WASHINGTON–What is considered to be the largest convening of credit union representatives in history took place this week, with more than 6,000 people on hand for America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) and related events. The CU Daily had unparalleled coverage from GAC and three other events—if you missed any of our coverage, or couldn’t attend in person, a compilation of that coverage can be found here.
Below is coverage from GAC, as well as from the Defense Credit Union Council’s Defense Matters event, Filene’sChairman’s Breakfast Event, and Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground meeting, along with links to the full stories.
GAC Coverage: Simpson Tells Crowd Credit Unions are ‘More Than a Business Model’; FPCU’s Moghaddam Wins Servant Leadership Award
WASHINGTON — The head of America’s Credit Unions told thousands of industry advocates gathered here that the credit union system represents “one of the most successful social movements in the history of America,” urging attendees to defend the sector’s tax status and policy priorities amid what he described as renewed competitive and legislative threats.
Speaking at the Governmental Affairs Conference, which the trade group said drew a record crowd of more than 6,000, President and CEO Scott Simpson said the event’s size was not about scale alone but about the mission behind cooperative finance.
“I hope that you take a minute to breathe in the significance of what calls us here,” Simpson said. “This is, in fact, more than just a business model.”
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: What CEOs of 6 of the Largest CUs Say They’re Doing to be Advocates, Stay Relevant
WASHINGTON–Representatives from six of the largest credit unions in the country shared some of the ways they say they are working to remain relevant into the future.
The ideas were shared during a panel discussion at America’s Credit Unions GAC here. Editor’s Note: This coverage is based on a transcript provided by America’s Credit Unions.
Below is some of what was discussed during the session, which was moderated by America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson.
For the full story, go here.
Here’s What Three Members of Congress Told CUs
WASHINGTON–Three members of Congress addressed America’s Credit Unions GAC on its last full day, and all shared a pro-credit union message.
‘From the Tough Times to the Good Times’
Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) said she supports everything credit unions do for members, families, and communities, “from the tough times to the good times,” and that’s why members from both parties continue to support them.
She also said she would continue to champion her bill, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, to update federal credit union meeting requirements.
Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) told the meeting he supports credit unions because they share his “simple but powerful belief” that every American deserves access to safe, affordable financial services.
“You’re on the frontline of helping families manage costs, accessing financial services, keeping homeownership within reach, protecting seniors and families,” he said. “These are the challenges people want us to focus on.”
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) said he was proud to lead a bipartisan letter in support of the credit union tax status last year, and reiterated Wednesday, “Do not tax my credit union! That will always remain my position.”
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: WOCCU CEO Shares Why Global Advocacy Matters to Local CUs
WASHINGTON—World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) President and CEO Paul Treinen told credit unions gathered here that coordinated advocacy at the local, national and global levels is what is required to be most effective.
“At the end of the day, this work is not about policy for policy’s sake,” Treinen told America’s Credit Unions GAC. “It is about making sure credit unions can continue doing what they do best: serving members, strengthening communities and expanding access to financial services for people who need it most.”
And that requires advocacy at every level—locally, nationally and globally, he said.
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: NY Fed President Talks Economic Issue, Pressures on the Central Bank
WASHINGTON — Dr. John C. Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and former president and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, said the Federal Reserve is continuing to focus on its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability amid signs of uneven economic conditions.
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: New ACU Chair Urges CUs to Put ‘Humanity’ at Center of Policy Debates
WASHINGTON — Karen Harbin, president and CEO of Commonwealth Credit Union in Kentucky and the newly installed board chair of America’s Credit Unions, called on credit union leaders to modernize their advocacy efforts while keeping the movement’s “humanity” at the center of policy debates.
Speaking during the association’s Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, Harbin said credit unions have a long history of supporting members during critical moments but must continue evolving alongside changing member expectations.
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: Update on Renovation of CU House is Shared; CUs4Kids Has Now Raised $225M & Looking to Raise More
WASHINGTON — Credit Union House is marking its 25th anniversary this year, and its chairman offered an update on progress being made as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation.
In remarks to America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference, Troy Stang, president and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association and chairman of Credit Union House, said the milestone reflects both the history and future of the cooperative finance movement.
“Credit Union House turns 25 years old this year,” Stang said, calling it a symbol of cooperative finance “all delivered with a human touch each and every day.” He said he hopes credit unions are proud of how far the movement has come in creating and sustaining a dedicated space on Capitol Hill.
Separately, a cause near and dear to many in credit unions—and to even more children—is marking its 40th anniversary this year. Caroline Willard, president and CEO of the Cornerstone League, and board chair of Credit Unions for Kids.
In remarks to America’s Credit Unions’ GAC, Caroline Willard, president and CEO of the Cornerstone League, and board chair of Credit Unions for Kids. Noted it’s been four decades since some credit unions in Portland, Ore. stepped up to support an employee’s child being treated at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
For the full story, go here.
GAC Coverage: NCUA Chair Talks 3 Goals; Advocacy Panel Shares Best Practices, and Tips on Storytelling
WASHINGTON–America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference held its first full day on Monday, with remarks by NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman, an advocacy panel discussion, and a session on storytelling, in addition to other events and news (see separate reporting).
Looking back at his tenure on the NCUA board, Kyle Hauptman said he accomplished three significant goals: Improving examination processes at the agency, advancing digital assets, and streamlining the Administration’s operations.
For the full story, go here.
A Night of Inspiration: Wegner Award Winners Share Their Stories
WASHINGTON–Three inspirational stories from credit union leaders who have changed members’ lives, their communities and even the world were shared during the Herb Wegner Memorial Dinner in Washington.
Held in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions GAC, the Wegner Awards are considered to be the highest honor presented by the U.S. credit union movement, and are presented by the National Credit Union Foundation.
The individuals honored with Outstanding Individual Achievement awards for 2026 included:
- Kathy Chartier, president & CEO of Members Credit Union in Connecticut
- Gigi Hyland, the former executive director of the foundation who is now a credit union advocate and philanthropist, based in Virgina
- Steven Stapp, president & CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union in Oregon
For the full story, go here.
DCUC Defense Matters Coverage
DCUC Defense Matters Coverage: Rep Says It’s Great CUs are in DC, But Something Else Matters More
WASHINGTON–Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) told credit unions gathered in Washington that if they really want to connect with their representatives, they should do it in their home districts.
Haridopolos’ comments came as part of a session titled “View from Capitol Hill” during the Defense Credit Union Council’s Defense Matters meeting, held in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions GAC.
The discussion was hosted by DCUC President and CEO Tony Hernandez.
“What really matters isn’t so much when you visit us here in Washington. The most valuable time you can spend with a member of Congress is back in the district,” said Haridopolos said. “There, you can have a longer, more meaningful conversation about the issues of the day and what’s happening in the marketplace. Candidly, when we’re in Washington, people don’t always tell me the full story. You often hear that politicians don’t tell the truth, but the reality is that some lobbyists don’t either.
For the full story, go here.
DCUC Defense Matters Coverage: CUs Warned Card Legislation Could Return at Any Time, and Then it Did
WASHINGTON–Just hours before it actually happened, credit unions here were cautioned that the CU-opposed Credit Card Competition Act could be attached to just about any legislation Congress is looking to move this year. And then it was.
As the CU Daily reported here, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) has filed the Credit Card Competition Act as a non-germane amendment to the Housing for the 21st Century Act, which seeks to change card government-mandated routing rules and lower card interchange fees.
Shortly before word of the amendment reached the Marriott Marquis hotel where the Defense Credit Union Council was hosting its Defense Matters meeting, Nick Simpson, managing director, communications and public affairs with the Electronic Payments Coalition, of which credit unions are a part, had cautioned that the bill could resurface at any time.
For the full story, go here.
A 99-Year-Old Offers Words to Live By in Looking Forward, & Shares a Story of Courage From a Not-So-Distant Racist Past
WASHINGTON–Ninety-nine-year old Brig. Gen. (Retired) Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, who is among the last of the surviving Tuskegee Airmen, offered a credit union audience here an animated and spirited range of advice and history, ranging from what credit unions are really about to quoting from Dante’s Inferno to sharing a story of fortitude in the face of racism in the 1940s South.
In remarks to the Defense Credit Union Council’s Defense Matters meeting, held in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions GAC, Woodhouse shared portions of his distinguished story. He enlisted in what was then the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944 and became part of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, where he was part of the segregated 332nd Fighter Group, and served in administrative roles.
For the full story, go here.
Filene Chairman’s Breakfast Coverage
Filene Event Coverage: Filene’s Meyer Urges CUs to be More Assertive, Quit Aiming So Low
WASHINGTON — An overflow crowd of credit union reps who gathered here for an early morning event was told it’s time to be assertive, not defensive, and that when they hike Capitol Hill their messages often “aim too low.”
In remarks at Filene’s Chairman’s Breakfast, held in conjunction with America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference, Filene CEO Mark Meyer urged credit unions to recognize that what they represent is a “big, darn deal” and that Congress and the country need to know it.
“This is not a defensive moment for credit unions. It’s really an assertive one,” Meyer said. “Politics and government are frozen. It’s not solving some of the problems we need policymakers to solve.”
For coverage, go here.
Filene Event Coverage: More Details are Shared Around New AI Platform Just for CUs
WASHINGTON–Additional details have been shared around the just-announced initiative to build a foundational AI resource for credit unions called Cultivate that is trained directly on credit union industry content, information and resources.
As the CU Daily announced here, Filene Research Institute, Vertice AI and Vizo Financial have joined to form CUltivate, which will provide that AI model that credit unions will be able to access.
During the Filene Chairman’s Breakfast during GAC, Mitch Rutledge, CEO and co-founder of Vertice AI, and Fred Eisel, president and CEO of Vizo Financial, shared a deeper dive into what the new technology AI platform will offer to credit unions.
For the full story, go here.
Mitchell Stankovic Underground Coverage
Underground Coverage: Spurring Activism When Many Don’t Know Difference Between Banks, CUs
WASHINGTON–Advice on how to really spur effective activism, both on Capitol Hill and in the C Suite, especially when many consumers don’t really know or care about the difference between credit unions and banks—has been shared by several diverse leaders.
Offering their insights on that issue and others during a quick-moving session at Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground Conference were George Estrada, founder, Orion Financial Digital Services (who acted as moderator); Andrea Heger, president and CEO of Franklin Madison; Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer with DCUC, and Manolo Morales, US VP, state and local government affairs with Visa.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: 4 Years Later, the F Word Sums Up the Resolve of Poland’s CUs to Keep Aiding Ukraine
WASHINGTON–Four years ago, with credit unions in town for CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference, Russia invaded Ukraine and credit unions immediately pledged help. In 2026, during what is now America’s Credit Unions GAC, it was clear the fire of those opposing that invasion and providing help hasn’t cooled and includes the F word.
Speaking to Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground conference, Rafal Matusiak, who heads NACSCU, Poland’s national credit union trade association, shared an update on Via Stella, the foundation immediately created in the wake of the invasion that is a bridge between funds raised in the United States and the credit unions, refugees and victims in Poland and Ukraine. Via Stella was created by Matusiak, along with Brian Branch, the retired CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions, and Susan Mitchell of Mitchell Stankovic.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: Leader of Global Women’s Leadership Network Says This is Where to Invest in People
WASHINGTON — Engaging and tuning into communities begins with empowering female leaders and helping them reach the next level, according to Eleni (Lena) Giakoumopoulos, director of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN).
Speaking to credit union leaders, Giakoumopoulos said fostering leadership development is essential to changing the movement’s future. She urged organizations to invest in young professionals and to bring at least one emerging leader with them to next year’s gathering in order to continue shifting representation within the industry.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: It’s Not About Dusty Historical Artifacts, But Writing New Stories, Says CU Museum Director
WASHINGTON–The director of America’s Credit Union Museum is urging credit unions to share their stories with the Manchester, N.H. museum.
In brief remarks before Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground meeting in Washington, Stephanie Smith said the museum—which is housed in the home where the first credit union in the U.S. operated—is the result of the factory workers who formed that first CU—St. Mary’s Bank—and that they were the “true disruptors.”
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: The Top 10 Behaviors That Stop Growth
WASHINGTON — Channeling her inner David Letterman — and acknowledging that some younger attendees may not know the late-night talk show host famous for his “Top 10” lists — Brandy Stankovic shared these “Top 10 Behaviors That Stop Growth” during remarks at Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground Conference in Washington.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: 2 CEOs Talk Management Models, Attracting Talent, ‘Blurity,’ & More
WASHINGTON — Two credit union CEOs shared insights on management models, attracting talent even at smaller institutions and where to look for additional expertise.
Speaking during Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground Conference were Steve Castagna, chief revenue officer at AKUVO, who moderated; Jennifer Oliver, president and CEO of Rize Credit Union; and Erin Mendez, president and CEO of Patelco Credit Union.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: The ‘Schism’ Between Large, Small CUs, Lessons from Sequoias
WASHINGTON—Credit union growth, the “schism” between large and small credit unions, and what CUs can learn from sequoias were all addressed during a discussion among a group of CU CEOs here.
Participating in the discussion during Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground meeting were Tyler Valentine, president/CEO with StagePoint FCU (who acted as moderator); Christine Haley, president/CEO of PostCity Financial CU; Jeremy Smith, president/CEO, Affinity CU, and Shirley Senn of New Orleans Firemen’s FCU.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: Some Parting Thoughts from NCUA Chairman and Chief of Staff
WASHINGTON–While many credit union leaders often look to regulators for advice and guidance, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman says he believes that ultimately, they’re looking in the wrong places. Instead, they should be looking around them, he told CUs gathered here.
Hauptman, whose term at NCUA expired in August of 2025 and who has already been appointed to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). is awaiting the Senate confirmation of his successor before moving on. He spoke to Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground meeting along with his chief of staff, Sarah Bang, and the two of them touched on numerous topics in response to questions posed by Samantha Paxson, principal/chief growth officer with Acumen Financial and founder of Power & Light Collective.
For the full story, go here.
Underground Coverage: Whether CUs are Ready or Not, A Look at the Biz Case for Stablecoins
WASHINGTON–Even as one person acknowledged few if any members have been asking for a stablecoin from their credit union, four people here said credit unions have no choice but to be fully prepared to embrace stablecoins, as the merchants are going to drive interest and the transition to the new payments system will eventually eliminate most interchange income for credit unions.
As the CU Daily reported here, TruStage plans to launch the TruStage Stablecoin (TSDA), a fully reserved U.S. dollar stablecoin solution it said is designed to broaden CU access to the digital payment infrastructure, while also defending CUs from the erosion of their deposit bases.
For the full story, go here.
‘I Think Credit Unions are in a Good Position to Win,’ But They Need to be Thinking About All of This First
WASHINGTON–One of the best-known and influential entrepreneurs and investors in credit unions and global technology has shared with CU leaders some keen insights on a challenge they have in common with other organizations; an advantage those other organizations don’t have; why technology exists; what’s wrong with most vendor contracts; an overarching piece of advice, and much more.
Those perceptions, experiences and predictions were offered during Mitchell Stankovic’s Underground meeting by Louis Hernendez, the CEO and managing director of Black Dragon Capital, a minority-led private equity firm that has investments in numerous firms, including fintechs that do business with credit unions.
For the full story, go here.
What’s Up From the Underground? Exec Comp, Merger Payouts, Advice From NCUA, Biz Case for Stablecoins & More, All to Provoke Thought
WASHINGTON–Has credit union executive compensation gotten out of hand? What about payout CEOs are getting in mergers? What about the ‘We Love Working Here’ employee pay discount? What advice does NCUA’s chairman and chief of staff have for credit unions? What is the business case for stablecoins? All those questions and more were part of some frank and freewheeling discussion during the Underground conference here.
For the full story, go here.
