m excited to focus my passion and energy on what I see as the defining issue of our time—preserving and creating small credit union charters,” said Senn. “This mission is essential to ensuring that unique communities continue to have access to not-for-profit, cooperative financial services. I’m confident that CU Strategic Planning, now with Callahan & Associates, is well-prepared to boldly move into the future.”

Senn will remain an advisor to CU Strategic Planning, with the company directing credit unions with endangered charters to her. Senn's new business is Sennergy Solutions. Credit unions with declining net worth, membership shares or loan growth can reach her to avoid forced mergers at sennergysolutions.com. CU Strategic Planning will also honor Senn’s legacy by donating to the Arnia Foundation for CU Safe, which empowers credit unions to prevent sexual assault and support women escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.

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