WASHINGTON—From veteran league executives to small credit union CEOs, industry leaders are voicing support for Scott Simpson as the new president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, calling him a proven advocate, strategic thinker, and unifying force at a pivotal time for the movement—which has taken increasing fire from Washington in the past year and faced a significant threat to its tax status.
As CUToday.info was first to report, ACU tapped Simpson—who heads the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and the Utah Credit Union Association—to lead the organization.
Many say Simpson's decades of credit union–specific policy and advocacy experience, coupled with a collaborative leadership style, make him uniquely suited to navigate both the political challenges in Washington and the operational realities facing credit unions of all sizes.
Across the board, leaders describe Simpson as a “tremendous champion” with both the intellect and passion to advance the mission. Several pointed to his success building strategic partnerships across multiple states, his ability to unite leagues and credit unions behind common goals, and his deep understanding of how to make the industry’s collective voice resonate with lawmakers. Others emphasized the fresh perspective he brings, noting his long track record in credit union policy work and his commitment to precision, consistent advocacy.
Jeff Carpenter
While much of the praise focused on Simpson’s leadership and advocacy credentials, some also underscored the need for him to address pressing operational challenges—especially for smaller institutions. That includes calls to work closely with the NCUA to strengthen vendor oversight and ensure core processors, card providers, and other service partners are responsive and accountable to credit unions of all sizes. Leaders say Simpson’s track record suggests he’s ready to tackle both the political and practical hurdles ahead, uniting the industry behind a shared vision for growth and member service.
Unwavering And Effective Advocacy
"Scott Simpson is the ideal next choice to lead America's Credit Unions,” said Jeff Carpenter, president/CEO of WEOKIE FCU, Oklahoma City. “I have had the privilege of working with him for over 20 years and consider him a friend and mentor. His unwavering and effective advocacy for the credit union movement, coupled with a deep passion and commitment to our shared mission, sets him apart as a true leader.
Carpenter said Simpson’s extensive relationships with credit unions, leagues, and industry partners reflect his ability to unite and inspire.
“His engaging personality and high integrity make him a trusted figure, while his innovative mindset ensures our industry will continue to thrive,” Carpenter said. “Above all, Scott is an amazing human being whose vision, dedication and leadership skills will propel America’s Credit Unions to new heights."
Dennis Dollar
Former NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar said he supports ACU’s decision.
“I’ve known Scott for over twenty years and consider him to be a true credit union champion,” said the Dollar Associates principal partner. “He’s been on the front lines of the banker industry push against credit unions in Utah for years, and I feel certain that the ACU board is confident in his fit for this important position for the industry. If they are confident in Scott, I know he will do a great job from all of my experience dealing with him. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Former NCUA board member Geoff Bacino, partner at Bacino & Associates, applauded the move.
“Scott was an excellent choice by the ACU board,” Bacino said. “He understands credit unions as well as the political and advocacy process. He can hit the ground running—which is what credit unions need.”
Small CU Weighs In
Mira Ness, CEO of $72-million New York University FCU in the Big Apple, told CUToday.info she welcomes the selection of Simpson to lead America’s Credit Unions.
“I think it’s a good move,” she said. “It’s always good to have somebody from the credit union industry, and it looks like he has experience in several states. I’m sure he’s very aware of the challenges credit unions face, and I believe he’s going to be a good advocate.”
While she credited outgoing president and CEO Jim Nussle with doing a good job, Ness said she hopes Simpson will bring an even stronger advocacy voice, particularly as the industry faces new challenges, such as artificial intelligence. But one area she wants to see prioritized is strengthening collaboration with the NCUA—especially on vendor oversight and vendor accountability.
Mira Ness
“Small credit unions have long struggled with vendors who charge a lot, deliver too little, and are unresponsive to our needs,” Ness said. “The NCUA has been talking about getting more control over vendors, and I think that’s essential. Our core system providers, card processors, and other service vendors sometimes treat small credit unions as an afterthought.”
She pointed to her own experience as an example.
Several years ago, NYU FCU left one large vendor over cost and service issues, only to find that its new provider was later acquired by another major vendor notorious in the industry for slow or nonexistent customer support, she said.
“When they took over, nobody helped us,” Ness said. “They didn’t even tell us how to pull reports or reconcile credit card transactions. I had to reach out to other credit unions that had figured it out themselves,” she said. “This is what small credit unions go through—we pay the same fees, but we don’t have the staff or resources to fight back.”
Ness believes America’s Credit Unions can play a key role in fixing this.
“I’m hoping ACU will work closely with NCUA to push for real vendor accountability. If a vendor is taking our money, they should be delivering the service—no matter the size of the credit union,” Ness said. “Small institutions shouldn’t be left on their own to navigate these problems.”
Critical Time For Credit Unions
Another CEO of a small shop, Helen Gibson of $27-million Express Credit Union in Seattle, said she’s looking forward to watching Simpson succeed in this role.
“He takes this role on at a critical time for credit unions,” Gibson said. “He has the opportunity to build on a strong history of collaboration to continue to unite and support our credit unions in providing fair and equitable access to critical financial services for all Americans.”
Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson, president and CEO of SeaComm FCU in Massena, N.Y., said choosing Simpson will lead to good things for ACU.
“I am pleased that the Americas Credit Union board chose an insider to lead our trade association in its next chapter,” Wilson said. “Scott’s in-depth advocacy experience will bode well as our industry continues to navigate through the ever-changing legislative D.C. landscape. Although our paths have not crossed, I am certain from what I have read about Scott, he is the right choice for the job. Well done.”
Paul Mercer, president of the Ohio Credit Union League, says ACU’s selection of Simpson comes at the right moment.’
“Great job by the ACU board in this recruitment and selection process,” Mercer said. “Scott’s exceptional, a terrific choice. There’s important work to do at ACU and across the Movement and he’s the right leader at the right time for it.”
Robert Miller, president and COO, EastRise CU, in Williston, Vt., called Simpson an excellent fit.
“I extend my congratulations. His experience and leadership will surely be an asset to our movement. I look forward to collaborating with him to ensure the continued strength and voice of our industry, making a positive difference in the lives of our members,” Miller said.
Matthew Gaspari, president and CEO of Tucson FCU, in Tucson, Ariz., sees Simpson as the right captain to steer ACU into the future.
“Scott’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes combined with his leadership in the credit union industry are strong indicators that Scott has the vision and experience necessary to advocate for credit unions and empower our members,” Gaspari said.
Darin Moody, president and CEO at Utah First CU, pointed to Simpson’s political skills.
“Scott Simpson is a true political savant—strategic, effective, and personable in everything he does,” Moody said. “At this pivotal moment for our industry, credit unions are fortunate to have his leadership. We fully support him and wish him great success as the new President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions.”
Todd Sorenson, president and CEO of ELKO FCU in Elko, Nev., believes America’s Credit Unions is gaining “a tremendous champion of the credit union industry” in Simpson. Sorenson has worked closely with Simpson for the past two years as a member of the Nevada Credit Union League board, during Simpson’s leadership of the Utah, Nevada, and California leagues.
Todd Sorenson
“Scott has a tremendous mind for understanding every aspect of the credit union industry, but his heart is in advocacy,” Sorenson said. “He’s been a great coach and mentor in helping our three states focus with precision on local and state-level advocacy—while also ensuring our message is strong at the national level. He’s a tremendous leader.”
Sorenson noted that while outgoing ACU CEO Jim Nussle brought a political background to the role, Simpson offers something different—decades of credit union–specific policy and strategy experience.
“He recognizes the immense advantages our industry brings to members, and he understands how to navigate the political landscape to make sure our voice is consistent and impactful,” Sorenson said.
He also pointed to Simpson’s success in building strategic partnerships between Utah, Nevada, and California credit unions—leveraging collective resources while maintaining each state’s independence.
“That model is strong, and I think it’s the right one,” Sorenson said. “It will serve him well as he works with league resources across the nation. I believe Scott will be a tremendous asset to America’s Credit Unions.”
Finally, Luke Labbe, president of PeoplesChoice CU in Saco, Maine, called Simpson the “solid choice” to lead credit unions forward.
“I wish him well in following the dynamic and energetic footsteps of Jim Nussle—and his wife, of course! I will miss their opening acts at GAC,” Labbe said.