WASHINGTON—The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has named Jason Stverak as its new chief advocacy officer. Stverak is well-known to many, has previously served as deputy chief advocacy officer for federal government affairs for CUNA prior to its merger with NAFCU to form America’s Credit Unions, and then in a similar role with the merged trade association.
According to the Defense Council, in the newly created role Stverak will be responsible for directing DCUC’s overall advocacy efforts, which continue to “exclusively support the interest of credit unions serving our armed forces and veterans worldwide.”
“Stverak will serve as a direct link between membership and regulators, analyzing current and emerging regulations and legislation, fostering DCUC’s working relationships with members of Congress, the NCUA, as well as other regulators and the executive branch, as well as ensuring DCUC’s resources are available to help its members remain informed and represented,” DCUC said in a statement.
Prior Roles
Stverak was named deputy chief advocacy officer at CUNA in October 2021, and directed CUNA’s overall advocacy efforts in 2022 and 2023. Prior to joining CUNA, he served as the deputy chief of staff for Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and was Cramer’s primary legislative advisor for the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.
He also previously served as the legislative director and lobbyist for Christians United for Israel Action Fund, and as deputy chief of staff and communications director for then Rep. Cramer in the House.
Stverak has frequently acted as spokesperson for CUNA and then America’s Credit Unions in the national media, including as a guest on syndicated radio shows and the Fox News Channel on several occasions, as well as in CUToday.info.
Named a Top Lobbyist
Stverak was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in 2022 and 2023, as well as a Top Lobbyist by The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics in 2022.
“DCUC is incredibly proud to have Jason join us as our Chief Advocacy Officer,” DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez said in a statement. “We’ve always valued our joint trade communications with Jason and hearing his take on legislative matters coming in and out of Washington. We’re confident Jason will not only be a great addition to our team but will take DCUC’s advocacy to the next level on behalf of our members.”
‘Deeply Honored’
Added Stverak, “I am deeply honored and excited to be named DCUC’s chief advocacy officer. Every credit union across the country has members who are active-duty military, veterans or members of their families and I look forward to fighting for their interests and the interests of all credit unions at DCUC. America’s service members, veterans and their families give so much to our country, and I am proud to represent the credit unions that work for them each and every day.”