During a merger, credit unions are known to paint positive pictures in their public announcements. But behind the scenes, executives face difficult discussions and gut-wrenching decisions.

Last year, David Leusink was president/CEO of the $179 million Bay Winds Federal Credit Union in Charlevoix, Mich. and Andy Kempf was president/CEO of the $225 million Members Credit Union in Traverse City, Mich. Both CEOs were highly successful and neither had plans to retire when they met for the first time.

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