ONTARIO, CA (July 7, 2022) — The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues have announced that longtime team member Bob Arnould, senior vice president of advocacy, retired on July 1.
Arnould has served as the key leader of the Leagues’ advocacy department for 27 years and was the driving force behind building a political advocacy program that became a model for state and national credit union advocacy efforts.
“On behalf of the Leagues and our member credit unions, we applaud and thank Bob for his dedication and service to the credit union movement,” said Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the Leagues. “Bob brought a sense of purpose and professionalism to everything he did, and his leadership and loyalty has been an inspiration to all.”
It is difficult — if not impossible — to sum up all of Arnould’s achievements, successes, and service to the credit union movement. He started at the Leagues as director of state government affairs in 1995 and held various positions until his most recent role as senior vice president of advocacy.
Arnould’s mantra from day-one at the Leagues was simple: It is not about you; it is about helping credit unions change people’s lives. During his tenure, he educated and brought credit unions and their members together. He established the first Government Relations Rally (GRR) for the California League and Nevada League, respectively, which have both dramatically transformed the Leagues’ influence and engagement with state legislators and regulators.
Years later, he would grow a massive $2.5 million war chest in the Public Advocacy Fund, which allowed credit unions to go on the offensive for issues such as data breach notification laws and other battles. His vision for League advocacy has consistently instituted unique relevancy and value for member credit unions over the years.
Additionally, Arnould created numerous programs to cultivate and harness the grassroots strength of credit union members and has been involved in several credit union system committees, including serving as founding member of the National Advocacy Fund Committee.
Earlier this year, Arnould was the recipient of the 2022 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award from the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) for his demonstration of visionary leadership at the state and national levels on behalf of credit unions in both states, as well as the Credit Union National Association (CUNA)-League System.
The Leagues will continue advocating on behalf of credit unions, educating lawmakers about credit union issues, and encouraging participation in the political process. To build on the foundation Arnould has forged and expand on his enduring commitment and legacy, leadership, and strength at the state and national levels, Jeremy Empol and Robert Wilson have been promoted to Senior Vice President of Federal Government Affairs and Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs, respectively.
“We wish Bob all the best as he transitions into retirement, and we are grateful for his efforts in taking credit union advocacy to new heights,” Dykstra said. “We look forward to continue representing credit unions and their members in Sacramento, Carson City, and Washington, D.C.”
Bob Arnould, Senior Vice President of Advocacy for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, retired on July 1 after 27 years of service to credit unions and their members in both states.
Headquartered in Ontario, California, the Leagues exist to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve more than 13.5 million members and those in Nevada serve nearly 400,000 members. Credit unions are for people, not profit!
Karla Davis
Vice President of Communications and Marketing
California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
karlad@ccul.org
