WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: KATHLEEN COULOMBE JOINS ACU AS CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER

The following information was released by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA):

WTAS: What They Are Saying

Leaders from across the credit union movement and broader policy community are welcoming Kathleen Coulombe as Chief Advocacy Officer, highlighting the strength of her leadership and advocacy experience:

Karen Harbin, America's Credit Unions Board Chair:

"We're thrilled to welcome Kathleen as Chief Advocacy Officer. Her deep experience, strong relationships in Washington, and proven ability to lead through complex policy environments make her exceptionally well-suited for this role. At a critical time for our industry, Kathleen brings the strategic vision and leadership needed to strengthen and elevate the credit union voice."

Jim Morrell, America's Credit Unions Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Association's Advocacy Policy Committee:

"Kathleen's track record as an effective advocate and coalition builder speaks for itself. She understands how to navigate the challenges of today's policy landscape while bringing people together around a shared mission. We're confident she will be a strong leader for our advocacy efforts and a powerful champion for credit unions of all types and sizes to serve their members."

Brad Miller, President, American Association of Credit Union Leagues:

"On behalf of AACUL and the League System, I am excited to congratulate Kathleen Coulombe on her appointment as Chief Advocacy Officer at America's Credit Unions. Kathleen has a proven ability to bring diverse stakeholders together in ways that strengthen alignment and advocacy impact. I look forward to working with Kathleen as we continue to advance coordinated efforts between the League System and America's Credit Unions to protect and advance a vibrant credit union system."

Susan Neely, former CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers:

"America's Credit Unions has gotten a real pro in Kathleen Coulombe. She is a seasoned advocate and skilled strategist who knows how to win in the legislative and regulatory arenas. She is also a master at developing partnerships that will augment ACU's impact."

Heather Podesta, CEO of Invariant:

"Kathleen is truly one of the best in Washington, and America's Credit Unions made an excellent decision in bringing her on board. She's smart, driven, and widely respected by leaders in both parties. I'm excited to see all she accomplishes in this new role."

Saat Alety, Partner, Federal Hall Policy Advisors:

"Having been lobbied by Kathleen and having lobbied with Kathleen, I know her to be best-in-class in every manner. Her combined managerial expertise, trade association experience, and deep tax policy knowledge position her well to lead America's Credit Unions' membership through current and future legislative campaigns."

Jen Brydges, Executive Director of Women in Government Relations:

"I've had the privilege of working closely with Kathleen and have seen firsthand what an exceptional leader she is. She has a rare ability to see the big-picture vision, build the strategy to support it, and guide the processes needed to bring it to life. Kathleen reads a room with remarkable intuition, adjusts as needed, and leads with a level of emotional intelligence that builds trust and gets results. She is deeply respected, an amazing mentor, and the kind of leader who leaves a lasting impact. America's Credit Unions has made an outstanding choice."

Brendan Dunn, President of Phronesis:

"I have had the opportunity to work with Kathleen almost since the moment I left Capitol Hill nearly a decade ago. The combination of personality, policy know-how, strategic vision, and political acumen is hard to come by, and Kathleen has it all."

Jen Daulby, CEO of Congressional Management Foundation:

"Kathleen is an important thought leader in Washington and a well-respected government affairs professional. She has worked tirelessly to improve Capitol Hill for our female staff and will be an important asset for America's Credit Unions as they engage with legislative stakeholders."

Words of Welcome

"Welcome Kathleen Coulombe - the future of credit union advocacy is in strong hands." - Utah's Credit Unions

"Congratulations to Kathleen Coulombe on joining America's Credit Unions as Chief Advocacy Officer. A true advocacy powerhouse, we're excited to work with her to amplify the voice of credit unions nationwide." - Nevada's Credit Unions

"California's credit unions proudly congratulate Kathleen Coulombe on her new role as Chief Advocacy Officer at America's Credit Unions. We're excited to partner with her in supporting and advancing the entire credit union community." - California's Credit Unions

"Our League congratulates Kathleen on her new role! We can't wait to advocate for credit unions together in the weeks and months ahead." - Maine Credit Union League

"Welcome to the Credit Union Movement, Kathleen Coulombe. Ohio looks forward to working with you to champion credit unions so they can transform lives and communities." - Ohio Credit Union League

"Looking forward to working together!" - MD|DC Credit Union Association

"Congratulations and welcome to the credit union movement! Our CrossState team looks forward to working with you!" - CrossState Credit Union Association

"Congratulations Kathleen!" - The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates