Fuel Solutions Appoints Stephen Nelson as Executive Director

Stephen Nelson

The boards of directors for Fuel Solutions, California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Utah’s Credit Unions announced today the appointment of Stephen Nelson as Executive Director of Fuel Solutions, effective January 1, 2026.
 
Nelson currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Operations Officer for California’s, Nevada’s, and Utah’s credit unions, where he is a trusted leader and strategic partner across the organizations. In this new role, Nelson will lead Fuel Solutions as it continues to expand its mission of delivering innovative, value driven solutions that support credit unions and strengthen the cooperative system.
 
Nelson’s connection to the credit union movement spans more than two decades. Prior to joining California’s and Nevada’s Credit Unions, he worked with Utah’s Credit Unions beginning in 2000, building deep expertise and longstanding relationships across the industry. His experience across multiple leagues, combined with his institutional knowledge and collaborative leadership style, uniquely positions him to lead Fuel Solutions into its next phase of growth.
 
“Stephen has been instrumental in shaping Fuel Solutions from its early days, and his leadership reflects a deep understanding of both the strategic vision and the operational realities of serving credit unions,” said Jennifer Oliver, Board Chair of Fuel Solutions and President and Chief Executive Officer of Rize Credit Union. “The Board is confident he is the right leader to guide Fuel Solutions into its next chapter.”
 
“Stephen is a respected leader who brings clarity, integrity, and a strong member focus to everything he does,” said Lucy Ito, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of California’s and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “His appointment ensures continuity and momentum as we continue to strengthen collaboration and deliver impactful solutions for our members.”
 
“Having worked alongside Stephen, I have seen firsthand his commitment to credit unions and his ability to lead with purpose,” said Rusty Cannon, Chief Executive Officer of Utah’s Credit Unions. “We are proud of his journey and confident he will continue to serve the movement with distinction in this new role.”
 
Throughout his career, Nelson has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of credit unions at every level. His leadership is expected to further strengthen Fuel Solutions and enhance the resources and support available to member credit unions across the region.
 
Fuel Solutions
Fuel Solutions is a nonprofit designed to usher in the next evolution of associations, elevating vibrant local independence and advocacy. Born from a strategic alliance between California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions and Utah’s Credit Unions, Fuel Solutions provides the foundation for an unparalleled cooperative model that uplifts collective strength and independent identity

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