Capitol Connection

A message from Scott Simpson, America's Credit Unions new president/CEO. 

Scott Simpson, America's Credit Unions new president/CEO

A message from Scott Simpson, America’s Credit Unions new president/CEO 

To the credit unions of the Dakotas: 
I’m just getting started in my new role as President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, and while I am not new to credit unions, I recognize that there is a lot for me to learn, and a lot of opportunities to strengthen our movement.  

I took this job because I believe wholeheartedly in the credit union mission. We’ve got challenges ahead, but I also know we’ve got something special here. I’m excited about what’s possible when we work together. 

For those who don’t know me, I have been part of the credit union movement for over two decades, most recently in the League System serving California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Utah’s Credit Unions. Before that, I worked for a U.S. Senator and led the Utah Republican Party. I grew up as a “political hack,” if you will, but the call to protect and empower credit unions is something I felt connected to the first time I experienced the unique power of cooperative finance. I was hooked. 

Over the last 20 years, I’ve remained astounded by what you do for your members. Credit unions change lives. You help folks build a better future, one member at a time. You rise to a greater calling every single day.  

That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the right political, legislative and regulatory environments that allow you to focus on your members, build strong relationships, and meet their needs. That’s where America’s Credit Unions and the League System come in. We’re here to be your voice in Washington, to help create an environment where credit unions can exist without barriers and ultimately thrive. 

We’ll be working closely with you, your league, and industry partners to tackle the tough issues and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear in Washington, D.C., and beyond. 

Because advocacy starts at home—you are the boots on the ground, working and talking with people every day to learn more about their financial goals and struggles. You do what you can to find solutions for them. 

But sometimes, the solution isn’t one you can currently offer because of regulatory restrictions. That’s why the relationship between you, the Dakota Credit Union Association, and America’s Credit Unions is so important.

The Dakota Credit Union Association is your voice in Pierre and Bismarck. Their team builds those relationships with your governors and state lawmakers. They keep a close eye on legislative proposals that could impact you. And they fight fiercely for the policies that will make a difference in how you serve your members.

In Washington, D.C., we work together. America’s Credit Unions is closely connected with the Dakota Credit Union Association to understand your needs and track legislative trends that could work their way up to the national level—and vice versa. Our teams keep one another informed about what we’re seeing in policymaking to ensure we have a strong strategy in place to address.

We both count on you for your engagement—your perspective on the challenges you face, your honest feedback on how we can better represent you, and your voice added to our unified efforts.

As we saw during the tax fight this year, some of our challenges take all of us—credit unions and leagues across the country—coming together. Dakota Credit Union Association and your credit unions were instrumental in our unified advocacy, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune playing a pivotal role in driving the Trump Administration’s tax reform agenda. The relationship with Senator Thune made sure our voice was heard.

This is just one example of the many ways you added power to our advocacy efforts. The work we did this year has created a lot of momentum for the advocacy battles we have in our future. We must stay advocacy ready for what comes next.

I know the road ahead won’t always be smooth. There’ll be bumps, detours, maybe even a few potholes.

Dakota Credit Union Association and America’s Credit Unions have many similarities in the road we’re currently on: Both are going through leadership transitions. While change and the unknown can be scary, it also creates opportunity.

We can seize those opportunities if we stay focused on where we’re headed—a stronger, more connected credit union movement—and we’ll get there together. 

In the coming months, I’d love to hear from you. Your membership is important to me and your feedback will help shape our unified voice and direction. 

I look forward to working closely with you and can’t wait to see what we accomplish. 

Warm regards, 
Scott Simpson
President & CEO
America’s Credit Unions

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