The President's Perspective

Greetings from our nation's capital; A record breaking year for GAC; Dakota leaders making an impact nationally; and more. 

Making an Impact at the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference
Greetings from our nation’s capital! We are back in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), the premier event for credit union advocacy. This week, I am proud to be joined by 33 Dakota credit union leaders and advocates representing a dozen North and South Dakota credit unions, along with our association’s advocacy and strategic business solutions team. Together, we are here to champion, promote, and advance the credit union movement for our Dakota credit unions and their members.

A Record-Breaking Year for GAC
This year’s GAC is setting new participation records, reaffirming its position as the most influential gathering in the credit union industry. Attendance has surged beyond 6,000, with over 3,600 credit union representatives—both all-time highs. Notably, more than 800 credit union Presidents and CEOs are here, along with a remarkable 40% of attendees being C-suite executives.

Beyond advocacy, GAC offers an unparalleled opportunity for education and business engagement. Over 1,300 business and solution providers are in attendance, supporting credit unions with cutting-edge tools and services. The conference features 320 specialized workshops and theater learning sessions tailored for small credit unions, ensuring that institutions of all sizes benefit. The exhibit hall—once again the largest CU-specific exhibit in the industry—has sold out, boasting 302 business providers and 354 fully occupied booths and kiosks.

The economic impact of this event is also significant. Credit union attendees are filling a record 18,723 hotel rooms across downtown Washington, D.C., injecting nearly $10 million into the local economy over five days.

The Power of Advocacy: Bringing the Credit Union Message to Congress
While these numbers are impressive, the heart of GAC remains its advocacy mission. By the end of the week, 32 state leagues and associations, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, will have conducted over 600 meetings with congressional members and key officials. This is a powerful demonstration of the collective strength of the credit union movement and our ability to influence policy decisions that shape our industry.

For Dakota credit unions, our congressional meetings are critical opportunities to directly engage with lawmakers and ensure they understand the unique value that credit unions provide to consumers and communities. We will be discussing key policy priorities, regulatory concerns, and the ongoing efforts to protect our tax status while promoting financial inclusion and economic growth in the Dakotas and beyond. Our voices matter, and this week, we are making sure they are heard loud and clear on Capitol Hill.

Dakota Leaders Making an Impact on the National Stage
In addition to our advocacy efforts, we are proud to highlight several Dakota credit union leaders who serve on national committees and are engaged at the highest levels. Paul Brucker, Railway CU, Mandan, ND, serves on America’s Credit Union PAC Executive Committee and on the PAC Board of Trustees. Jerry Schmidt, President & CEO of Black Hills FCU, Rapid City, SD, and Bob Herrington, President & CEO of North Star Community CU, Maddock, ND, both serve on America’s National Advocacy Committee.

Lacey Fetch, President & CEO of University FCU, plays a key leadership role as Vice Chair of the National Small Credit Union Committee, while Chesney Garnos, DakCU Executive Director of Government Affairs, also contributes as a member of the Small CU Committee. Misty Winter will represent South Dakota as a Proxy on America’s Credit Union PAC Board of Trustees. Additionally, I had the privilege of participating in key meetings as a member of America’s Credit Union Board of Directors and the AACUL Executive Board. 

America's Credit Union Advocacy Committee Members - Bob Herrington, President/CEO North Star Community CU and Jerry Schmidt, President/CEO, Black Hills FCU.

Jeff Olson, CEO/President DakCU and Misty Winter, CEO/President Northern Hills FCU attend the PAC Chairman meeting.

Twice a year, the America’s Credit Unions Executive committee and the AACUL (American Association of credit union leagues) Executive Boards meet to review our partnership and league relationship.

​These dedicated leaders exemplify the commitment and influence of Dakota credit unions at the national level, ensuring our voices are heard and our interests are well represented.

Stay Connected and Follow the Action
Be sure to stay tuned to our social media platforms--Facebook and LinkedIn—for real-time updates from the GAC. We will be sharing highlights from our “Hike the Hill” meetings with Dakota congressional members and providing insights on the policy discussions impacting our credit unions.

The power of advocacy is in our collective action, and this week’s GAC is a testament to the unwavering commitment of credit union leaders nationwide. Thank you for being part of this movement, and let’s continue working together to protect, promote, and advance the credit union difference!

On a Positive Note
Taylor Anderson, University Federal Credit Union, Grand Forks, ND received her CUDE designation from The National Credit Union Foundation, in February. You can check out the details of the class here: February DE Graduate Announcement. Congratulations Taylor!

Have a great week!​

​DakCU President/CEO