BEAVERTON, Ore. — From coast to coast, credit union and state league executives hailed the selection of Jim Nussle as the new leader of CUNA — with two people independently using the word "excellent" to describe the hire.
Just hours after
Most cited the fact Nussle has served in Washington as a Congressman as a plus for the job, as well as his heading a trade association of renewable energy companies and industry partners.
Troy Stang, president and CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association, said Nussle is an "excellent" choice as the next leader of CUNA.
"With his experience in key roles in Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, and recently with a large trade association, he has the expertise necessary to lead the movement in its next chapter as credit unions maximize the impact for the members they serve," Stang said.
Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, said the Leagues are "very happy to welcome" Nussle. "He comes to us with a long list of accomplishments, and we are looking forward to working with him as we advance the credit union cause," Dykstra said. "I had the privilege of participating in CUNA's planning session [Tuesday], and I am certain you will all be impressed with his leadership when you get to meet him."
Mark Hawkins, president and CEO of $730 million Altura Credit Union, Riverside, Calif., described Nussle as "an excellent choice to lead CUNA."
"His service in Congress and the White House, and more recently in the private sector, demonstrates that he has the experience, the leadership, and the passion this position requires," said Hawkins.
Hawkins also extended his congratulations and thanks to Bill Hampel for his "fine stewardship during the search period. Hampel has been serving as interim president and CEO since Bill Cheney left the trade group's top spot in June to become head of $10.2 billion SchoolsFirst FCU in Santa Ana, Calif.
Experience With Tough Negotiations
Nader Moghaddam, president and CEO of $882 million Financial Partners CU in Downey, Calif., said he was particularly impressed with the fact Nussle was chairman of the House Budget Committee for five years while serving as a Republican Representative from Iowa, and he later was appointed by President George W. Bush to be director of the Office of Management.
"Not only was he a Congressman, he ran the House Budget Committee," Moghaddam noted. "I do not know Jim real well, but based on the information I have read he has all the right tools to really do a great job. He definitely has the presence and credentials, and having done tough negotiations in Congress, that is a real key going forward. There are many issues facing credit unions, including taxation, alternative capital and regulations, especially on the capital requirements from NCUA. We need someone who will put the credit union agenda on the forefront with Congress, and negotiate with the regulators."
"Bill Cheney did a great job when he was at CUNA. He brought a credit union perspective, which is difficult for someone who does not come from the system," said Moghaddam. "We are glad to have him back home again in California."
Jim Blaine, president and CEO of $28 billion State Employees' CU in Raleigh, N.C., had a high-profile disaffiliation with CUNA earlier this year.
On Wednesday, Blaine said, "I have not met him, but reading his resume, he seems to be a very experienced candidate with a great background, and he is a Midwesterner. It was wise of CUNA to move prudently but quickly to fill this position."
Teresa Halleck, president and CEO of $6.5 billion San Diego County CU, San Diego, said Nussle's new job comes a "new opportunity" for CUNA to "strategically strengthen" the credit union industry for continued strong growth and expansion.
"His leadership of the industry's most formidable trade association provides him the unique opportunity to make substantive positive changes that will further strengthen the industry as a whole and redefine CUNA's value to credit unions," Halleck said.
Erin Mendez, president and CEO of $4.1 billion Patelco Credit Union, Pleasanton, Calif., said the new CEO represents "a great opportunity for CUNA, credit unions and our members."
"Jim Nussle's experience and expertise will help advance the credit union movement across the nation and continue to reach new communities," said Mendez.
NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger said he looks "forward to working with [Nussle] as we continue to address those issues impacting the credit union industry. Jim's experience and insight will be a great foundation for his new position."
Tony Budet, president and CEO of University FCU in Austin, Texas, served on the search committee that helped select Nussle. "He is a capable, proven leader. He has a good character, high integrity and ethics, and an excellent reputation. His considerable knowledge, background, and experience, in combination with his strong public persona, will represent the movement very well. We feel strongly about his ability to represent us."
Tom Griffiths, former president and CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League, said he believes selecting someone with a strong legislative background is a "very wise" choice.
"Jim was always very open with us, and he was good with credit unions in terms of our legislative priorities while I was president of the Iowa league," noted Griffiths. "He is also very smart. I believe this bodes well and that he will be a good appointment."
Patrick Jury, current president and CEO of the Iowa CU League, agreed, saying, "As a former Iowa congressman, we have worked very closely with Jim over the years and know that his leadership, experience, and desire to help improve the financial lives of consumers will help propel our industry forward."
