2025 MCUL GAC: Advocacy in Action at the Capitol
On May 14, Michigan credit union leaders, young professionals, volunteers, and partners gathered at the Michigan Capitol for the 2025 Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) Government Affairs Conference (GAC). The annual event brought together nearly 200 attendees in Lansing to engage directly with lawmakers, celebrate grassroots advocacy and explore pressing issues facing the credit union industry.
MCUL President/CEO Patty Corkery welcomed attendees by thanking event sponsors and applauding first-time attendees and young professionals.
“We’ve faced challenge after challenge — from state-level legislation to threats to our tax-exempt status,” Corkery said. “But I’m proud to share that, as of yesterday, theHouse Ways and Means Committee’s budget proposal preserves our credit union tax status! I cannot say this more emphatically, this outcome is all because of you all and the tens of millions of credit union members across the country who really stepped up to fight for this.”
More than 23,000 Michiganders contacted Congress on the issue. Corkery encouraged continued engagement until the legislation is signed into law by the President.
She also called on credit unions to think about how we tell our story. Corkery said “tell your story” is a phrase we use often, but as a movement, we need to get better at sharing what makes the credit union industry different.
Advocacy Awards
Director of State Advocacy DaeSean Ashby presented this year’s PAC Awards, recognizing extraordinary commitment to advocacy fundraising.
“In 2024, Michigan credit unions raised more than $476,828 to support our advocacy agenda,” said Ashby. “Because of all of you and the stories you share with us, we are able to represent our collective interests and support our mission to the fullest.”
PAC Award Winners:
President’s Award – State PAC: Public Service Credit Union raised $11,485
President’s Award – Federal PAC: Genisys Credit Union raised $34,720
Trustee’s Award – Chapter Excellence: Blue Ox Chapter, achieving 550% of state and 394% of federal fundraising goals
Grassroots Award Winners:
Lon Bone Grassroots Professional Activist Award: Patty Campbell, President/CEO of Christian Financial Credit Union
This award recognizes one credit union professional and is awarded annually to recognize a credit union employee that goes above and beyond to advocate on the League’s behalf and mentor others on the role the credit union movement plays in Michigan.
Campbell was honored for her decades of advocacy leadership, including years of service on MCUL’s Government and Political Affairs Forum Executive Committee and as Chair of the Boards of Trustees for state and federal PACs. She was also inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in 2024.
Young Professional Advocate of the Year: Josh Buck, Network Administrator, Members First Credit Union
This award recognizes a young professional for their tireless commitment to the industry and their mission, while presenting a blueprint for other up and coming young professionals.
Buck leads advocacy coordination for the FUEL Michigan YP network, serves as the Mid-Michigan Chapter’s Forum Representative and is planning a new state advocacy initiative: “hYPe the Hill.” He was also recognized for his leadership in charitable advocacy efforts.
State Advocacy Update
During the State Advocacy Update, Ashby addressed upcoming state legislative priorities. Ashby first named Interchange Reform. With similar bills appearing in Illinois, he said MCUL expects potential movement in Michigan and has prepared for this for more than 18 months.
Ashby also mentioned Garnishment and Collections Reform. He stressed the impact of direct credit union voices in these discussions, “Legislators hear from lobbyists all the time, but it means more when they hear from those serving their constituents daily.”
Lawmaker Panel
The Lawmaker Panel gives GAC attendees a chance to see first-hand how legislators are thinking and discussing key issues. This year’s panel included: Rep. Tyrone Carter, Rep. Joey Andrews, Rep. Joseph Aragona and Rep. Sarah Lightner.
Panelists discussed how credit unions can evolve with Michigan’s economic landscape and emphasized expanding safe, short-term lending as an alternative to payday loans, deepening financial literacy programs across all ages, addressing digital lending debt traps and reinforcing the value of relationship-based banking.
During short-term loan conversations, Honor Credit Union's Heather Luciani shared details of their fast-cash loan program, which has seen zero delinquencies so far. Aragona then asked how many others in the room had similar alternative payday loan offerings. The majority of the room raised their hands.
Coopera Panel: Equitable Access Starts With Data
Coopers is a data analytics and consulting firm focused on helping organizations better serve their communities. They partner with financial institutions to assess their needs and develop growth strategies.
The panel, which explored how credit unions can better serve diverse communities, featured Kris Lewis, CEO of Ignite Credit Union, Jeff Bolser, chief retail officer at Adiva Credit Union, Andrea Tucker, executive director of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, and Jennifer Esperanza, senior director of organizational culture and strategy at Coopera.
Panelists discussed the importance of understanding members’ lived experiences and shared examples of data-informed strategies, language access and cultural competency. Esperanza emphasized removing shame and trauma from the financial experience, while Tucker previewed MCUF initiatives to support equity efforts across Michigan.
“If you know your members better, you know how you can better grow your membership base,” said Bolser, speaking to his experience with Coopera.
Lewis spoke about finding out how to serve a membership base that is diverse — of diverse racial and ethnic background and which has diverse needs. He said it’s not just about making sure you have the right translations on your literature … it goes much deeper, referencing various analyses that allow you to breakdown your base’s needs more specifically.
Fireside Chat: DIFS Director Anita Fox
In a fireside chat with MCUL’s Patty Corkery, DIFS Director Anita Fox emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer an emerging issue but a permanent threat, increasingly complicated by the rise of AI and the growing sophistication of scams.
She also addressed the importance of managing credit risk through proactive and transparent communication with members. Fox urged credit unions to stay actively engaged with DIFS, reminding them, “You know your communities best. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation with us — we’re here to partner with you.”
She concluded by encouraging credit unions to continue serving as thought leaders and reliable resource hubs within their communities.
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