PALM DESERT, Calif.–The incoming and outgoing leaders of America’s Credit Unions shared their thoughts on what’s ahead for credit unions and the trade group during remarks here.
During a discussion at the REACH Conference hosted by the California, Nevada and Utah leagues, Scott Simpson, who has been leading the three state leagues but is departing to take over the national trade group, and Jim Nussle, who is retiring from America’s Credit Unions, talked “Legacy and Leadership” in their remarks.
The discussion focused on America’s Credit Unions as it moves forward, while Simpson also flected on a two-decade career defined by “intense advocacy,” beginning in Utah in 2003 when, at age 34, he became the youngest credit union association president in the country.
Emphasizing Core Strength
Simpson and Nussle both emphasized that advocacy should center on defending the core credit union model, citing recent successful efforts to protect credit unions, which is central to the cooperative philosophy,” the leagues reported.
“Both have poured their extensive government backgrounds into the long-term discussion on credit unions, noting they have long admired the grassroots advocacy strength of the credit union movement in Congress for many years,” the leagues said.
Nussle, a former member of Congress and director of the Office of Management and Budget, stressed the political environment has fundamentally changed, and told the meeting, “The game is not over. Advocacy is 24-7. We need your personal voices talking to your members of Congress, telling the story of the credit union difference.”
Remaining ‘Grounded’
Simpson agreed, saying that while credit unions are all unique and face different challenges, “our shared mission keeps us grounded.”
Simpson praised the industry’s commitment, paraphrasing that in times of crisis, “credit unions are the financial first responders,” affirming that his own strategy will be to “always listen and be responsive to our members.”
The Question to Ask
According to the leagues, Simpson and Nussle both articulated a clear strategic focus for Simpson’s new role, stating that the entire movement must stay focused on people.
“How is your credit union serving its members?” Nussle asked the audience. “If we stay true to our mission, as we have throughout our decades-long history, we will continue to thrive.”
