CEOs React to Selection of Cheney

Here is what some credit union CEOs had to say about Bill Cheney succeeding David Chatfield as CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union League. “Looking at his record, obviously this is a man who understands how critical diversity is -a gentleman who can understand the needs of a diverse group of credit unions. Anytime there’s a change, you can be concerned about it or excited about it. Anybody who can come in like Bill and give the league a new perspective is exciting. I know my family will be discussing it at the Christmas dinner table this year.” Eric Bruen, President/CEO Searles Lake Community FCU Ridgecrest, Calif. $15 Million “One of Dave Chatfield’s strengths is how personable he is. He always makes you feel like he’s known you forever, and I get that same feeling from Bill Cheney. He’s very personable and genuine, and when he’s speaking for the credit union industry on the Hill, he comes across different than a lot of others. Some people, particularly bankers, come across as pompous or sound like there might be some self-interest involved. With Bill, legislators believe him, like him and trust him, and to me, it so important for a league president to have a quality like that. He’s knowledgeable, but at the same time, personable.” Eileen Rivera, President/CEO FAA First Federal Credit Union Hawthorne, Calif. $287 Million “I think he’ll do great. Bill’s been in the movement awhile, and I’ve always found him to be a tireless advocate for credit unions. His comments are always pretty thoughtful, and it will be a definite plus having someone who knows how to run a business, as well as someone who has acumen in regard to the credit union movement. I’m looking forward to working with him.” Christopher Owen, President/CEO Meriwest Credit Union San Jose, Calif. $1.035 Billion “I don’t know Bill personally, but what I know of him is that he’s very involved in the industry, very involved politically, and my observation is that he’ll be a great choice to succeed Dave at the league. I’m sure he’ll make a foray into Nevada soon, and I’ll get to know him.” Wayne Tew, President/CEO Clark County Credit Union Las Vegas, Nev. $520 Million “I’ve known Bill since he joined Xerox; in fact, he moved to his CEO job at Xerox about the same time I moved to my position here at Wescom. As far as I was concerned when I heard of his appointment, I can’t think of a better person who would be better prepared for that job. I think Dave (Chatfield) is going to be a hard act to follow, but I think the league board has done a fantastic job recruiting Bill for that position. He’s been very politically involved representing credit union interests, as CEO of his credit union, as well as being very involved with the league and on a national level, and I was delighted to hear of his appointment.” Darren Williams, President/CEO Wescom Credit Union Pasadena, Calif. $3.3 Billion “He’s a great guy, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s a perfect match. I’ve known Bill through the WesCorp board of directors – he’s done a great job there and this is great for him and for the league.” Dick Cochran, President/CEO First U.S. Community Credit Union Sacramento, Calif. $168 Million “I`ve known Bill for several years and I think he’s an excellent choice. He’s got a good financial services background and has been very involved politically, both nationally and on a state level. He’s always been the first one to step up and volunteer for this stuff, so I guess now he’ll finally getting paid for it. I think he’ll do a great job – he’s got a lot of energy and the right personality to make it work.” Tony Boutelle, President/CEO Credit Union Direct Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.