Wisconsin CU League’s Brett Thompson to Step Down

The Wisconsin Credit Union League’s longtime President/CEO Brett Thompson announced Monday that he plans on retiring in December after serving in the position for more than two decades.

In a statement, Thompson said, “It’s been an honor of a lifetime serving Wisconsin’s credit unions. I am excited to see what the future holds for a movement with such talent and dedication behind it.”

According to the League’s board of directors, they have started a nationwide search for a successor with the help of the executive search organization Humanidei.

Chair of The Wisconsin Credit Union League Board of Directors and president/CEO of Royal Credit Union, Brandon Riechers, said of Thompson’s retirement announcement, “Brett has been a tireless advocate for Wisconsin’s credit unions and the cooperative movement for over two decades. Brett’s exceptional leadership skills, financial stewardship and clear vision for the future has positioned the League to achieve continued success. Brett’s influence on Wisconsin credit unions will be evident for years to come and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

According to Monday’s statement from the League, during Thompson’s tenure he opened The League’s Credit Union House in downtown Madison, Wis., and formed The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation, which has provided more than $1.7 million to “promote the wellness of credit unions and the communities they serve.”

During his 23 years at the League, Thompson has also served on numerous boards including those for American Association of Credit Union Leagues, Credit Union House and the National Credit Union Foundation, as well as CUNA’s Executive, Corporate Governance and Government Affairs Committees.

The League represents 111 Wisconsin credit unions and their 3.8 million members.