In 2003, at the age of 34, Scott Simpson became the youngest state credit union association president and CEO in the nation, leading Utah’s Credit Unions. On July 1, 2024, he assumed the role of president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, continuing his long-standing impact on the credit union movement. Scott’s leadership has provided a strong foundation for credit unions, allowing them to serve countless individuals and households across California, Nevada, and Utah.
Scott has implemented a comprehensive long-term strategy to protect and enhance the credit union movement’s ecosystem. He began his leadership at Utah’s Credit Unions during three intense legislative sessions marked by relentless attacks. With steadfast resolve over six years, Scott successfully navigated state and federal politics within the credit union advocacy arena, fostering significant industry growth.
Today, Scott leads credit unions in three states through a partnership model announced in February 2024 between the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues and Utah’s Credit Unions. This model emphasizes collaboration while ensuring that control, voice, and affinity remain at the state level. He focuses on state-level advocacy, driving efficiency, and leveraging resources for services and support.
Before his transformative tenure in credit unions, Scott built his political acumen through state electoral politics, advising candidates and campaigns at all levels of government. His career also includes a pivotal role as senior advisor to a U.S. senator in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, Scott has engaged with the national credit union movement. In 2022, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), now America’s Credit Unions, where he continues to serve. Since 2017, he has been a faculty member at the Western CUNA Management School in Pomona, CA, teaching political, legislative, and regulatory advocacy to future credit union leaders.
Scott’s industry involvement includes chairing the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), the national political action committee (PAC) for credit unions, and the National Advocacy Fund. He has also served nearly a decade on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair. Recently, he chaired ACCUL’s System Evolution Workgroup, contributing to a comprehensive report on the evolving landscape of political advocacy within the credit union movement.
Scott’s current board memberships include the 100% for Kids Foundation, Utah Center for Neighborhood Stabilization, Utah Business Coalition, Capitol Hill Association, and the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service at Weber State University.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Japanese from Weber State University and is an instrument-rated private pilot. Scott and his wife, Samantha, reside in Kaysville, UT, and enjoy family life with their three daughters and five grandchildren. Scott’s two decades of service are driven by the credit unions’ founding mission of “people helping people,” which continues to inspire his dedication to advancing the industry.