ONTARIO, Calif.– Diana Dykstra, president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, has announced plans to retire later this year after more than four decades of financial services leadership.
Dykstra’s retirement date is set for July 1.
Dykstra has had one of the most high-profile careers in credit unions over the past 40 years. Prior to leading the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues for the past 14 years, Dykstra served as president and CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union, president and CEO of CoastHills FCU, senior vice president at Patelco Credit Union, and senior vice president at Golden 1 Credit Union, all in California.
During Dykstra’s time at The Golden 1, she led the team that developed the prototype of the Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) program. Now named Origence, the program has grown to position credit unions as the nation’s largest auto lenders, the league noted.
Additional Accomplishments
During her career Dykstra was also:
- Among the first inductees into the America’s Credit Union Museum’s “Credit Union Women Making History: Herstory” exhibit in 2022
- Awarded the National Credit Union Foundation’s Herb Wegner Memorial Award in 2019 in recognition for her lifetime of service
- Received the American Association of Credit Union Leagues’ (AACUL) Eagle Award in 2014 – the highest possible honor for League service.
- Currently serves as chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU)
- Currently is president of Western CUNA Management School
- Currently serves an executive managing partner of Humanidei (an LLC of O’Rourke & Associates)
- Currenty serves on the boards of CUNA Strategic Services, Global Women’s Leadership Network, ViClarity, and Plexcity
‘Incredible Journey’
“The past 40-plus years have been an incredible journey. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to guide and collaborate with remarkable individuals, united by what I consider to be one of the most meaningful motivations,” Dykstra said in a statement. “This industry changes lives, and while I will soon mark the end of my tenure as CEO, it is only the beginning of a new journey filled with gratitude, pride, and the excitement for what lies ahead for me personally and for credit unions.”
Statements Issued
In conjunction with Dykstra’s announcement, a number of credit union leaders released statements, including:
- “Diana’s leadership has been an inspiration to so many in the credit union industry. Her legacy embodies the values, principles, and accomplishments that will continue to guide us for years to come.” – Jennifer Denoo, president and CEO of Great Basin FCU and Nevada Credit Union League board chair
- “No one can deny the indelible mark Diana has had on credit unions in California, and that impact has carried forward to many areas of the credit union industry across the country. She has been a true visionary, willing to make innovative moves to enhance revenue and efficiency. These innovations have been consistently evidenced from her early days at Golden 1 forming the nucleus of what would become a major national auto lender in CUDL.” – Geri LaChance, president and CEO at SESLOC FCU and California Credit Union League board chair
- “Diana has been a tireless champion of credit unions, advocating to promote growth, sustainability, and relevance for the industry. Diana’s commitment is not merely professional; it's deeply personal. We are continuously grateful for the enduring mark she has imprinted on this industry.” – Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU and former president and CEO of CUNA and the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues