SALT LAKE CITY–The Utah Credit Union Association has named Rusty Cannon as its new CEO. Cannon, who had been serving as president and chief advocacy officer, succeeds Scott Simpson, who is leaving to become president/CEO of America’s Credit Unions effective in early November.
Simpson also serves as president and CEO of the California and Nevada leagues, which recently named Lucy Ito as interim CEO.
Canon joined the Utah Credit Union Association in July of 2024 after serving as president of the Utah Taxpayers Association, which serves as the state tax watchdog on income, property and sales tax issues at the state, local and national level.
The Utah CU Association noted Cannon brings three decades of extensive experience in advocacy, government relations and financial services.
‘Honored to Step In’
“I am honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation of the Association,” Cannon said in a statement. “Utah’s credit unions play a vital role in helping families achieve financial security and strengthening our communities. I look forward to continuing to defend the cooperative finance model that is a powerful force for good. I am also excited to support our credit unions through the strong partnership with Fuel Solutions, an organization co-created by Utah, California, Nevada Credit Union Associations.
Said Simpson in a statement, “Rusty has an exceptional understanding of Utah’s political and policy landscape, and he brings the vision needed to guide the state’s credit union community. He is the right leader for Utah’s credit union family, and I have full confidence in the board’s choice.”
‘Ideal Match’
Added Tammy Phillips, CEO of Varex Federal Credit Union and board chair, in a statement, “Rusty’s experience and leadership style make him an ideal match for our Association. The board is confident in this decision and excited to continue working with Rusty to protect Utahns’ right to choose a credit union for their financial services.”
