CONNECT 2026 Kicks Off with Industry Leaders

MD|DC Credit Union Association President and CEO John Bratsakis welcomed credit unions and business partners, emphasizing the role strong relationships play in effective advocacy. He noted that a strong local presence, authentic connections, and consistent engagement help drive high-impact advocacy on behalf of credit unions and the communities they serve.

Bratsakis also recognized credit unions for their support of members affected by the longest federal government shutdown in history. Together, credit unions provided more than $208 million in relief to over 11,000 members. He also highlighted the Association's robust education efforts, with more than 4,000 credit union professionals participating in programs over the past year.

Two industry leaders also helped open the convention. America's Credit Unions President and CEO Scott Simpson told attendees that the movement's strongest advocacy tool is not only its size, but also the personal stories of the members credit unions serve every day.

Simpson emphasized the need for credit unions to continue making their case to policymakers by connecting national policy issues to real people in local communities. He also noted that trust remains one of the credit union industry's greatest strengths, and underscored the essential role leagues play as organizations closely connected to credit unions, lawmakers, and the communities they represent.

NCUA Eastern Region Director John Kutchey also addressed attendees, sharing the agency's current priorities and offering insights into what credit unions can expect in the year ahead.