During separate interviews at REACH 2025, Scott Simpson and Lucy Ito sat down with Mike Lawson at the CU Broadcast booth to discuss the emotional, strategic, and political currents shaping the credit union industry.
(View and download event photos from the REACH 2025 Photo Galleries)
Simpson is transitioning from president and CEO of Fuel Solutions to President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions on November 3 after having led California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Utah’s Credit Unions. Ito was recently appointed interim CEO of California’s Credit Unions.
Simpson says that following his mainstage chat with outgoing America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Jim Nussle this week during REACH 2025, he reflected on his departure from the California, Nevada, and Utah leagues. It’s a transition he described as “bittersweet” after signing resignation documents during the conference to prepare for his new role next week.
Simpson also celebrated the year’s success in political advocacy, particularly the “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” engagement with congressional policymakers over 2025. He highlighted the dedication of the tri-state leagues’ partnership created in 2024 before becoming Fuel Solutions earlier this year, noting that these three states alone accounted for approximately half of all messages sent to Capitol Hill when the credit union tax status was threatened.
This year’s REACH theme, “Honoring Our Legacy and Shaping Our Future,” resonates deeply with Simpson, who stressed that while the credit union industry is over a century old, the organizations must evolve to match tomorrow’s needs. He pointed to the tri-state league alliance’s creation of Fuel Solutions as an important part of this transformation, making sure state leagues remain tomorrow’s trade associations.
Working with the “credit union family” in California, Nevada and Utah has been a “gift,” Simpson added. He closed-out the discussion saying the industry must remember its mission to protect and enhance the capability for individuals to find hope in the cooperative finance model.
Stepping back from retirement for the second time, Ito is providing steady leadership during the search for Simpson’s permanent replacement. She says her core mandate is to ensure the three-way alliance with the California, Nevada and Utah leagues — powered by Fuel Solutions — continues to thrive without losing momentum. This is an important period for strengthening the foundation of Fuel Solutions for future growth.
Ito said the importance of this tri-state model — which maintains each state’s identity and its “local focus” on advocacy — allows state-level political programs to stay laser-focused on the distinct legislative and regulatory environments in their respective capitals, making sure policymakers are always hearing directly from their constituents. She praised the alignment across all three state board of directors, advocacy staff, and the Fuel Solutions team, noting that everyone is “flying in formation,” which is necessary for continued success.
She also noted REACH 2025’s strong engagement, with more than 700 attendees this year. The importance of providing a voice for all, including the Mid-Sized Credit Union Forum held at the event’s conclusion, is the key to keeping the credit union family together.
You can watch or listen to Simpson’s interview here and Ito’s here. Both interviews spotlight a major leadership transition as these leaders chart a path forward defined by collaborative strength and a focus on credit union advocacy.
Attendees and League staff will be sharing photos, comments, and memories through LinkedIn at #CUatREACH.
REACH is one of the credit union industry’s premier annual events, attracting leaders and system partners from across California, Nevada, and the United States. It is held from October 27-30 at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA this year.
