Washington Credit Unions Make Their Voices Heard at DAC in Olympia

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 4, 2026

While legislators hear from many voices, and credit unions have proven again and again that when they engage, lawmakers listen. On Jan. 28 in Olympia at Washington Credit Union Day at the Capitol, more than 250 credit union advocates from 39 credit unions came together to do just that. Washington’s credit unions showed up in force with a strong message: credit unions are essential partners in Washington’s economic health.

Why Credit Unions Matter — Especially Now

Credit unions exist to help people stay financially stable, especially as rising costs strain household and small business budgets. Their members — working families, first-time homebuyers, small business owners, and those without a financial safety net — are often the first to feel the pressure of increasing housing, childcare, transportation, and everyday expenses. These are the same constituents lawmakers serve.

Rather than benefiting from public services, credit unions act as a financial buffer, absorbing pressure before hardship becomes crisis. Advocates arrived with real stories illustrating that impact. As Joe Adamack, GoWest’s SVP for Legislative Affairs for Washington, noted, “This year the state will make decisions that will massively impact what Washington looks like in ten years. Credit union representatives underscored that future would see Washingtonians much worse off without a not-for-profit cooperative choice.”

Important Message Delivered

In the nearly 80 meetings throughout the day, lawmakers heard a clear message: Washington’s credit unions are built to serve people and communities others leave behind.

“Credit union advocates came prepared to speak to the direct value they deliver every day to their members through the financial services people need, deserve, and expect,” said Adamack.

Advocates shared real examples of how credit unions help families build credit, reach homeownership, and support small businesses. They also underscored why the credit union model matters. More than 5.5 million Washingtonians choose credit unions, a reflection of a not-for-profit, member-owned approach that keeps decisions local and puts long-term community impact first.

“It was inspiring to how the messaging is coordinated and to learn firsthand how meaningful credit union advocacy can be,” shared Elizabeth Escobar, Chief Business Officer at Express Credit Union, who attended the DAC for the first time this year. “The conversations with legislators, or their staffers, showed me that these efforts truly make an impact.”

While the work continues throughout the year, advocates boldly reinforced during the DAC that when credit unions show up and tell their stories, they help shape the conversation — which goes a long way in protecting the cooperative model that puts people first.

2025 Washington Credit Union Advocate of the Year, Community Impact & Top of the Hill Awards

During the DAC’s morning program, Solarity’s President and CEO Mina Worthington of Solarity Credit Union was named the 2025 Washington Credit Union Advocate of the Year. Worthington has elevated advocacy engagement across her organization and beyond — building trusted relationships with lawmakers, opening her credit union to policymakers, and strengthening PAC participation statewide through her service as a Washington CULAF Trustee. Her leadership by example has made Washington’s credit union voice stronger, louder, and more effective.

Washington’s 2025 Top of the Hill credit unions, BECU and O Bee Credit Union, were also recognized for their leadership in advancing advocacy at both the state and federal levels and for engaging their teams to strengthen the credit union operating environment for members and communities.

(L-R) GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang, Senator Nikki Torres, GoWest SVP for Legislative Affairs for Washington Joe Adamack

State Senator Nikki Torres was presented with the 2025 Community Impact Award. Having worked with a credit union previously and from other community leadership roles Sen. Torres knows firsthand the incredible impact that credit unions have in the financial health of their members and communities. “When some legislators questioned credit unions value during last year’s legislative session Sen. Torres stepped in quickly and decisively to ensure her colleagues understood and recognized the value to her constituents,” shared Adamack.

While Credit union Day at the Capitol was one busy day for advocates, the voice they have and the stories they shared will resonate with legislators throughout the year.

Posted in Advocacy, Events, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington.