Jim Morrell Appointed to World Council of Credit Unions Board of Directors

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on July 30, 2024

President and CEO Jim Morrell of Washington-based Peninsula Credit Union has been appointed to the Word Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) board of directors. WOCCU is a global trade association and development agency for non-profit financial institutions. It promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world, empowering people and communities through access to high-quality and affordable financial services.

Morrell was appointed to fulfill the seat left by Diana Dykstra, retiring CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. His initial appointment is to fulfill the remaining year of out going chair Diana Dykstra, retired President/CEO for the California/Nevada League. In this role, he will steer the global cooperative movement, which aims to foster financial inclusion and economic development through the promotion and support of credit unions worldwide, across nearly 100 countries with over 400 million credit union members.

“WOCCU is one of the most highly regarded financial organizations in the world,” said Morrell. “I’m very pleased to join its Board of Directors and advance financial inclusion through international advocacy, development and education to empower underserved populations and promote more equitable and resilient communities.”

Morrell brings extensive experience and expertise to WOCCU. He has served credit unions for 30 years, including the last 12 as president and CEO of Peninsula Credit Union. Under his leadership, Peninsula Credit Union, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Low-Income Designated (LDI) credit union, has led the development of financial education programs for the credit union industry. Under Morrell’s leadership, Peninsula Credit Union has implemented a robust Financial Fitness program offering financial coaching and education at every branch. These programs focus on credit repair, budgeting, and helping members achieve financial stability. Additionally, Morrell has spearheaded partnerships with local organizations like the YMCA, offering community financial education initiatives to anyone in the community, regardless of their membership status with the credit union.

A career-long advocate for financial literacy, Morrell is also an international Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) in the United States and Africa, which enables him to pursue the use of cooperative operating principles to help individuals build financial skills and communities create diversified economies. Through a relationship with the African Confederation of Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), Morrell has helped strengthen financial cooperatives across Africa.

Posted in Leadership, Top Headlines, Washington.