Credit Union Women’s Leadership Association announces Linda White as organization’s first Executive Director
Champion and co-founder, White will lead the charge to address unique challenges of women CEOs of smaller credit unions.
The Credit Union Women’s Leadership Association (CUWLA), an organization focused on providing opportunities for professional growth to women CEOs of smaller credit unions, today announced the selection of Linda White, former CEO of Upward Credit Union in California, as their first Executive Director.
White, one of the founding members of CUWLA, enters the role on the heels of her retirement from Upward Credit Union, where she served as CEO for 24 years, growing the organization from $3 million in assets to $100 million. She brings a deep passion and commitment to increasing the support offered to smaller credit unions as a way to prepare them for the future and ensure their sustainability.
“Linda has been instrumental in the successful launch and growth of CUWLA over the past two years,” says Lily Newfarmer, CUWLA board chair and President and CEO of Tarrant County’s Credit Union in Fort Worth, Tex. “Her leadership will guide our organization as we engage a broader group of women CEOs across the country and deliver meaningful programs to support them.”
Founded in 2020, CUWLA encourages bold, open communication, innovative ideas, and a safe space for women CEOs of credit unions with assets up to $300 million to learn and grow. The organization offers mentorship, education, and collaboration that helps their members thrive.
Partners have expressed excitement with White’s announcement. Gerry Singleton, Vice President of System Relations at CUNA Mutual stated, “Linda has championed the voices of smaller credit unions and understands the complexities that smaller credit unions face. Her leadership will help boost the voices of women leaders across the country.”
Jessica Hrubes, Vice President of Strategic Credit Union Relations at CUNA stated, “Linda is a collaborative leader who can successfully build consensus across teams. Her experience puts her in a strong position to advance our shared goal of creating thriving credit unions. We look forward to working with her to strengthen smaller credit unions across the country.”
White’s appointment was inspired by her track record and accomplishments. She received the Distinguished Service Award along with the Grassroots Leader of the Year in 2012 and the Kim Bannan Eternal Flame Award in 2018 from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. She became a Credit Union Development Educator in 2019.
About CUWLA
CUWLA launched in 2020 with a vision of providing a safe space for women CEOs of credit unions with asset sizes up to $300 million, offering mentorship, education, and collaboration that helps them thrive. The association hosts monthly Meet and Greets, quarterly Power Hours, and special programs such as CUWLA Coaching to support the unique challenges and opportunities of this critical segment of the credit union system. For information on membership, please visit https://cuwla.com/ or email info@cuwla.com.
