The Credit Union Association of Colorado is looking for a new president/CEO following the sudden resignation of John Dill, head of the trade group since 2004.

In an e-mail sent to its members late Monday, Michael Williams, the newly-elected chairman of the CUAC, praised Dill's service and legislative record but said the organization needed new direction to deal with the pressing demands of a challenging economy.

Dill's exit was made effective Monday and followed a board meeting last week.

Williams, who also is president/CEO of Colorado Credit Union of Littleton, thanked Dill for his leadership over the past six years in serving Colorado and Wyoming CUs but that it was time for a change.

The e-mail said it has re-hired CUAC's former lobbyist, Peter Kirchhof, of Denver to serve as interim CEO. Kirchhof was previously senior vice president of government affairs who left three years ago to pursue private consulting.

The e-mail to CUAC members from Williams also encouraged unity and speaking with one voice.

Queries about the announcement were referred to a Denver public relations agency, Stanton & Associates.

Without going into details based on the e-mail and a formal press release, Grace Stanton, head of the firm, stressed only that the board decision was linked to a change of direction. She said a search committee would be picked shortly to replace Dill and it was undetermined whether a national recruiting firm would be hired.