The latest CU Times Shared Accounts podcast, featuring Fuel Solutions Executive Vice President and Executive Director Larry Palochik, defines Fuel’s mission as meeting the rising needs for collective strength while preserving the autonomy and identity of each participating association.
During the interview, Palochik discusses the development and launch of Fuel Solutions, which originally grew out of a three-state alliance partnership between California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Utah’s Credit Unions by leaders Diana Dykstra and Scott Simpson.
Formalized in late 2024, this alliance partnership was built on “very open, honest, collaborative conversations” centered on meeting credit union’ needs across all states. Palochik said, Simpson and Dykstra saw the rising industry need for collective strength and economies of scale without sacrificing the distinct identity and autonomy of each local state-level credit union league. The industry has often considered the merger model for consolidation.
Today, Fuel Solutions offers a new alternative. “We feel associations do not have to merge to gain economies of scale and efficiencies,” Palochik said.
Fuel Solutions functions as a nonprofit support organization that helps leagues pull resources across state lines. Palochik clarifies the purpose behind the organization’s name: “We’re fueling the success of our independent associations.”
This approach ensures each state preserves their independence and voice, guaranteeing each league retains its unique voice, which fosters strength.
Palochik says the Fuel Solutions model represents a forward-thinking approach that others can participate in, noting that “geographic proximity is also not a requirement of success” for additional credit union leagues, associations, and organizations to maintain local governance while achieving greater efficiency.
Looking ahead, he outlined Fuel’s future goals. In addition to expanding in member associations, the organization is focusing on expanding services and offerings to its three current partner associations, including:
The lighter side of the interview concluded with Palochik discussing his enjoyment of Las Vegas life while working as a credit union CEO there, as well as his time in Hawaii — along with his preference for best Mexican food restaurants.
You listen to the entire podcast interview here.
