Under Plauda's leadership, the state's credit union movement has expanded to $35 billion in assets that serves more than 2.8 million members, the league said. In addition, LSC has progressed from providing key products, services and programs to Illinois credit unions to helping about 2,400 credit unions in 49 states including Illinois, and the District of Columbia compete, the league said.

Plauda joined the ICUL staff in May 1977, serving as the organization's first general counsel. He was previously a partner in a Minneapolis law firm.

During his time at the helm of ICUL, Plauda also served five years on CUNA's board of directors and its affiliate, CUNA Service Group. He also served as board chair of the CU Interchange Group, the national ATM network for credit unions, and CUNA's governmental affairs and audit committees. He is also a former member of the executive board of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.

“Dan is leaving a legacy of having a tremendous influence on building ICUL into the premier credit union trade association it is today. Because of his leadership, our league is well positioned for great success for many years to come,” said Geri Burek, ICUL's board chair.

“He truly will be missed by so many credit unions, executives and other organizations across the country (that) he has humbly served and fostered an environment of collaboration and embraced the true 'people helping people' philosophy of our movement,” said Burek, CEO of the $55 million South Division CU in Evergreen Park, Ill.

The ICUL said it has hired D. Hilton Associates to conduct a search for a new president/CEO.