Anderson Recaps Crashing GAC

Taylor Anderson of University Federal Credit Union represented North Dakota in the GAC Crasher Program in Washington, D.C.

Taylor Anderson, loan officer at University Federal Credit Union, Grand Forks, ND, recently represented North Dakota as a participant in the America’s Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference (GAC) Crasher Program in Washington, D.C. The program brings together emerging credit union professionals from across the country to experience the nation’s largest credit union advocacy event while building leadership skills and expanding their professional networks. 

Throughout the week, Anderson had the opportunity to connect with credit union professionals from across the country, attend educational sessions, and gain deeper insight into the issues impacting the credit union movement. She also joined Dakota credit union advocates in the annual “Hike the Hill,” meeting with members of Congress to discuss legislative priorities and the importance of protecting credit unions’ ability to serve their members and communities.

Reflecting on the experience, Anderson shared: “The GAC Crasher program was nothing short of amazing. It was great to form connections with like-minded individuals who are passionate about the credit union movement. It was also beneficial to have guidance throughout the largest credit union conference in the country. The conference ended by ‘Hiking the Hill,’ where we met with our state representatives to discuss topics affecting credit unions and our members. It was an honor to be selected as a GAC Crasher, and I highly recommend the program to anyone wishing to advance their credit union knowledge and leadership skills.”

For credit union professionals interested in similar opportunities closer to home, the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU)’s Summit Crasher Program offers a great entry point. Held in conjunction with the DakCU Annual Summit, the program provides emerging leaders with a smaller-scale experience focused on networking, professional development, and engagement with the credit union movement, often serving as a first step for those looking to grow their involvement and leadership within the industry.

Applications for the 2026 DakCU Summit Crasher Program are open until March 20, offering another opportunity for young professionals across the Dakotas to gain valuable industry insight and connections.

Crash the GAC programming is made possible by The Cooperative Trust from Filene Research Institute and is supported by the generous sponsorship of America’s Credit Unions.​

University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) was founded in 1937 and serves University of North Dakota (UND) faculty, staff, students, and their immediate family of members. Organizations of members, employees of the ND School for the Blind who work in Grand Forks, civilian and military employees of the US government and employees of the State of ND who work on UND’s campus are also eligible to join. The credit union holds more than $34M in assets and has approximately 3,700 members. To learn more visit universityfederalcu.org. 

---