CUNA has recommended Brian Barkdull, president and CEO of American Southwest Credit Union in Sierra Vista, Ariz., as a member of the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Advisory Council. Active in the credit union movement for 26 years, he has been a CEO for 15 years.

Following is the text of CUNA’s nomination letter to the Fed and Barkdull’s CV:

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On behalf of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), I am pleased to nominate Mr. Brian Barkdull for service on the Federal Reserve Board's Consumer Advisory Council. Mr. Barkdull is an outstanding individual who I believe merits the Board’s full consideration for a position on the Council. By way of background, CUNA is the largest credit union trade organization in the country, representing approximately 90 percent of our nation’s nearly 8,000 state and federal credit unions, which serve approximately 91 million members.

Mr. Barkdull is extremely knowledgeable and articulate regarding consumer protection issues. Until recently, he served for several years on CUNA’s Consumer Protection Subcommittee, which reviews and helps formulate CUNA’s positions on every key consumer protection amendment and issue affecting credit unions. Mr. Barkdull is a well-respected financial institution leader who continues to be actively involved in consumer affairs and related issues. I am confident he would make an important contribution to the work of the CAC, and we urge your careful review of his nomination.

While we recognize that Mr. Alan Cameron, President of the Idaho Credit Union League, will continue on the CAC next year, CUNA strongly recommends the Board appoint at least one additional credit union representative on the Council, such as Mr. Barkdull. We believe the work of the Council would be enhanced by increased participation from the credit union system, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss this recommendation with Board officials.

Thank you for your consideration of Mr. Barkdull as well as of CUNA's recommendation that more than one credit union representative be appointed for concurrent service on the CAC.

Kris Mecham

CUNA Chairman

BRIAN J. BARKDULL

Brian has worked and volunteered in the credit union movement for 21 of his 26 years in finance, including experience with credit unions in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. He has been a credit union CEO for 15 years. Throughout his service within the credit union system, Brian has been engaged in providing programs and products that are beneficial to consumers.

• Brian’s entry into the credit union system began in 1983 as Director of Services for the Idaho Credit Union League, where he worked for 4 years.
• Departing the Idaho League, Brian was employed by Deseret First Credit Union in Salt Lake City, UT. There, he gained experience working on community and consumer issues, as well as front-line operations and information technology.
• Brian served as CEO of A+ Credit Union (formerly Idaho Falls Teachers Credit Union), for 4 years expanding the small institution’s outreach, products and services throughout its membership.
• Brian accepted the position of CEO at American Southwest Credit Union in 1998 (formerly Huachuca Federal Credit Union) located in Sierra Vista, AZ and remains in that position. During his tenure, American Southwest has grown from $41 million to $139 million in assets.
• Brian chaired the Arizona Credit Union League for 2 years, has served on the League board and the League services board, and is a charter board member of the Arizona Credit Union Foundation. Brian has served on many national and league committees, including his service on CUNA’s Consumer Protection Subcommittee, in addition to his current position on CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Committee.
• Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics and a master’s degree in Organizational Management. He regularly facilitates strategic planning sessions on a pro bono basis for small credit unions to encourage board and management planning for credit unions of all sizes.