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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Kris Mecham, CEO of Deseret First Federal Credit Union in Salt Lake City, Utah, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) at its annual meeting in Washington, DC.
With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, CUNA is a trade association serving 90 percent of America's 8,300 credit unions, which are owned by more than 91 million consumer members. The year 2009 represents 100 years of credit union cooperatives.
The DC beltway publication National Journal has called CUNA one of the most effective groups in Washington based on a poll it conducted of members of Congress. CUNA has also appeared on Fortune Magazine's list of "powerhouse" Washington trade associations.
Mecham is the first Utahn to become chairman of CUNA and will serve as Chairman for a 2-year term.
Scott Simpson, President of the Utah League of Credit Unions, said this appointment is significant for Utah's credit unions.
"This is a big deal," Simpson said. "Utah has been on the front edge of credit union activity and the banker attacks in particular and Kris has been there through it all. Having his peers recognize that leadership is significant."
Prior to working as CEO of Deseret First Federal Credit Union, Mecham was an executive officer of Idaho's two largest credit unions and President of the Idaho League of Credit Unions.
