Press
CUNA Mutual Group Chief Economist Dave Colby retires after 37 years
Steve Rick, CUNA Senior Economist, to Succeed Colby as Company’s Chief Economist
MADISON, WI (June 16, 2014) — Dave Colby, chief economist for CUNA Mutual Group, is retiring after 37 years with the company. He will be succeeded in the position by Steve Rick, a senior economist for the Credit Union National Association.
One of Colby’s most notable achievements is the Credit Union Trends Report, a monthly “pulse check” on the economic state of the credit union movement. The Trends Report will continue under Rick, who brings a wealth of knowledge from a similar position at the national trade association for credit unions.
“Dave will be missed, not just as a long-term and dedicated employee but as a valued industry resource on credit union economics and consumer finance,” said John Lass, SVP, CUNA Mutual Group Business Development and Strategy. “The expertise he brought to the position through his many industry speaking engagements and relationships is difficult to replace. But we are thrilled to have Steve Rick step in and maintain the tradition Dave has established. Steve is uniquely qualified to step into this position without us missing a beat.”
Colby joined CUNA Mutual Group in 1977 as a corporate research specialist and has held various corporate, operational and strategic planning positions. His knowledge of the national economy, the consumer financial marketplace and the credit union system has led him to many corporate and industry-level task force assignments, and he is widely recognized as a leading speaker at industry conferences. He is a founding member of the Credit Union Economics Group, which provides a broad perspective of macroeconomic and credit union trends.
“It’s been a great 37 years working with credit unions and CUNA Mutual Group. A big thank you to CUNA Mutual for challenging me to make a difference for credit unions and their members. The most rewarding part of my job was exchanging insights with our customers who are responsible for delivering financial services to members on Main Street,” Colby said. “I always felt re-energized after league events or credit union planning sessions. Steve Rick will do an excellent job letting everyone know the latest trends and what lies over the horizon. Thank you to everyone with whom I’ve worked. I hope I made a difference.”
Rick joined CUNA in 1992. As a senior economist, he conducted economic research and taught at various credit union schools and conferences. He holds a senior lecturer position with the Economics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he teaches money and banking, and macroeconomics courses. He holds M.S. and ABD Ph.D. degrees from UW-Madison.
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CUNA Mutual Group was founded in 1935 by credit union pioneers, and our commitment to their vision continues today. We offer insurance and protection for credit unions, employees and members; lending solutions and marketing programs; TruStage®-branded consumer insurance products; and investment and retirement services to help our customers succeed. More information is available on the company’s website at www.cunamutual.com .
CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. Property and casualty insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Each insurer is solely responsible for the financial obligations under the policies and contracts it issues. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.