WASHINGTON—America’s Credit Unions announced Tuesday that Scott Simpson will succeed outgoing president and CEO Jim Nussle.
Last month, CUToday.info reported that Simpson—who leads the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the Utah Credit Union Association—was believed to be among the finalists for the position and possibly the frontrunner.
As CUToday.info has previously reported, Nussle announced his retirement in April but committed to staying on through the selection of a new president/CEO and to help guide the credit union industry through the ongoing fight over the federal tax exemption.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott Simpson as our next CEO,” said Patrick Pierce, chair of the board of directors for America’s Credit Unions and CEO of City & County Credit Union. “Scott brings a powerful blend of state and national advocacy experience, a strategic mindset, and a deep belief in the credit union mission. His leadership is exactly what our movement needs as we look to the future.”
As president and CEO, Simpson will lead America’s Credit Unions in executing its strategic vision—amplifying the credit union voice in Washington, safeguarding the tax status, enhancing member engagement, and delivering top-tier products and events. With experience managing high-stakes policy challenges and a career built on putting members first, Simpson is well-positioned to unify and energize the movement, ACU said.
“I’m honored to join America’s Credit Unions at such a pivotal moment,” said Simpson. “Credit unions have always been about people helping people. I look forward to championing that mission and working with our members to grow our impact, protect our interests, and strengthen communities nationwide.”
A recognized leader in credit union advocacy, Simpson has chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council and led the association’s National Advocacy Fund. He has also played a key role in developing the next generation of leaders as a longtime faculty member at Western CUNA Management School, where he teaches political, legislative, and regulatory advocacy. Simpson will be based out of the Washington, D.C., headquarters of America’s Credit Unions.
Nussle has led America’s Credit Unions since its formation in 2024 following the successful merger of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), and previously served as president and CEO of CUNA for nearly a decade. Nussle announced his intent to retire in April 2025, allowing the board of directors ample time to identify a new leader for the association. Nussle will remain in his leadership role through October, where he will lead the Association to build on their success of protecting, empowering, and advancing credit union priorities until Simpson takes over, ACU said.
“On behalf of the board and every member of our organization, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Jim for his service as president and CEO. His credit union legacy is one of transformation, collaboration, and purpose. His steadfast leadership shepherded America’s Credit Unions through a period of significant change as it became the one, unified voice for the credit union movement. Jim put our movement in a strong position to grow and evolve well into the future, and we wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter,” Pierce said.
ACU said the CEO Selection Committee conducted a "robust and inclusive" search process, gathering input through surveys and direct conversations with a wide range of stakeholders—including leagues, credit unions of all asset sizes, employees, and industry partners. Working with executive search firm Korn Ferry, the committee evaluated a pool of more than 100 candidates, using member feedback to identify the most qualified leader for this pivotal role. The result is a decision grounded in transparency, collaboration, and the voices of the credit union movement, ACU said.
DCUC Comments
"On behalf of DCUC and its board of directors, we want to congratulate Scott Simpson on his selection to be the next president and CEO of America's Credit Unions,” said DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez. “It will take a steady hand to guide and collaborate across the enterprise. There are many critical issues facing credit unions and their ability to serve their members and communities.
"These issues will have secondary effects on our system and business partners as well,” continued Hernandez. “DCUC will continue to offer our assistance in strengthening the collaborative spirit in addition to the broad support from our members and partners in furthering the movement's ideals and sustaining the industry’s success.”