SACRAMENTO, Calif.– California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions and Utah’s Credit Unions have hired Paige Haskin as the new Director of Grassroots Advocacy to “power the voice of credit unions in the state and federal grassroots arenas — spearheading mobilization and campaigns.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Paige to our advocacy team,” said Jeremy Empol, President and CEO of California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “Her appointment is a major step in how we elevate our voice across Sacramento, Carson City, Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C. She has the legislative insight and ability to translate complex policies into compelling campaigns, and we look forward to the positive impact she’ll make on behalf of credit unions and their members.”
From a grassroots perspective, Haskin will represent credit unions across the state capitols in California, Nevada, and Utah, as well as the U.S. Congress where both state leagues hold a significant congressional delegation. Her knowledge of the legislative processes, paired with her track record of aligning policy objectives with grassroots execution, makes her an ideal leader to protect credit union members’ financial wellbeing and the cooperative model.
Haskin will oversee signature grassroots initiatives like the Advancing Communities Together (ACT) campaign, which focuses on clearly communicating the credit union difference to key policymakers and community engagement groups.
Haskin will also lead Connect For The Cause — the leagues’ communications platform that maximizes immediate outreach to Congress — and other initiatives like Project Zip Code (PZC), a database-mapping application providing lawmakers local numbers on credit union members within legislative districts. She will also lead workshops to train member credit union leader advocates.
Haskin brings more than a decade of high-level experience in strategic communications, coalition building, and legislative strategy. Most recently, she served as the California Policy Manager for the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), where she managed complex legislative tracking systems and directed high-impact advocacy events, including legislative capitol call-ups and industry lobby days.
Her extensive background also includes serving as a Senior Director at Miller Public Affairs Group, Communications Director for the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California, and as a Legislative Director in the California State Assembly, where she analyzed bills and managed advisory committee relations.
As credit union leaders continue to face legislative opportunities and challenges, Haskin brings a battle-tested outlook to help navigate state and federal policies on behalf of credit union members.
“We are honored to amplify the credit union voice with the addition of Paige to our advocacy team,” said Robert Wilson, Senior Vice President of State Advocacy for California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions. “Our goal is to make sure policymakers in Sacramento, Carson City, Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C. fully grasp the credit union difference. We look forward to working closely with Paige and our credit union leaders to build an even stronger grassroots network.”
Stephanie Cuevas, Senior Vice President of Federal Advocacy for California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, said having Haskin at the grassroots helm will elevate federal advocacy efforts. “Congress votes on issues that directly impact how credit unions serve their local communities every single day,” Cuevas said. “Paige knows how to mobilize advocates. When a senator or representative casts a vote on Capitol Hill, they’ll be fully aware of our cooperative movement within their local district back home.”
