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Navy Federal Credit Union Senior Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Public Policy Mark Lawton received NAFCU's 2020 Paul Revere Award Tuesday at the association's annual Congressional Caucus. The Paul Revere Award recognizes a NAFCU-member credit union advocate who goes to great lengths in his or her grassroots and political efforts.

"Mark's advocacy has been a tremendous asset to the credit union industry, and his efforts have helped our industry and its 121 million members have their voices heard in Washington," said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger. "Credit union advocates have had to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Mark showed true dedication in assisting the industry overcome these new challenges. Mark has been an outstanding advocate, and it is our pleasure to honor him with the 2020 Paul Revere Award."

"It is truly an honor to be recognized with NAFCU's Paul Revere Award," said Lawton. "Credit unions' mission of serving their members and local communities is unparalleled in financial services, and I am proud to support our cooperative, not-for-profit industry. I look forward to continuing to be a strong, reliable grassroots advocate, and I encourage other credit union leaders to join our efforts as well."

Lawton led his team during outreach to 36 Senate offices and 32 House offices while Congress was debating coronavirus relief legislation. During this outreach, he wanted to ensure lawmakers were well informed and educated on the benefits credit unions provide their members and local communities. Additionally, Lawton continues to lead his team's efforts to defeat a bank-sought nominal lease provision that was attached to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

To be considered for the Paul Revere Award, candidates must have:

• been from a NAFCU-member credit union;
• held at least two meetings during 2019 or 2020 with each of their members of Congress (two senators and one representative);
• responded to all NAFCU Grassroots Alerts by completing the actions requested, such as phone calls, emails and letters to their lawmakers; and
• been in regular contact with NAFCU for the most up-to-date legislative and regulatory information.