Jim Nussle, CEO of America’s Credit Unions, announced his retirement after more than a decade of being associated with the credit union movement, the organization said Friday.
Nussle did not specify the exact date of his retirement; instead, he wants to provide the board with the flexibility to conduct a thorough search for the next CEO over a period they want, according to the press release.
The trade association has chosen Vice Chair Karen Harbin, CEO of Frankfort, Kentucky-based Commonwealth Credit Union, to lead the search committee and selection process. Management consultant firm Korn Ferry will help the committee conduct the search.
“The America’s Credit Unions Board of Directors appreciates Jim’s leadership, the flexible succession timeline, and the ability to conduct a thorough national search,” Pat Pierce, CEO of St. Paul, Minnesota-based City and County Credit Union and chair of the America’s Credit Unions board of directors, said Friday. “I believe strong candidates will emerge for consideration for this vital leadership role.”
Nussle was instrumental in forming America’s Credit Union, which launched Jan. 1, 2024, after a merger between the Credit Union National Association and National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions.
“Serving credit unions is a deep personal privilege,” Nussle said in a statement. “After a long career in advocacy from both sides of the policy making table, leading CUNA and the honor of helping to create and lead America’s Credit Unions, it is soon time for me to pursue new interests in retirement.”
This year marks the 40th year in Nussle’s career of advocacy, public service, business and law.
Nussle served eight terms in the House of Representatives as a Republican from Iowa, starting in 1991. Then-President George W. Bush nominated him as director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2007. Nussle was named CEO of CUNA in September 2014.
“Credit Unions are the financial first responders in every community around the country, providing important access to financial services to enhance the financial well-being of our consumer members and advancing communities across the country, including many that banks have abandoned,” Nussle said.
