Berger, Nussle: Advocacy will continue to be job number one

NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger and CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle welcomed hundreds of credit union leaders to Washington, D.C., Monday morning to kick off NAFCU’s 2023 Congressional Caucus. Throughout the week, attendees will hear directly from lawmakers, regulators, and other government officials on key issues and have the opportunity to advocate for credit union priorities.

Berger and Nussle shared insights into the proposed CUNA/NAFCU merger, including conversations between board members about ways to better collaborate and coordinate to be more efficient and effective for credit unions. Both reiterated the importance of voting in favor of the merger prior to the Nov. 1 deadline.

Nussle, who will lead America’s Credit Unions should the merger be approved by members of the associations, reiterated the importance of sharing the credit union difference with policymakers in Washington. He said the proposed merger is a chance to make the credit union industry even stronger by putting advocacy first – establishing a united voice and “ensuring our message about credit unions carries into the future.”

Berger highlighted that America’s Credit Unions is set to be one of the most impactful trade associations in Washington by bringing together the best of both organizations and a strong, passionate membership. To ensure America’s Credit Unions is successful in meeting members’ needs, Nussle said he is committed to listening and outlined five areas of focus:

• Advocacy.
• A united voice.
• Compliance.
• Education and cooperative networking.
• Member engagement, calling on credit unions to “lean in” and be active in advocacy.

Nussle recently announced virtual forums for CEOs to learn more about the proposed merger. He will also join NAFCU Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Greg Mesack Tuesday for a fireside chat to further discuss his vision for America’s Credit Unions and the future of credit union advocacy.