MADISON, Wis. – As quietly as Mike Muckian departed as head of the CUNA Councils, Michael Millis has taken over. The new leader says the councils are looking for new ways to bring value. Recently a meeting of the Council Forum wrapped up in Santa Monica, Calif. The Council Forum is made up of the chairs and vice chairs of each of the six councils (HR, Marketing, Lending, Technology, CFO, and COO). There is also one overall chairman. Currently that's Gayle Gustfson, VP of financial services for Safeway NW CU, Beaverton, Ore. Not that well known of a meeting, this year was the fifth edition of the Council Forum, where the leaders evaluate the paths of the councils and look at future opportunities. "We're anxious to pursue several new strategic objectives over the next year. Our primary goal is to expand our value to the movement, including conducting more research and participating on more national task forces," said Millis. Millis took over as Director of CUNA Councils in September of last year after Muckian's quiet departure. According to CUNA Muckian was terminated, but no details were given. Currently there are 2,177 members of the councils. Professionals from CUNA-affiliated CUs can join for $255 (CUs with less than $100 million) or $295 (CUs with over $100 million). Millis said still to this day the primary value of the councils is networking. "There are a variety of different channels for members to exchange information. There is an online listserv where they can share files, plans, policies and that kind of stuff," said Millis. He said the online community of the councils is quite active, and it has helped council members keep in more regular contact. Aside from that, there are quarterly newsletters and each council meets once a year for an annual conference. Millis said some of the councils have also developed regional meetings over the years. The CUNA Councils aren't that old. The first one (Marketing) was started in 1994. Later during that year the HR and CFO Councils started. In 1995 came Lending; in 1996 Technology; and in 1998 the COO Council. [email protected]