Advisory panel launched to bolster small credit union advocacy
America's Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson announced the formation of a Small Credit Union Advocacy Advisory Panel during a call Tuesday with small credit union CEOs.
Simpson spoke with CUToday about the initiative, noting that “there are a lot of pressures to operating a credit union regardless of size. But when you run a small credit union, you wear all the hats. You can’t hand the baton to team members necessarily. So, the pressure is exponentially more difficult.”
He also explained how this advisory panel will strengthen the organization’s representation of small credit unions.
“In lawmaking and politics—and even inside a trade association—not every voice finds its way to the marketplace the same way,” Simpson said. “Sometimes urgent matters overpower the important ones. This is an attempt to make sure we’re carving out time and capacity for direct feedback from this category of credit unions.”
The advisory panel will be comprised of 30 representatives from credit unions up to $250 million in assets. Leagues will also have seats on the panel.
With credit union and league voices, the advisory panel serves as another strategic component of the system's unified advocacy. The group is charged with recommending and advising on policy positions, with the ultimate goal of providing relief to smaller institutions. Members will be selected to ensure broad and diverse representation in geographical location, field of membership type, asset size, and expertise and experience.
Nominations for the advisory panel are now open, and close Dec. 31, 2025.