WASHINGTON — The Defense Credit Union Council has named U.S. Navy veteran and former Dakota CU Association staffer John Alexander as deputy chief advocacy officer, a newly created senior leadership position focused on expanding the organization’s advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.
According to DCUC, Alexander will work closely with DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak and serve as a senior representative responsible for advancing the organization’s policy priorities and coordinating engagement with congressional offices, the National Credit Union Administration, the Defense Department and lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
“John brings a rare combination of firsthand military experience, political expertise, and a strong understanding of the credit union industry,” Stverak said in a statement. “That perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our advocacy on behalf of America’s defense credit unions.”
Formerly With Dakota CU Association
Alexander most recently served as director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Dakota Credit Union Association, a position he took in 2023. In that role, he worked with lawmakers, regulators and credit union executives on legislative and regulatory issues affecting credit unions.
DCUC President and CEO Anthony Hernandez, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, said Alexander’s experience will help the organization identify emerging policy issues and strengthen its engagement with policymakers.
“His experience and perspective will strengthen our ability to anticipate emerging issues, engage decision-makers, and ensure the unique needs of credit unions remain at the forefront of both state and federal conversations,” Hernandez said.
Served in Navy
A Texas native, Alexander served in the Navy from 2012 to 2016 as an operations specialist aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge. He completed two overseas deployments, including a 2013 deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and a 2015-16 deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, according to DCUC.
After leaving the military, Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree in political communication from the University of Texas at Austin.
His political experience includes an internship with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and work with the Republican Party of Texas on congressional campaigns involving Reps. Michael McCaul, Chip Roy and Roger Williams. He later served as legislative director under then-Texas House Chairman James White and worked with the Leadership Institute in Washington.
Bringing Experiences ‘Together’
Alexander said the DCUC position brings together his military service, public policy experience and credit union advocacy work.
“I’ve spent my career serving in different ways, from the Navy to public policy to credit union advocacy,” Alexander said. “Joining DCUC brings those experiences together.”
He said he plans to build on DCUC’s advocacy efforts and work to ensure defense credit unions are represented in policy discussions.
