California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are the trade associations representing credit unions across both states. For more than 90 years, we’ve united and empowered credit unions to better serve more than 13.5 million members — providing advocacy, resources, and leadership that strengthen the entire movement.
We’re committed to helping credit unions change people’s lives. Our work is guided by our core values.
Membership means being part of a collective voice that drives impact. We help credit unions grow stronger through advocacy, education, and collaboration — supporting you with tools, training, and resources that make a difference.
Our story is your story — one of commitment, courage, and transformation. What began as a volunteer organization has grown into a professional, future-focused association supporting credit unions across the region. Through collaboration with Utah’s Credit Unions and the creation of Fuel Solutions, our shared mission continues to evolve — strengthening the movement for the next generation.
The California Credit Union Law passes! Credit unions are chartered for postal, telephone, railroad, utility, grocery, educational, civic, and several other employee groups, with a passion for freeing families from harmful lending practices.
The California Credit Union League was organized in 1933 by a group of approximately 25 credit unions. By 1940, League membership had grown to 246 credit unions! Seen here is a group of 54 leaders from 28 states who met to frame the constitution and bylaws for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) in 1934.
During the early years, the League moved around a lot and shared office space with different credit unions. Pictured is one of the office spaces we occupied during the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1960s.
The Federal Credit Union Act of 1934 added national legitimacy to our cause. California bankers tried to pass the State Corporation and Franchise Tax Act the year before — a 6 percent tax on all “above the line” income. This proposal was the driving force behind the League’s creation.
Twenty-three credit unions attended the League’s first annual meeting, with our organization’s office headquartered in Oakland by 1937. This inaugural meeting set the foundation for the next nine decades in helping local credit unions provide cooperative financial ownership and services.
At a League meeting in 1941, Leo Shapiro (left) was able to spend a little time with (seated) Hon. Edwin Daugherty (Commission of Corporations), C. Frank Pratt, Lance Barden; and (back) C. O. Bender and John Hulen of the League’s executive committee.
In 1942, League Chairman William L. Black welcomes participants to the League’s very first educational conference, the Yosemite Institute, at the famous Ahwahnee Hotel.
As the League displayed the value of being a League member, credit unions were blazing their own trail. It was clear credit unions had been doing what not all banks could profess: serve consumers equally. Together, we accomplished this in a financially safe and sound manner.
The Filene Educational Foundation was formed, the League’s first foundation that focused on philanthropy in education. It was a huge step for a growing movement and only the beginning of more goodwill to come.
In 1960, Western CUNA Management School was established on the campus of UCLA. The first class included 42 men and women eager to delve into the world of credit unions. In 1962, the education foundation awarded its first scholarships to Barbara Bruton from Palm Springs City EFCU and René Coleman (later known as Herre) from Mather Civilian FCU.
Business boomed in professional development and chapter engagement (today’s League Networks), all hosted by the League to whet credit unions’ appetite for serving members better. Educational opportunities and spirited gatherings were routine, and new League services emerged as member credit unions became fast followers of technology.
The League was serving 1,800 credit unions through nearly 40 local chapters (today’s League Networks). Credit unions also kept their members informed regarding legislative advocacy as our grassroots political arm flexed its muscle and support from local credit union members increased.
Our “movement” became a bonified industry through ATMs, back-office technological innovations, NCUA examinations, and regulations. Congress murmured about “the little people” being shut out of mainstream financial services. It was a prime political opportunity the League couldn’t resist as we advocated in unity each year.
This 1991 meeting between League President David Chatfield (right) and Leo Shapiro (left) led to the formation of Shapiro Group, which aimed to help smaller credit unions.
More than 250 California and Nevada credit union leaders united on July 14, 1998 to march on Capitol Hill in support of the Credit Union Membership Access Act (H.R. 1151) with only five days’ notice.
On January 1, 1996, the California Credit Union League and the Nevada Credit Union League joined forces.
Four generations of League leadership (L-R): Bill Broxterman, Richard (Dick) Myles Johnson, David Chatfield, and Bill Cheney in 2006.
Diana Dykstra joins the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues as its new President and CEO in 2010.
In March, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, together with the Utah Credit Union Association, form a joint association support services organization. While each state maintains independent governance of its advocacy operations, non-advocacy related services and back-office functions are accomplished by the new partnership, maximizing efficiency and preserving state league identities.
Scott Simpson, longtime President and CEO of Utah's Credit Unions, is also selected as CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues (beginning May 15) while Diana Dykstra retains the position of President. On July 1, after nearly 14 years of service to the California and Nevada leagues, Dykstra officially passes the presidential torch to Scott Simpson.
Nevada’s Credit Unions is unveiled during the Nevada Government Relations Rally in February, spotlighting its refreshed identity and updated vision. Two months later, the Nevada State Senate and Assembly both declare April 2025 as “Financial Literacy Month."
In July, Fuel Solutions launches as a nonprofit organization built to support the next evolution of credit union associations, born from the strategic alliance between the California, Nevada and Utah credit union associations.
America’s Credit Unions names Scott Simpson as its next President and CEO in August, effective later that year on November 3. Simpson is stepping into the role with deep experience and a strong track record of advancing a unified credit union movement across multiple states.
By late August, the California Credit Union League announces its official rebrand into California’s Credit Unions, a refreshed and modernized, brighter, more open design reflecting its evolution, values and forward momentum.
California’s Credit Unions announces the appointment of Lucy Ito as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 20. Ito will lead the organization during its leadership transition.
California’s and Nevada's Credit Unions appoints Jeremy Empol as President and CEO, effective March 9. Empol brings leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to guiding the organizations into their next chapter.
For more than nine decades, we’ve helped credit unions serve, grow, and lead with confidence. Join today and become part of a network dedicated to advancing financial well-being for all.
