CUNA announced the appointment of Clement Abonyi Jr. Monday as its newest Director of Advocacy. Abonyi will help manage the association’s relationships with Democrats on a variety of key advocacy issues in his role at CUNA.  

He previously served as Chief of Staff to House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters, D-Calif., and has also worked with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, U.S. Treasury, and the House Financial Services Committee.  

“We’re very excited to welcome Clement aboard as CUNA, Leagues, and credit unions look to make an immediate impact in the new Congress,” said Jason Stverak, CUNA’s deputy chief advocacy Officer for federal government affairs. “Clement has a demonstrated record of engagement and strong policy work and is ready to hit the ground running as we look to advance credit union priorities on Capitol Hill.” 

Abonyi served as a day-one political appointee in the Biden Administration at the U.S. Treasury Department as special assistant in the Office of Legislative Affairs where he managed relationships between Treasury and Congressional offices and played a role during the confirmation of Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyamo.  

A first-generation American born to deaf immigrants, Abonyi received his Bachelor’s degree from The American University School of Public Affairs and is a proud native of South Norwalk, Conn.