CUNA announced Friday it has named Brian Nelson, a 24-year employee of the trade organization, as its new chief financial officer and senior vice president.

Nelson was formerly interim CFO, a position he assumed when the incumbent, Joanne Duncan, left for a job at another organization.

As CFO, Nelson will direct and administer the organization's overall financial plans, business policies and accounting practices. He is headquartered in CUNA's Madison, Wis., offices.

“Brian's long career with our association, and his familiarity with the credit union movement, are factors that contributed greatly to his promotion,” said CUNA President/CEO Bill Cheney. “He has given credit unions and CUNA outstanding service over that time, and we look forward to many more years of his financial counsel and leadership.”

Prior to joining CUNA, Nelson worked for a CPA firm in the Madison area for six years. He joined the association as manager of financial reporting. Since then he has held a variety of positions, including vice president and controller, which he assumed in 1998. He became interim CFO in November, 2011.

Nelson holds degrees in accounting and business administration (finance) from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, from which he graduated summa cum laude. He is a certified public accountant and a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs.