Virginia Credit Union League names new president

The Virginia Credit Union League has named Carrie Hunt as its next president, effective June 1 , the state trade association for not-for-profit, member-owned credit unions announced Thursday. Hunt replaces the league’s longtime leader, Richard Pillow, who will retire in June after 40 years with the association.

Currently, Hunt serves as the executive vice president of government affairs and general counsel for the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). In that position, she manages the Arlington-based association’s legislative, political, regulatory, compliance and research divisions and acts as staff liaison to federal regulatory agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the National Credit Union Administration.

Hunt was named a top lobbyist in 2019 and 2020 listings compiled by The Hill.

“The League Board entered the selection process focused on the interests, welfare and success of our member credit unions,” said Patsy Stuard, chairperson of the Virginia Credit Union League’s board of directors and president and CEO of Fort Lee Federal Credit Union in Prince George, in a statement. “The search framework and process brought us a number of highly qualified candidates, but Carrie truly shined because she possesses an outstanding record of leadership, she is a respected and trusted advocate for credit unions and she has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing credit unions. She is the right leader for the industry today and for the future we’re working toward.”

NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger said, “Carrie has been a rock not only to NAFCU but also to me. I was fortunate to work closely with her for 15 years and watched her advocate tirelessly on behalf of our members. Throughout her 17 years of service at NAFCU, Carrie always was energized and found innovative ways to approach issues to effectively inform policymakers on the credit union difference. We wish her much success in her new role as CEO.”

The bulk of Hunt’s career has been dedicated to consumer finance and financial services law, the regulatory landscape for credit unions and lobbying lawmakers. Previously, Hunt worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and as legal counsel to Massachusetts state Sen. Andrea Nuciforo Jr., who chaired of that state’s Joint Committee on Banks and Banking.

She is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park and William & Mary School of Law.

“I look forward to representing Virginia’s credit unions and ensuring they have the right environment to thrive,” Hunt said in a statement. “Credit unions truly provide the best in financial services and I will engage with all stakeholders and policymakers to ensure their success now and into the future.”

The Virginia Credit Union League has offices in Richmond and Lynchburg.