Fresh Voices, Big Impact: Young Professionals Crash the GAC 2026

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 4, 2026

2025 GAC Crashers Cohort

Crashing the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. is a transformative experience for young professionals eager to deepen their involvement in the Credit Union Movement. More than attending a premier industry event, Crashers gain a front-row view of advocacy in action, build meaningful relationships with industry leaders, and connect with peers who share a passion for making a difference.

The Crash the GAC program goes beyond the traditional conference experience. The young professionals take part in exclusive programming, receive mentorship, and gain behind-the-scenes access designed to accelerate both personal and professional growth. At its heart, the program is about community, bringing fresh perspectives to critical conversations, and empowering young leaders to return home inspired, informed, and ready to create impact within their credit unions and communities.

The 2026 Crash the GAC marks the 17th anniversary of this influential program. This year’s cohort includes 61 outstanding credit union professionals from across the country, including nine from GoWest member credit unions. Selected from hundreds of applicants, these Crashers have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the values, principles, and future of the Credit Union Movement — making them a powerful force shaping what comes next.

Congratulations to the Crashers from GoWest member credit unions!

Natalie Kitt, Digital Marketing Specialist III, Global Credit Union
“I wanted to be a 2026 GAC Crasher because I’m eager to deepen my understanding of credit union legislation, and experience firsthand how policy decisions influence the work we do every day. I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to meet and learn from my fellow Crashers, gain valuable insights from industry leaders and the incredible speaker lineup, including Brené Brown, and participate in credit union advocacy at the highest level.”

Jessica Martinez, Regional Manager II, Credit Union West
“As I’ve grown in my leadership journey, I’ve spent more time reflecting on the responsibility that comes with serving others. The credit union mission is very personal to me, and I’ve become increasingly aware of how legislative decisions directly affect our ability to serve members with fairness, dignity, and care. At it’s core, credit unions exist because of people helping people, and this opportunity allows me to experience advocacy in real-time and in a way that protects this purpose and the communities we serve.”

Cat Outten, Grants and Funding Manager, Ent Credit Union
“I wanted to be a Crasher because many of the most important voices in our movement never make it into policy conversations. In my role, I spend a lot of time listening to nonprofit partners, frontline staff, and members who are navigating real barriers. They are not speaking in policy terms, but they are very clear about what is not working and where trust breaks down. I also come to this work with my own experience. I immigrated to the US at 14 and had to learn the financial system from scratch after watching my mom be turned away by banks until a credit union said yes. Crash the GAC feels like the right next step because it brings me closer to where decisions are made and gives me a better understanding of how those real stories can be reflected in advocacy conversations.”

2025 GoWest region Crashers with GoWest team members

Tod Cummins Jr., Director of Retail Engagement, Canvas Credit Union
“I’m excited to hear diverse perspectives, deepen my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, and take part in conversations that shape the future. I’m especially looking forward to the connections; building relationships with people who share the same purpose and energy for making a difference. Spending the week learning, collaborating, and advocating together is an incredible opportunity and I’m excited to be part of meaningful work that reinforces why credit unions matter.”

Douha Abdelhussein, Branch Manager, Frontier Credit Union“I wanted to be a Crasher this year because I’ve seen the impact firsthand, the credit union movement has truly shaped who I am- both professionally and personally. Nearly six years ago, I began my journey as a teller, and today, as a leader, I witness every day the life changing impact credit unions have on the people we serve. Advocacy is no longer just something I support, it’s something I feel deeply responsible for. This opportunity allows me to elevate Idaho’s voice, grow as a leader, and help protect a movement that creates access, opportunity, and financial hope for so many.”

Cesar Chavez, Manager of Internal Support, Rogue Credit Union
“Over the last few years, being more involved in credit union events has been an honor and has only made me double down on my commitment to this movement. I had the opportunity to attend MAXX as a Young Professional Lead, which was an incredible experience and a moment that really reaffirmed why this work matters to me. Becoming a Crasher felt like a natural way to continue that momentum, this opportunity truly feels unreal, and I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be part of it.”

Verity Swearingen, Business Strategy & Delivery Director – Business & Community Banking, BECU
“My first job was as a page in the Washington State House of Representatives, since then I’ve been very interested in how our world is shaped day to day by conversations like I witnessed in the Capitol building. I’m excited to have a voice in those influential conversations with our federal legislators during the time honored tradition of hiking the hill. I know I’m going to get a lot of inspiration hearing about advocacy efforts and what’s top of mind from credit union leaders like Scott Simpson.”

Melissa Taylor, Senior Member Consultant, STCU
“My desire to be a crasher came from a belief in the power of advocacy, collaboration, and ensuring diverse voices are represented at the tables where important decisions are made. Learning from industry leaders, supporting the credit union movement, and contributing my perspectives to the conversations that shape ideas, inspire action and support member focused outcomes is a step in making a difference, one day at a time.”

Jordan Simonovich Warne, VP Branch Leader, Meridian Trust Credit Union
“I am drawn to this experience for the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders from across the country and gain a broader perspective on the Credit Union movement. I am especially excited for the opportunity to strengthen my professional voice, build confidence, and gain clarity around my long-term direction within the credit union industry. ”

Julia Petroff, Branch Manager, Black Hills Federal Credit Union
“I have been passionate about credit unions since I became a member of one over ten years ago. At that time I was a college student and had a transformative conversation with a loan officer who took the time to help educate me on credit and managing finances. When the opportunity arose, I joined the credit union industry and quickly saw the broader impact credit unions have in their communities. We are there for people during their most challenging times and their most rewarding moments. This is why advocacy matters to me: I know firsthand how credit unions transform lives.”

Crash the GAC programming is made possible by The Cooperative Trust from Filene Research Institute and is generously supported by America’s Credit Unions.

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming, Young Professionals.