Katie BaileyWithin the credit union movement, advocacy is for everyone. The League is committed to ensuring the next generation of advocates has meaningful opportunities to get involved and advance the “People Helping People” mission far into the future.
At the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), The League was proud to have eleven emerging professionals from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia in Washington, D.C., as part of the Filene Research Institute’s “Crash the GAC” program. In addition to participating in America’s Credit Unions programming, these Crashers engaged in key briefings, connected with industry leaders, and took to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers.
The League’s 2026 Crashers were:
- Tyler Lewallen, AmFirst Federal Credit Union
- April James, Redstone Federal Credit Union
- Katie Martino, Trax Credit Union
- Tucker Boatwright, PenAir Credit Union
- Emily Luft, Velera
- Grace Wilbanks, LGE Community Credit Union
- Jessica Landin, Georgia United Credit Union
- Tiana Waldren, BayPort Credit Union
- Jaeden Kelly, Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Kaitlyn McDole, Gulf Winds Credit Union
- Amie Webb, Gulf Winds Credit Union
“Arriving in D.C. for my first GAC, and my first time in Washington, I was equal parts excited and nervous,” reflected, Jessica Landin, Branch Manager at Georgia United Credit Union and 2026 Crasher. “Spending the week in our nation’s capital with hundreds of professionals living out the credit union difference was incredible. GAC was an experience I’ll carry with me throughout my career. It reaffirmed that what we do everyday matters, and I was proud to share our impact with lawmakers.”
Beyond the GAC Crasher program, The League offers additional ways for rising credit union professionals to engage in movement-wide collaboration, get involved in advocacy, and share the credit union difference. Formerly the Young Professionals ‘YP’ program, The League’s Emerging Professionals Network (EPN) program is designed to create these opportunities for rising credit union professionals.
“I’m proud to be a part of The League’s efforts to support the next generation of credit union leaders through initiatives like the EPN program,” said League Consultant Kelly Yager. “Through this program, we help ensure these outstanding professionals understand the impact of their work within the credit union movement and the importance of advancing that movement-wide service through advocacy.”
If you are interested in joining the growing EPN community, please reach out to Kelly Yager today or fill out the interest form here.
