Salt Lake City, Utah (October 23, 2025) – The board of directors of the Utah Credit Union Association announced today the permanent appointment of Rusty Cannon as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Cannon will lead the Association’s efforts to support and represent Utah’s credit unions and its members.
Cannon, serving as the President and Chief Advocacy Officer, brings three decades of extensive experience in advocacy, government relations and financial services, most recently serving as President of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
As CEO, Cannon will oversee the Association’s strategic initiatives, legislative advocacy at the state and federal levels, and member engagement, continuing Utah’s mission to defend, strengthen and promote the credit union movement.
“I am honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation of the Association,” Cannon said. “Utah’s credit unions play a vital role in helping families achieve financial security and strengthening our communities. I look forward to continuing to defend the cooperative finance model that is a powerful force for good. I am also excited to support our credit unions through the strong partnership with Fuel Solutions, an organization co-created by Utah, California, Nevada Credit Union Associations.
Cannon succeeds Scott Simpson, who was recently appointed President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, the national trade association for credit unions.
Reflecting on the transition, Simpson praised Cannon’s experience and leadership: “Rusty has an exceptional understanding of Utah’s political and policy landscape, and he brings the vision needed to guide the state’s credit union community,” Simpson said. “He is the right leader for Utah’s credit union family, and I have full confidence in the board’s choice.”
Tammy Phillips, CEO of Varex Federal Credit Union and chair of the board, added, “Rusty’s experience and leadership style make him an ideal match for our Association. The board is confident in this decision and excited to continue working with Rusty to protect Utahns’ right to choose a credit union for their financial services.”