Brandee Bickle, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates’ (LSCU & Affiliates) senior advocacy officer in Georgia, ranked first on the list of Top 50 Registered Lobbyists featured annually in James Magazine’s September/October Lobbyist Issue.

This marks Bickle’s sixth straight year making the list. She ranked No. 2 last year. At the time this year’s ranking process began, Bickle worked for Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA), which has recently consolidated with the trade association serving credit unions in Alabama and Florida.  

“Georgia credit unions are lucky to have such a respected voice speak on their behalf at the state Capitol,” said Mike Mercer, former president/CEO of GCUA and current CEO of LSCU & Affiliates. “Brandee’s expertise and passion for the industry have repeatedly proven invaluable in ensuring Georgia lawmakers hear and understand the credit union message. This recognition is definitely well deserved.”

Bickle began working at Georgia Credit Union Affiliates in the Human Resources department in 2000. In 2007, Mercer and the rest of the executive team recognized Bickle’s potential and tapped her to become the league’s lobbyist on the state level.

 “It’s been challenging, rewarding, nerve-racking and always different,” Bickle said. “But it’s the credit unions and my GCUA colleagues that have been critical to the success of our Advocacy efforts. I’m just happy to be a part of such a great team and work with credit unions in the process.”

GCUA also made James Magazine’s Lobbyist Issue, ranking No. 4 on the list of associations for the second consecutive year. GCUA has made the list of top associations for the past seven years.

James Magazine is a political and news magazine published by Insider Advantage. The magazine has produced its list of top lobbyists and associations for the past 15 years by combining online votes from readers with feedback from political insiders to finalize the rankings.

“Credit unions rely on the League to spread their message and protect their interests by building and maintaining relationships,” Mercer said. “I consistently hear compliments from lawmakers who tell me that our advocacy staff is informative, helpful and honest. That’s how I know we’re lobbying successfully on behalf of credit unions.”