Press

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (April 14, 2015) — Affinity Federal Credit Union’s Grant Gallagher was chosen to represent New Jersey at the 2015 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference last month. Throughout the week of March 8th, young professionals from all over the country gathered in Washington, DC to “Crash the GAC”.

At the conference, more than 4,000 credit union professionals gathered to hear from legislators, policy-makers and experts. New strategies were explored and it was an opportunity for credit union leaders to network with thousands of professionals in their field.

About the experience, Gallagher says, “It was awesome, and the people, even more incredible. Just to clarify, when I say “awesome”, I do not mean it in the all-too-common use of “neat”, “cool”, “great”, or “terrific”, I mean it quite literally as “awe inspiring”. The Crashers were led by James Marshall of the Cooperative Trust, a subset of the Filene Research Institute. Within moments of meeting this amazing group he skillfully crafted, I couldn’t believe I had lived my life without knowing them prior. I met 52 credit union advocate crashers, 4 crasher leaders, and 1 incredible photographer and left with 57 new friends.”

This year, Crash the GAC received 220 applications from professionals throughout all 50 states. After reviewing all of the applications, Gallagher was chosen to represent New Jersey.

Gallagher has been part of Affinity Federal Credit Union’s External Affairs & Financial Education for just short of three years. He manages strategic planning in regards to legislative and regulatory issues, the Affinity Federal Credit Union PAC and financial literacy programs.

“My experience has inspired me to pursue forming a young professionals network, has given me the passion to make sure the voices of young credit union professionals are heard, has strengthened my belief in cooperatives and that the greatness provided by them is greater than the sum of their parts, and it has solidified a place in my heart for credit unions.”

For additional information about Affinity Federal Credit Union or to interview Grant Gallagher or another executive from the company, please contact Melisa LaTour or Theresa Catena at The MTL Communications Group at melisa@mtlcommunications.com, theresa@mtlcommunications.com or 201-572-1808.