Platon, Plouffe, Cutter and Wallace to headline national credit union fly-in

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
January 24, 2020
Washington, DC

CONTACT:          
Lauren Williams        
CUNA Communications        
202-672-3396      

Platon, Plouffe, Cutter and Wallace to headline national credit union fly-in

MADISON, Wis., and WASHINGTON – Credit Union National Association (CUNA) announced four speakers that will deliver a keynote address at the 2020 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (CUNA GAC).

Platon, one of the world’s most well-known and respected photographers, who’s worked to promote inclusion and human rights around the world will speak on Sunday, February 23, during the opening session of CUNA’s GAC in an ED Talk, sponsored by CUNA Councils. Platon’s 2007 cover shot of Vladimir Putin, for TIME’S Person of the Year, won 1st prize at the World Photo Press Contest. Platon was also honored with a Peabody Award for a project done collaboratively with The New Yorker and Human Rights Watch in 2011. 

“Inclusive financial opportunity is a hallmark of the credit union system,” said Todd Spiczenski, CUNA chief products officer. “Platon will bring a fresh perspective to this discussion and provide a powerful opportunity for us to broaden our horizons and our efforts.”

David Plouffe, President of Policy and Advocacy at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, will take the stage on Tuesday, February 25, to deliver a keynote address at the premier credit union industry event. Plouffe is most widely known for his role in crafting President Barack Obama’s campaign strategies. His approach to reach voters by leveraging technology and big data, leveraged the power of the Internet and sparked a grassroots movement that shifted the campaign landscape. 

“Credit union leaders are looking to unconventional leaders who have navigated the impact of innovation,” said Spiczenski. “David Plouffe brings critical experiences and insights and we’re excited to learn from him at the GAC.”

Stephanie Cutter, Deputy Sr. Advisory to Former President Barak Obama, and Nicolle Wallace, Political Analyst and MSNBC Anchor, and former White House Director of Communications for George W. Bush, will join in a discussion moderated by CUNA Vice Chairman and president/CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) Troy Stang. Cutter and Wallace will share their experiences and insights in a fast-paced point/counterpoint style conversation during the Closing General Session on Wednesday, February 26.

Stephanie Cutter is a prominent voice in the Democratic party and one of the party’s “top strategists and crisis managers,” according to POLITICO. Cutter has crafted messages for President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, President Bill Clinton and Senators Harry Reid, Edward M. Kennedy, and John Kerry during his presidential campaign.

Nicolle Wallace is a top strategist for the GOP. She was special assistant to the president and director of media affairs at the White House under President George W. Bush and served as communications chief during Bush’s election campaign. Wallace was the senior campaign advisor for the 2008 McCain-Palin presidential campaign and previously served as a press secretary for Republican Governor Jeb Bush.

“CUNA GAC provides an unparalleled opportunity to hone our skills as advocates for the credit union movement,” said Spiczenski. “What better way to do that than learning from Stephanie and Nicolle, two of Washington’s top strategists and communicators.”

CUNA GAC, February 23-27, 2020, is the largest credit union advocacy event, gathering more than 5,000 credit union leaders annually to Washington D.C. Leaders gather to network, learn about the latest issues facing the credit union industry and meet with lawmakers to make a case for fair regulation on behalf of the more than 110 million credit union members nationwide.

To see a full list of speakers and to register, visit cuna.org/gac. Photos of the announced speakers can be accessed here. 

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About CUNA:           
Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by 115 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org. To find your nearest credit union, visit YourMoneyFurther.com.