California’s Credit Unions Appoints Lucy Ito as Interim CEO

​California’s Credit Unions announced today the appointment of Lucy Ito as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 20, 2025. Ito will lead the organization during its leadership transition as the Board of Directors’ CEO Search Committee, in partnership with Korn Ferry, conducts a national search for the League’s next CEO following the departure of current President and CEO Scott Simpson on October 31, 2025.
 
The League has engaged Korn Ferry, a leading global executive recruitment firm, to guide the search process. Korn Ferry is a recognized leader in talent management, helping organizations identify, develop, and recruit top executive leadership across industries. The search is being overseen by the League’s Board of Directors CEO Search Committee.
 
“Lucy’s leadership experience and deep understanding of the credit union system make her the ideal choice to guide the League during this transition,” said Donna Bland, Board Chair of California’s Credit Unions and President and CEO for Golden 1 Credit Union. “Her long-standing commitment to advancing the credit union movement, both nationally and globally, will ensure stability and continued progress as we move forward.”
 
Ito brings more than 35 years of experience in the global credit union system, having served in leadership roles at the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, and as President and CEO of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). She most recently served as Interim President and CEO of Orange County’s Credit Union from 2022 to 2023, supporting that organization through a successful leadership transition.
 
Her distinguished career has been recognized with multiple honors, including the National Credit Union Foundation’s Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement, the California Credit Union League’s Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the America’s Credit Union Museum Hall of Fame in the “Women Making Credit Union History, Herstory” exhibit.
 
“Stepping in to serve the League during this time of transition is both an honor and a privilege,” said Ito. “I look forward to supporting the League’s dedicated team and continuing our mission of strengthening credit unions and the members they serve.”

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