The general manager or chief executive officer of the local credit union is appointed by the board of directors and is accountable to it for the day-to-day operations. Many credit union managers have been trained in the financial management program of the Credit Union Institute of Canada, and are often graduates of other schools of professional management.

In addition, both directors and managers participate in seminars and training programs established by Centrals for the benefit of member credit unions. Provincial Centrals offer Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA), a well-recognized, formal certificate program for directors. Credit union staff are also professionally trained to provide the specialized services members require.