CEO Today - August 2023

Please introduce yourself, your role and your company. The National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, or NAFCU, is a nonprofit, non-partisan advocacy organization that represents the credit union industry in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to help credit unions grow and ensure the legislative and regulatory environment allows them to provide safe, secure, and reliable financial products and services. I have a passion for politics and have known for a long time that I wanted to be a lobbyist.Before NAFCU, I gained experience at other businesses and associations in the financial services and insurance industries and also served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress. I recognize the impact government has on people’s lives and businesses, and it’s important that decision-makers recognize the power they have, too. That’s why it’s critical we elevate credit union voices in Washington. I joined NAFCU in 2006 to lead our government affairs team. It’s the core function of our association, and the team really makes change happen with federal lawmakers and regulators. This month marks my 10th anniversary as NAFCU’s president and CEO, and I know I have the best job in Washington – it’s a gratifying and humbling experience to lead an organization that represents the white hats of the financial services industry. When I’m not traveling to meet with credit unions or walking the halls on Capitol Hill, I’m an avid fly fisherman, and serve as vice chair of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. As a Floridian, I love traveling to fish with my wife and daughter. I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida State University, and I also have a master’s in public administration from Harvard University. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing credit unions in the current economic and political climate? A sound regulatory environment is always our top priority. NAFCU’s advocacy team works tirelessly to limit burdens on credit unions, and our compliance team works diligently to provide our members with the resources and assistance they need to navigate the neverending regulatory changes. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, spends a lot of time harming and hindering the financial success of the very people they claim to protect. The complete antithesis of any credit union’s mission, the CFPB has waged a direct war on Main Street since its inception, and its recent efforts are going to seriously limit the availability of credit for those who need it. The last thing consumers need during this time of high inflation is another rule that will make things more expensive or less available. “Credit unions were formed to serve communities of people, but that shouldn’t be a reason to restrict them with outdated laws and regulations.”

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