adminNearly 200 applications were submitted from all 50 states from potential GAC Crashers! According to Filene, the competition was stiff and the energy is high among those chosen to participate in the 10th annual “Crash the GAC.” This event, sponsored by CUNA and the Cooperative Trust, provides an incredible opportunity for rising credit union professionals to see and experience first-hand the power of influence and grassroots advocacy. The week is packed full of learning, networking, and meeting with lawmakers, to bring the credit union story to our nation’s capital.
Among those representing Alabama and Florida are:
Anna Donaldson – America’s First Federal Credit Union (AL)
Laura Massimino – Pen Air Federal Credit Union (FL)
Kristen Pepper – Suncoast Credit Union (FL)
Michael Poucher – First Commerce Credit Union (FL)
Troy Simmons – Suncoast Credit Union (FL)
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to Crash the GAC and advocate for Credit Unions in Washington, DC. I expect to be personally and professionally challenged, learn a lot, and be an effective representative for Credit Unions.” Anna Donaldson, Compliance Specialist III, America’s First Federal Credit Union.
“I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to advocate for credit unions at the 2019 CUNA GAC! I am very confident with the 100 young professionals selected that we will leave a very positive lasting impression! It is very exciting to be able to share the difference credit unions make in the communities we serve to lawmakers and regulators.” – Michael Poucher, Financial Center Manager, First Commerce Credit Union
“I am excited to be a GAC crasher! It’s an amazing opportunity to network with industry leaders and other like-minded young professionals. It’s going to be a long and tiring week, but it’s a great learning experience and will provide me with so much information I can share with my YPG.” – Laura Massimino, Financial Analyst, Pen Air Federal Credit Union
“Through this experience, my hope is to gain an in-depth look into the credit union movement. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with YPs from across the nation and building the skills necessary to make a lasting impact in this industry. I am so grateful for the opportunity to support the credit union movement and excited to represent Florida at Crash the GAC 2019!” – Kristen Pepper, VP, Service Center Operations, Suncoast Credit Union
“I am super excited and proud to be selected to represent not only Florida but Suncoast Credit Union as well. I was anxious and nervous to open the email to see if I was selected. Once I found out I just thanked God and said WOW, I am going to D.C to be a crasher! I am looking forward to networking with all of the crashers and meeting senior staff from other credit unions. I expect this event to open up opportunities to see what other credit unions are doing and how we are all impacting and changing lives every day. One of my favorite quotes is by Kobe Bryant which is “ It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” and I cannot wait for this journey!” – Troy Simmons, Service Center Manager, Suncoast Credit Union
