Record-Breaking #GAC2025: A Unified Fight to Protect Credit Unions’ Future

In a historic show of unity, more than 6,000 credit union leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), marking the 50th anniversary of this premier industry event.

Attendees experienced a dynamic, record-breaking convergence of inspiring keynotes, grassroots advocacy, and direct Capitol Hill engagement—all unified in the fight to safeguard credit unions' tax status and community-driven mission.

Top news: Unity and advocacy in action

The energy was palpable as attendees converged on Capitol Hill, with more than 600 scheduled meetings aimed at ensuring that lawmakers understand the need for credit unions' tax status.

When asked what lawmakers can do to help credit unions positively impact more members, Creighton Blackwell, chief community impact and public affairs officer for Coastal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., said:

"The number one thing would be to preserve the tax (status) for credit unions," he said. "By definition, it's a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, (which) by itself allows some of these loans to be done in some of these low-income-designated areas."

"Without the advocacy piece of what we do, credit unions disappear," said Karyn Davis, president and CEO of UP Federal Credit Union in North Little Rock, Ark. "I don't think we can do our jobs adequately back home unless we make the effort here in D.C. for our lawmakers to understand why it's important to our members (that) they have credit unions.

Davis and Blackwell were among the hundreds of GAC attendees who participated in Hill Hikes, in-person meetings with their federal representatives. Many expressed that these direct interactions—where credit union advocates reminded representatives that "this is our tax exemption" and "this is our business lending cap"-were vital to securing future policy wins.

Notably, major industry partners have joined the cause. In a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, TruStage committed $250,000 to the "Don't Tax My Credit Union" campaign—a move that has been widely shared on social media under the hashtag #DontTaxMyCreditUnion. This injection of funds is aimed at bolstering a nationwide grassroots effort to preserve the tax status that keeps credit unions affordable for everyday members.

Keynotes, panels, and policy priorities

The opening session set an inspiring tone. America's Credit Unions President & CEO Jim Nussle welcomed the crowd with high energy, highlighting the event's record-breaking attendance and urging credit union leaders to "speak with one unified voice."

As the sessions went on throughout the week, attendees heard from world-class speakers such as basketball legend Coach Mike Kryzewski (Coach K), renowned restaurateur Will Guidara, trailblazing Wall Street Executive Carla Harris, and master storyteller Stacey Hanke. These inspirational speakers pushed leaders to think differently about how they lead their teams, innovate their member experiences, and center the member voice in every decision they make and story they tell.

Carrie Hunt, chief advocacy officer for America's Credit Unions, followed with a passionate call to action, declaring, "We will fight for our tax exemption and against overregulation because a tax on credit unions is a tax on every one of our 140 million member-owners."

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., a longtime credit union advocate and newly appointed chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, added his perspective during an interactive session. Reflecting on his own experience as a credit union board volunteer, Scott noted, "The foundation of our financial system is built on making sure people feel seen. Credit unions do that—they offer a personal touch that large banks simply can't replicate." He stressed that right-sizing the regulatory environment is crucial: "If the risk is smaller, we shouldn't treat credit unions the same as giants like Bank of America or JP Morgan." Scott's remarks underscored the need for tailored regulation that supports homeownership, small business growth, and financial inclusion.

Social media: The digital echo of GAC

The buzz wasn't confined to the conference halls. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram, the hashtag #GAC2025 became a rallying cry. Official posts from America's Credit Unions captured the record turnout and major announcements, while delegates shared real-time photos of group meetings, keynote highlights, and even candid moments—like Nussle's custom credit union-branded sneakers that quickly became a viral sensation.

Regulatory wins and future outlook

Beyond the inspirational speeches and grassroots mobilization, GAC 2025 also delivered significant policy updates. In a major announcement, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman revealed that credit union overdraft fee data would no longer be publicly disclosed-a move intended to protect credit unions from misinterpretation and reputational harm. This decision, along with discussions on modernizing credit union statutes and reining in the overreach of the CFPB, underscored the conference's dual focus on immediate advocacy and long-term regulatory reform.

Scott's pointed comments on regulatory relief—urging that credit unions should not be burdened with the same rules as the largest banks—reinforced this approach.

A look back and a call to action

Historically, GAC has been a cornerstone of credit union advocacy, and the 2025 program built on that legacy with unmatched vigor and unity. This milestone event not only celebrated decades of progress but also set the stage for future battles in Washington. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, understanding that their collective advocacy is pivotal in shaping a regulatory environment that supports small businesses, an individual's financial well-being, and community prosperity.

The call to action is clear: whether through direct Capitol Hill visits, social media engagement, or local advocacy efforts, every credit union leader and member has a role to play in protecting the credit union tax status and ensuring that community-focused financial services continue to thrive.

For those who couldn't attend, the message is equally urgent: stay engaged, follow the conversation online with #GAC2025, and support the movement that is transforming the future of American finance—one community at a time.