After disaffiliating from the Carolinas Credit Union Leaguenearly three years ago, the board of directors of the $30 billionState Employees' Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., said Tuesday itvoted to rejoin the Carolinas league.

This follows SECU's decision to reaffiliatewith CUNA last spring.

Under the leadership of its retired president/CEO Jim Blaine,North Carolina's largest credit union, was a vocal supporter andadvocate for the right of credit unions to have the option to joineither or both organizations rather than requiring credit unions tojoin both their state leagues and CUNA.

In 2014, SECU decided not to renew its combined $340,000membership dues: $250,000 to CUNA and $90,000 to the Carolinasleague.

SECU's decision to disaffiliate from both organizations sparked an industry-wide controversy and debateover the dual membership and other issues. Several leagues laterdecided unilaterally to offer their credit union members the optionto join either their league, CUNA or both organizations. Otherleagues, however, decided to keep the dual membership.

The growing controversy forced CUNA's board of directors to putthe dual membership question up for vote for their members. Lastyear, credit unions voted in favor of a bylaw change that now givesthem the option to join either their state league, CUNA or bothorganizations.

“The SECU Board and management are confident that reaffiliatingwith the Carolinas Credit Union League is a positive step that willhelp support small credit unions in our state and promote thecredit union movement. SECU President/CEO Mike Lord, said in aprepared statement. “Combining our voice and support with fellowleague members will advance positive advocacy for consumers andcredit unions in North Carolina, allowing us all to better serveour members.”

Carolinas league President/CEO John Radebaughsaid he was surprised to learn of SECU's decision to reaffiliateduring a meeting with Lord Tuesday.

“We are elated to have State Employees' Credit Union back withus!” he said in a prepared statement. “SECU and its managementstaff have shown us through their voice and advocacy for creditunions across the country – large and small – that they arecommitted to the cooperative spirit and the common goal of creditunion growth. We look forward to working together again, and onbehalf of the league I'd like to extend a huge 'welcome back!'”