In Memoriam: Bill Broxterman

The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues announced Monday that Bill Broxterman, who retired in 1997 after serving the credit union industry for nearly five decades, passed away on July 30.

Broxterman’s credit union career, which began in 1954 at the Tennessee Credit Union League, took him from Tennessee to Wisconsin, Texas, South Carolina and eventually California. In 1957, he moved from Tennessee to Madison, Wis., to work as an organizational specialist for CUNA (which at the time was called CUNA International). He then served as director of training and education for the Texas Credit Union League before taking the helm at the South Carolina Credit Union League in 1962.

Next, he returned to CUNA as EVP, managing the association’s Washington, D.C., office. While there, he launched the Washington Meeting of Credit Unions – now known as the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference – as well as the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee. He then headed west in 1974 to become president/CEO of the California Credit Union League, a position he held for 15 years. After that, he served as president/CEO for Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union, which became Kinecta Federal Credit Union ($6.7 billion, Manhattan Beach, Calif.) in 2001, until his retirement eight years later. Broxterman even came out of retirement to serve as an interim CEO for two different credit unions – USA Federal Credit Union in San Diego and 1st United Services Federal Credit Union in Pleasanton, Calif. – before settling into official retirement by the end of 2003.

According to a statement from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, the California League saw tremendous growth in affiliation and established critical services for its members under Broxterman’s leadership from 1974-1989. “Bill’s dedication and contributions to the credit union movement were immeasurable, and his passing leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” according to the statement.

The statement continued: “Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was a mentor and inspiration to many in the credit union community. His willingness to face challenges head-on, even in the face of adversity, speaks volumes about his character and determination. Bill was not only a credit union professional but also a compassionate and caring individual who always put his family first.

“As he retired, Bill shifted his focus to his family, cherishing the time spent with his wife, Diane, children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and his commitment to his loved ones served as a beacon of love and strength.”

Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, said of Broxterman’s death: “While we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we also celebrate his legacy, one filled with passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement. The impact he made on the lives of credit union members and the industry as a whole will continue to resonate for generations to come.”