The Boards of Directors and leadership of the Mountain West Credit Union Association (MWCUA) and the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) announce a due diligence process to explore the merger of the two organizations. 

With the pending retirement of MWCUA CEO Scott Earl, board chair of MWCUA and president/CEO of Canvas Credit Union, Todd Marksberry, in late 2021 convened a succession committee. This diverse and tenured group of credit union leaders explored all options while focusing on the MWCUA board’s desire to amplify advocacy, education, and community impact on behalf of Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming credit unions.

“As a committee, while many choices were possible, we aligned quickly around a choice that would answer the question of accelerating the pace of change,” Mike Williams, Succession Committee Chair and president/CEO of Colorado Credit Union said. “Credit unions need advocacy today and we believe that the exploration of a merger with NWCUA gives us a path to swift and exponential impact. People need credit unions, and we must position ourselves to serve even more people through powerful advocacy.”

Early discussions among the two associations point to the strengths of both organizations and the strong possibilities of leveraging the influence of the combined credit unions’ voice by maintaining laser-sharp focus on local advocacy. A letter of intent has been signed, and the due diligence process has begun. 

“Exploring an opportunity to combine these two great organizations is a terrific next step that could enable credit unions to advance the Credit Union Movement in new and exciting ways,” Earl said. 

If the merger commences, NWCUA President/CEO Troy Stang would serve as the president/CEO of the newly established association.

“Credit unions in the Northwest and Mountain West regions are committed to proactive advocacy, education and community impact in an ever-evolving, complex financial services marketplace,” Stang said. “When credit unions unite their voices, they can better ensure relevant services and continued value are available to all consumers. By leveraging the strengths of both Associations, member credit unions can expect a more influential voice in federal advocacy, and impactful results in hyper-local state legislative advocacy."