The 2022 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference is in the books. The five-day advocacy event in Washington, D.C., provided credit union leaders with an opportunity to network, discuss policies, celebrate wins, and meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

Highlights of the event, which returned to the nation’s capital after being held virtually in 2021, include:

• CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle told conference attendees to be partisan for credit unions.
• CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan discussed how financial well-being is critical to credit union advocacy.
• Reince Priebus and Thomas McLarty—former White House chiefs of staff—shared stories in a session moderated by CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle.
• Keynote speaker Kevin Carroll told attendees how a red rubber ball changed his life, and how play provides community and connection.
• CUNA economists discussed the economy and how data is key to measuring credit union impact.
• Social media posts allowed leagues and credit unions to share their experiences at the conference, in general sessions, in the exhibit hall, and on Hill hikes.
• Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova shared how to support Ukraine and stressed the importance of standing with actions, not words.
• Credit union leaders Tom Kane, Samira Salem, and more discussed what’s important to them during conference conversations.
• Photo galleries show the scenes of Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at GAC.
• Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s keynote focused on the power of personal presence.
• Not Impossible Labs founder Mick Ebeling shared his belief that anyone can change the world.
• Members of Congress thanked credit unions for advancing communities.

The 2023 CUNA GAC is scheduled for Feb. 26 through March 2, in Washington, D.C.