In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Gordon Holzberg, Legislative Advocacy Director, America’s Credit Unions

Keili McEwen, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Tinker Federal Credit Union

Sarah Wainscott, President/CEO, The Wisconsin Credit Union League

Resources

Register to join us at Congressional Caucus September 7 – 9

Visit our one-stop shop for credit union advocacy resources

Subscribe to our YouTube for our Economic Update

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bios

Gordon Holzberg currently serves as Legislative Advocacy Director for America’s Credit Unions. Prior to joining America’s Credit Unions, Gordon served as Legislative Director for Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and then Emilia Sykes (D-OH), where he specialized in drafting, introducing, and advancing bipartisan legislation – including laws that secured $8 billion in funding for affordable housing construction and $150 million for infrastructure investments in HBCUs. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.

Keili McEwen serves as Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma’s largest credit union. In this role, she leads all state and federal advocacy, legislative strategy, and political engagement on behalf of the $6 billion financial institution. With more than two decades of experience in public policy, political strategy, and coalition building, Keili brings a forward-thinking approach to influence rooted in principle and purpose. A trailblazer in credit union advocacy, she was the first in-house lobbyist for a not-for-profit financial institution in Oklahoma. Her leadership has helped shape the future of credit union policy while ensuring the voices of members and mission-driven institutions are effectively represented in government. Keili serves on America’s Credit Unions National Advocacy Committee and is an ACUPAC trustee. She is also active with the Defense Credit Union Council, the Cornerstone Credit Union League, and the Oklahoma Credit Union Association.

Sarah Wainscott has served The Wisconsin Credit Union League for 15 years through various advocacy roles, culminating in the start of her tenure as President & CEO in January 2025. Her experience and expertise include lobbying, grassroots advocacy, political fundraising, and serving as Wisconsin credit unions' spokesperson on policy with legislators and regulators in Madison & Washington, D.C. She has helped pass bills updating credit union statutes, requiring financial literacy credits for high school graduation, and permitting prize-linked-savings programs while also preventing the introduction or serious consideration of harmful proposals. Sarah serves as a member of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists' board of directors, the inaugural Advocacy Committee for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, and the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy and Capability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication arts and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Five Star Credit Union President/CEO Bob Steensma discusses how his credit union has purchased banks over the years and his takeaways from the acquisitions. Bob also touches on the market forces at play, system conversions, and the importance of community-centered financial services.

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Bob Steensma, President/CEO, Five Star Credit Union

Resources

Why community banks increasingly choose credit unions as buyers 

Banks selling to credit unions is worthwhile collaboration

Register for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional Caucus

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bio

Bob Steensma has served as President/CEO of Five Star Credit Union since June 2007, leading the organization through a period of transformational growth and strategic expansion. Under his leadership, Five Star has grown from 7 branches and $140 million in assets to 29 branches and more than $1.2 billion in assets, establishing itself as a leading financial institution in the region.

Bob has successfully guided the credit union through four bank acquisitions, ranging in size from $16 million to $180 million in assets, significantly broadening Five Star’s market presence and service capabilities. Headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, Five Star now proudly serves over 68,000 members across 42 counties throughout southeast Alabama and South Georgia.

Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union CEO Teri Robinson details her experience turning a struggling credit union into 10-fold growth in 15 years. Teri also provides actionable insights ahead of strategic planning season for credit unions looking to grow their assets.

In this episode 

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Teri Robinson, CEO, Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union

Resources

• Teri’s Story – Herb Wegner Memorial Award 
• NCUA resources – CAMELS rating 
• Register for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional Caucus 
• Don’t Tax My Credit Union (Social Media Toolkit and fast facts) 
• Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions 

Guest Bio

Teri Robinson is the CEO of Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union, formerly known as Pacific Northwest Ironworkers Federal Credit Union, a $135 million and growing credit union based in Portland, Oregon. With 37 years of experience in the credit union industry, Teri began her career as a teller and rose through the ranks through strong leadership, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to members.   

Credit union industry leaders join America’s Credit Unions Chief Membership and Engagement Officer Anthony Demangone to talk about the importance of grassroots advocacy and their experience engaging in the Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign.

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Amy Brodersen, President/CEO, Family Focus Federal Credit Union

Michael Wilson, President & CEO, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Scott Simpson, President and CEO, California, Nevada, and Utah Credit Union Leagues

Resources

• Don’t Tax My Credit Union
• Member Activation Program
• Grassroots Action Center
• Project Zip Code
• The latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bios

Amy Brodersen is a passionate credit union advocate with more than 33 years in the movement. She began her career as a teller/clerk in 1990 and has served as President/CEO of Family Focus Federal Credit Union since 2006. Throughout her career, Amy has remained deeply committed to advancing the credit union philosophy of people helping people—especially for small credit unions and the members they serve. She currently serves on the boards of the Nebraska Credit Union League (NCUL), Cooperative Solutions Group (CSG), and the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA), which she co-founded with 12 other amazing women CEOs. Amy also serves as Nebraska’s America’s Credit Unions Advocacy Trustee and was recently appointed to America’s Credit Union Advocacy Committee, where she now chairs the Legislative Sub-Committee.

Michael Wilson has a passion for people and entrepreneurial thinking and over 20 years of senior leadership experience. As President & CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Wilson guides the credit union’s mission to serve its members, associates and communities through support, empowerment and meaningful relationships. Prior to his current role with Members 1st, Wilson served as a Cabinet official at the state level and went on to spend many years growing local businesses and organizations. He then brought his strong business and leadership background to Members 1st in July of 2016 as vice president of relationship management and has held several leadership roles within the credit union.

Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues & Utah Credit Union Association, made history in 2003 as the youngest President and CEO of Utah’s Credit Unions. Before his transformative tenure in the credit union sector, Scott built his political expertise advising candidates and campaigns at various government levels including serving as a senior advisor to a U.S. senator in Washington, D.C. Scott has deeply engaged with the national credit union movement, serving on the Board of Directors of America’s Credit Unions since 2022 and teaching advocacy at the Western CUNA Management School since 2017. His industry involvement includes chairing the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), the National Political Action Committee (PAC), the National Advocacy Fund, and serving nearly a decade on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair. He also chaired AACUL’s System Evolution Workgroup, contributing to a report on the evolving landscape of political advocacy within the credit union movement.

National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Lauren Culp joins the show to emphasize the power of storytelling and the value it provides credit unions. 

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America’s Credit Unions 

Lauren Culp, Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) 

Resources 

National Credit Union Foundation 

Don’t Tax My Credit Union 

Herb Wegner Memorial Award 

Guest bio

Lauren Culp is the Executive Director at the National Credit Union Foundation. An accomplished speaker and facilitator, Lauren presents to audiences of all sizes on a variety of topics including financial well-being, community impact, innovation, leadership, and storytelling. Prior to joining the National Credit Union Foundation, Lauren served for over 5 years as President & CEO at CUInsight.com. Before CUInsight, Lauren led the national Cooperative Trust program at the Filene Research Institute, the non-profit think-tank for credit unions. Lauren started her career at True North Federal Credit Union in Juneau, Alaska. Lauren is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and Filene i3 program alum. An avid traveler, no matter where on the globe she is, you’ll likely find Lauren with a cup of coffee in hand. 

Host 

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America’s Credit Unions 

Guests 

Mike Krzyzewski, Head Men's Basketball Coach (1980 – 2022), Duke University 

Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley 

Resources 

Lead to Win by Carla Harris 

Coach K’s Website 

America’s Credit Unions Events 

Guest Bios 

Mike Krzyzewski, or Coach K, is one of the most recognizable figures in the realm of leadership and team dynamics. His storied career, marked by a legacy of unparalleled success, exemplifies how strategic vision and unwavering commitment can inspire teams to achieve success far beyond expectations. His methods transcend sports, providing a blueprint for leaders in any field who seek to unite and empower people around a common goal. His emphasis on cultivating a culture of trust and proactive communication mirrors the qualities necessary for impactful advocacy and community leadership.  

Carla Harris’ trailblazing career at the highest levels make her a powerful source of inspiration for credit union leaders. Known for her strategic insight and fearless approach, Carla has consistently shown how embracing one’s unique strengths can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her influence and wisdom on leadership will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations. Carla’s forward-thinking perspective will challenge leaders to lead with purpose, foster collaboration that builds resilience, and lean into the unique strengths of their institution to drive impact. 

TruStage Vice President of Corporate and Legislative Affairs Alane Dent and America's Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt offer insights into the credit union tax status and how to preserve it.

Host 

Anthony Demangone, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer 

Guests 

Alane Dent, TruStage, Vice President of Corporate and Legislative Affairs 

Carrie Hunt, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Advocacy Officer 

Resources 

donttaxmycreditunion.org 

America’s Credit Unions Advocacy Priorities 

Guest Bios 

Alane Dent is a nationally recognized advocate with over twenty years of experience spearheading legislative and communication strategies on behalf of consumers and the financial services industry. Mrs. Dent currently serves as Vice-President, Corporate and Legislative Affairs, at TruStage, a financial services company that provides product and service solutions to credit unions and retail customers.  She advocates before federal and state legislatures, regulatory authorities, trade associations, and stakeholder coalitions on behalf of the credit union and life insurance industries to benefit consumers. Mrs. Dent previously founded and led Dent Strategies, a boutique government relations firm specializing in federal and state advocacy. The firm developed and implemented comprehensive legislative, coalition, and communications strategies. The firm also advised corporations and nonprofits on strategic planning initiatives designed to translate mission and value statements into action. 

Carrie Hunt is Chief Advocacy Officer for America’s Credit Unions. In this role, she leads the organization’s advocacy strategy and relentless efforts to elevate credit union priorities. Hunt has 20 years of experience in consumer finance and financial services law, credit union regulations, and association lobbying, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Virginia Credit Union League.  

America’s Credit Union’s President and CEO Jim Nussle joins A CU Seat at the Table to welcome you to this new podcast and discuss the importance of a unified voice ahead of the industry's largest advocacy event, the Governmental Affairs Conference.

Host 

Anthony Demangone, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer 

Guest 

Jim Nussle, America’s Credit Unions, President and CEO 

Resources 

Join Us | America's Credit Unions   

Resource Library | America's Credit Unions 

Governmental Affairs Conference 2025 | America's Credit Unions 

Guest Bio 

Jim Nussle is President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, leading the organization’s efforts to protect, empower, and advance credit unions and their more than 140 million members. Nussle served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-2007, representing Iowa. From 2001-2006, he served as chairman of the House Budget Committee. In 2007, President George W. Bush nominated him as the 36th director of Office of Management and Budget.