SALT LAKE CITY, Utah— Rusty Cannon has been named CEO of the Utah Credit Union Association, the league announced.
Cannon, the league noted, brings three decades of extensive experience in advocacy, government relations and financial services, most recently serving as president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
As CEO, Cannon will oversee the league's strategic initiatives, legislative advocacy at the state and federal levels, and member engagement.
“I am honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation of the association,” Cannon said. “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.”
Cannon succeeds Scott Simpson, who was recently appointed president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions.
“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,” Simpson said. “He is the right leader for Utah’s credit union family, and I have full confidence in the board’s choice.”
“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,” Tammy Phillips, CEO of Varex Federal Credit Union, and league board chair added.
As CUToday.info previously reported, California’s Credit Unions has appointed Lucy Ito interim chief executive officer. She, too, takes over for Simpson, who begins his role at ACU in November.