The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Board has appointed Paul Treinen as its permanent President and CEO, removing his interim tag after months of strong leadership. Treinen, who stepped in as interim chief in April, guided the organization through the financial uncertainty caused by the loss of USAID funding and helped craft a new three-year strategy focused on international advocacy, member engagement, and strengthening WOCCU’s role as a global trade association.
His leadership was further highlighted at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm, where he delivered a widely praised “State of the Movement” address. Board Chair Michael Lawrence said Treinen’s vision, staff support, and proactive role in reshaping strategy made the need for a broader search unnecessary.
Treinen, who previously retired in 2023 after seven years as WOCCU’s COO and Executive Vice President, said his priority is to enhance regulatory certainty and member services while working closely with the Worldwide Foundation. His first international engagement as President will be in Manila this September.
