ONTARIO, Calif.–A new shared services organization called Fuel has been launched by the California, Nevada and Utah leagues that the organizations say is designed to boost collaboration while the individual organizations remain independent.

The CU Daily first reported news of the creation of Fuel here. Below, Scott Simpson, the president and CEO of the three state leagues, offers additional details on why the new company has been launched. 

The CU Daily: Could you define for those who may not understand it what Fuel is? Is it a parent organization that oversees all the back-office functions offered by the three respective leagues, for example? Or something else?

Simpson: Fuel Solutions is a nonprofit organization (type 1 501(c)3) created to support and enhance the operations of the California, Nevada, and Utah credit union associations. While it does provide shared services like education, professional development, communications and marketing, compliance, and business solutions, it is not a “parent” organization. 

Instead, it acts as a collaborative foundation that allows the three state associations to pool resources while maintaining their own identities and governance. It is a new model for association collaboration that enhances impact without sacrificing independence. Think CUSO.

The CU Daily: How long has this been in the works and does it replace something else? Do any for-profit subsidiaries fall under Fuel?

Simpson: The formal planning and development of Fuel has been underway for the past two years, reflecting a thoughtful and intentional effort to build a more scalable and effective framework. Rather than replacing something, Fuel formalizes and expands a successful collaborative model into a more structured and strategic foundation. 

Fuel itself is a nonprofit, and for-profit subsidiaries remain under the individual associations. They do not fall under Fuel.

The CU Daily: Why the name Fuel?

Simpson: The name “Fuel” reflects the organization’s mission: to fuel the success of associations and their cooperatives by delivering education and support services that drive impact, foster achievement, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Just as fuel powers movement and growth, Fuel Solutions provides the essential tools and services that help associations, and their member credit unions thrive in a dynamic environment.

The CU Daily: Is Fuel only credit union-facing, or does it face the public/members at any point?

Simpson: Fuel supports state associations, which in turn support their member credit unions. Fuel does not interact directly with credit union members or the public, but it plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in strengthening the associations that do.

The CU Daily:  What changes might member credit unions specifically see as a result of the reorganization or formation of Fuel?

Simpson: Credit unions will benefit from more robust, consistent, and high-quality support services across all three states. They may see expanded educational offerings, enhanced compliance support, more impactful communications tools, and innovative business solutions, all delivered more efficiently through shared resources. 

Most importantly, they will continue to work with their state associations and receive advocacy and leadership tailored to local needs.

The CU Daily:  Smaller credit unions are much spoken of, but they often feel (rightly or wrongly) that there are insufficient resources offered to them. Does Fuel address that issue in any way?

Simpson: Yes. One of the core benefits of Fuel is the ability to scale services and support in a way that levels the playing field. By pooling resources across three states, Fuel enables the delivery of high-value tools and programs that smaller credit unions might not otherwise have access to. This includes tailored education, compliance guidance, and operational resources designed specifically for smaller institutions.

The CU Daily: How do the respective advocacy teams/individuals work under this umbrella? Are they instead respective league employees?

Simpson: Advocacy remains firmly within the control of each state association. While Fuel supports shared services, advocacy teams continue to be employees of their respective associations. Each state maintains independent governance, so local advocacy strategies are still driven and led by those closest to the credit unions they represent.

The CU Daily: Is there anything planned or that you would like to see launched in the future as a result of the new initiative?

Simpson: The creation of Fuel opens the door to future innovations in how credit union associations support their members. Whether it is new technology platforms, expanded training programs, or strategic business partnerships, Fuel provides the infrastructure to launch initiatives more efficiently and at greater scale.

Over time, we expect continued evolution as needs emerge, and Fuel is designed to adapt quickly and thoughtfully to meet them. Its status as a 501(c)3 is a first in the credit union trade association space and opens a new way of thinking about the delivery of association services.