ONTARIO, Calif./LAS VEGAS--Jeremy Empol has been appointed president and CEO of California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, effective March 9, 2026, the organizations announced.
Empol succeeds Scott Simpson, who left the leagues late last year to head America’s Credit Unions. In October, the leagues appointed Lucy Ito interim chief executive officer.
The leagues noted that Empol brings extensive experience in public affairs, advocacy, and industry engagement. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of public affairs and industry outreach for the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, where he led government relations and education initiatives across California, Nevada, and Arizona. Prior to that role, he spent more than 16 years as senior vice president of federal government affairs for the California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues, advocating on behalf of credit unions and their members at the federal level.
Earlier in his career, Empol worked on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress including Representatives Brad Sherman, Bob Filner, and Max Sandlin, and supported federal campaigns for Senator Barbara Boxer and former Vice President Al Gore. He holds a master of arts in government from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California, Davis.
“Jeremy’s experience, leadership, and deep commitment to our industry make him the right choice to lead California’s Credit Unions into the future,” said Donna Bland, chair of California’s Credit Unions and President and CEO of Golden 1 Credit Union. “His vision and energy will help credit unions continue to thrive while delivering exceptional value to their members.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy to this role,” stated Scott Arkills, chair of Nevada’s Credit Unions and president and CEO of Silver State Schools Credit Union. “His collaborative approach and deep understanding of the credit union landscape will strengthen the partnership between Nevada and California credit unions and support innovation and growth across both states.”
“It has been a privilege to serve in the interim role, and I am excited to welcome Jeremy as he steps into this position,” said Ito. “His passion for credit unions and his extensive experience will ensure a seamless transition and a strong future for our members and staff.”
The Defense Credit Union Council commented on the appointment.
“We congratulate Jeremy Empol on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to working closely with him, the league, and our members to address the key issues that impact the credit union movement as a whole. His leadership comes at an important time as we work together to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and representation across the credit union community,” said DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak.