Passing the torch – a conversation with Jim Nussle and Scott Simpson

The conversation between Nussle and Simpson wasn't just a reflection on the past; it was a rallying call for the future. Their fireside chat highlights the power of cooperation, the urgency of advocacy, and the responsibility credit union leaders carry to ensure the movement's continued strength. As the credit union system faces new challenges and opportunities, their message is clear: unity, storytelling and relentless advocacy will define the future.

Simpson shared his background in credit unions and politics, and how credit unions can use their bipartisan appeal to advance the movement.

"I think the organizational imperative of this association is to defend and enhance the operating environment for credit unions," he said. "We ought to put everything through that lens. Every decision, every, every view that you have is to put it through the lens of 'What does the policymaking community think of that?' We don't get too many bites of the apple. We have to be as succinct as distilled and potent in our messaging to them as we possibly can be.

"I hope we can, as a system, figure out defining the absolute organizational imperative of our trade association advocacy systems and go make that," he added.

Read a transcript of the fireside chat Watch the conversation