The CUInsight Network podcast: Expanding advocacy – Defense Credit Union Council

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). Jason shares his career journey in politics that led him to his current role. DCUC is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. The team at DCUC provides trusted resources for active duty and veteran members while working on strategic and operational issues, and addressing regulatory and legislative matters. 

During our conversation, Jason shares his vision for reimagining the advocacy footprint. He discusses the upcoming launch of Defending Credit Unions PAC and National Advocacy Fund, aiming to optimize grassroots efforts on key advocacy initiatives while maintaining a strong influence. The team at DCUC advocates for members throughout their financial lifecycle, ensuring their needs are met. Listen as we discuss the vital role of DCUC as they provide an expert voice on issues affecting credit unions and their members, bringing the military perspective to national and state issues.

As we wrap up the episode, Jason shares some book recommendations, the city he enjoys traveling to, to experience different cuisines, and lifehacks for work-life balance.

Connect with Jason:
Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at Defense Credit Union Council
dcuc.org
Jason: LinkedIn
DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Show notes from this episode:
What an amazing interview with Jason! Check out all the exceptional work their team is doing over at DCUC here.
Want to hear more from Jason? Click here.
Shout-out: The National Credit Union Foundation
Shout-out: Tony Hernandez
Previous episode mentioned: Tony Hernandez (episode 22)
Previous episode mentioned: Tony Hernandez (episode 70)
Shout-out: Alex P. Keaton
Shout-out: Rudy Giuliani
Shout-out: Jason’s wife
Place mentioned: Capitol Hill
Shout-out: Kevin Cramer
Place mentioned: North Dakota
Place mentioned: State of Israel
Shout-out: Christians United for Israel
Shout-out: U.S. Senate
Shout-out: America’s Credit Unions (CUNA)
Shout-out: U.S. Congress
Shout-out: PBS
Shout-out: Bob Ross
Place mentioned: St. Petersburg, FL
Shout-out: Defending Credit Unions PAC & National Advocacy Fund
Press release mentioned: DCUC launches Defending Credit Union Political Action Committee (DCU PAC) and National Advocacy Fund (DCU NAF)
Shout-out: Jason’s twin brother Jeff
Place mentioned: Las Vegas, NV
Place mentioned: Russia
Place mentioned: Soviet Union
Shout-out: Baylor University
Shout-out: American Revolution
Shout-out: ICBA
Shout-out: Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Place mentioned: South Dakota
Book mentioned: The Icon and the Axe by James H. Billington
Book mentioned: The Patriots by Winston Groom

In this episode:
[01:26] – Jason shares his career path as he highlights his work in politics, eventually becoming DCUC’s first Chief Advocacy Officer.
[04:25] – Jason emphasizes DCUC’s role in advocating for credit unions serving military members, families, and veterans.
[06:36] – Jason outlines DCUC’s efforts to unite members to protect credit unions through advocacy.
[08:04] – Listen as Jason shares exciting new initiatives like the Defending Credit Unions PAC and the National Advocacy Fund.
[10:49] – Every credit union is a defense credit union.
[12:00] – Jason highlights the cooperative nature of DCUC’s advocacy efforts.
[15:48] – Jeff, Jason’s twin brother, is someone whom he considers to be a great leader.
[16:49] – Jason enjoys Las Vegas because of its diverse restaurants.
[17:28] – Jason shares his book recommendations.
[19:13] – Credit unions are inspiring because they focus on improving people’s lives over profits or stock prices.