After opening remarks during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ REACH 2024 conference on Monday, Leagues President and CEO Scott Simpson sat down with board leaders of the California Credit Union League, Nevada Credit Union League, and Utah’s Credit Unions to discuss the partnership alliance between all three organizations that was announced earlier this year.

(View and download event photos from the REACH 2024 Photo Galleries)

In “The Power of Alliance” session on stage, Simpson noted that he recently held a joint alliance planning meeting with these leaders as all three leagues continue working on the organizational design. The strategic rationale remains in place and continues to yield results. By the end of this year, Simpson said he will be able to share what the partnership’s future structure will look like.

Simpson discussed details with Donna Bland, board chair of the California League (CEO of Golden 1 CU), Jennifer Denoo, board chair of the Nevada League (CEO of Great Basin FCU), and Shane London, CEO of Deseret First CU and board chair of Utah’s Credit Unions.

“As we’ve confirmed throughout this year, the alliance model emphasizes partnership and collaboration, ensuring that control, voice, and affinity remain at the state level,” Simpson said. “This approach maintains a strong focus on advocacy while driving efficiency and leveraging resources for services and support.”

Simpson’s insightful question-and-answer session helped attendees gain a thorough understanding of the partnership alliance:

• (Scott Simpson): Jennifer, you and Shane have been in these conversations from the very beginning. What did you see in those early discussions that made you think this is alliance was worth pursuing?
• (Jennifer Denoo and Shane London): Preserve the leagues, which are critical for advocacy; enhance efficiency and scale on support services; and foster a greater peer ecosystem.
• (Scott Simpson): Donna, you became chair of the California board shortly after this was announced, though you weren’t part of those early discussions. You’ve had a chance to think about this for a while. Why do you think this alliance of state leagues is good for credit unions, and perhaps more specifically, good for California?
• (Donna Bland): The ability to focus on, and drive, value to advocacy is essential. Credit unions have been leaders in the development of collaboration for decades. California, like all other leagues, is not immune from the realities of consolidation. We have a rich history of partnering with like-minded leagues and entities. We’re credit unions, and our instinct is to cooperate.
• (Scott Simpson): You three have been in many meetings, both as a steering committee and as leaders of each of your boards. What have been the challenges along the way?
• (Jennifer Denoo): Trust. The unknown. A different history, but intense alignment on advocacy.
• (Scott Simpson): Surprises… are they good?
• (Shane London): We’re a family. We’re more alike than you would think. Alignment in advocacy is key, and so is a common culture. We can learn from each other.
• (Scott Simpson): I believe each state league, or better said, their credit unions, want their local voice to be heard. How is this alliance built in a way that will allow that to happen?
• (Donna Bland): The leagues are, and will remain, the controlling organizations. The combined work will function very much like a CUSO. League boards will ultimately control the shared services.
• (Scott Simpson): Where do you hope to see this alliance in 5 – 10 years?
• (Jennifer Denoo): Each league will be an even stronger voice for credit unions within their respective state capitols.

Stay Engaged During REACH

Attendees and League staff will be sharing photos, comments, and memories through LinkedIn (#CUatREACH). You can also view the REACH 2024 Photo Galleries.

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’s held from October 20 – 23 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, CA this year.