Newsroom

NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger, in an interview with CUbroadcast's Mike Lawson that aired Monday, discussed the association's plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary, which will address accomplishments and emphasize ways NAFCU will keep pushing for credit unions' interests over the next half-century.

"Fifty years is a big milestone, and we want to celebrate the people who helped get us here," said Berger, noting the "broad shoulders" of the association's early leaders.

"NAFCU reflects its membership – and that starts with our board of directors, the leadership. They're all credit union CEOs," he continued. "My board demands that we provide extreme member service and value for the dues dollars. As long as we are focused and continue to execute and properly represent credit unions around the country, I think we will be successful for the next fifty years."

Berger discussed the ways NAFCU has evolved over the years, investing heavily in technology and focusing on cybersecurity, to keep up with the latest trends. Those things have helped make it easier for members to get the training they need when they need it, and they have helped NAFCU ensure its systems are compliant and not serving as a gateway for cyber thieves.

Looking forward, the NAFCU president discussed the significant changes in Washington with the incoming Trump administration, the 115^thCongress and potential for more regulatory relief for credit unions.

"NAFCU has been at the forefront when addressing regulatory relief for credit unions," Berger said. That work has begun in full force for 2017. "Within the past several weeks, NAFCU's staff has done a great job staying in front of lawmakers, advocating for top credit union issues," including CFPB rulemaking, the credit union tax exemption, Durbin amendment repeal and cybersecurity.

Berger said NAFCU will participate in next week's inaugural activities in Washington. Meanwhile, he urged that credit unions invite their members of Congress back to their institutions during district work periods. He said NAFCU has an "incredible" team of lobbyists. But, he added, "The greatest lobbyists are the constituents back home."