CUNA Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for CongressionalRelations Sam Whitfield said Thursday that he accepted a new jobwith the Consumer Bankers Association as its senior vice presidentof government affairs.

Whitfield's last day at CUNA will be Friday, Dec. 18.

“It's a wonderful opportunity, but I'm sorry to leave CUNA,” Whitfield told CU Times Thursday night. “I wasthere for almost four years, but unforeseen things come your way,and so do opportunities that you just can't pass up.”

Before joining CUNA in March 2012, he worked as a lobbyist forthe National Association of REALTORS. He also served as deputypress secretary for former Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott.

Whitfield, 42, of Alexandria, Va., said he will miss workingwith the CUNA staff.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my almost four years here and havehad the pleasure of working with some truly remarkable people,which is also why it is so hard to say goodbye,” he wrote in anemail Thursday to colleagues and friends. “I want toespecially thank my boss Ryan Donovan (CUNA's chief advocacyofficer) for teaching me about credit unions, the cooperativefinancial model, for having the patience to answer my manyquestions and most importantly for being a good friend.”

Whitfield noted he will continue to work with credit unions, asCBA members include both cooperatives and banks. His first day atthe trade association will be Jan. 4, 2016.

When contacted by CU Times Thursday night aboutWhitfield's departure, CUNA Senior Media Relations Manager VickiChristner said the trade association doesn't comment onpersonnel matters.