A Young Professional’s Journey: Tyler Moore’s Experience at the GAC

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As a YP Advisor, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is introducing other young professionals to incredible opportunities that can shape their careers. Last month, I had the pleasure of encouraging one of our own, Tyler Moore, to attend the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

Moore is in community development at People Trust Community Federal Credit Union. He fully immersed himself in the GAC experience, and I’m happy to share his reflections and how the event has impacted his perspective as a young professional. 

Discovering the Power of Advocacy 

For Moore, the GAC was his first exposure to the vast world of credit union advocacy at a national level. The conference is known for uniting credit union professionals nationwide to advocate for beneficial policies impacting credit unions and their members. Moore attended a series of sessions that provided valuable insight into the importance of advocacy and the legislative process. 

“One of the most eye-opening moments for me was the Advocacy 101 session,” Moore said. “It hit home how much our voices matter, not just within the credit union but also on Capitol Hill. It’s not enough to do our jobs well; we need to actively advocate for our industry and the communities we serve.” 

Networking with Industry Leaders 

Another key takeaway for Moore was the opportunity to network with credit union professionals, industry leaders, and lawmakers. Although Moore had been to networking events before, the scale and influence of the GAC made this experience uniquely valuable. 

“Meeting and talking with so many seasoned professionals and leaders was inspiring,” Moore said. “I was able to ask questions, share ideas, and get feedback from people who have been in the industry for decades. It really opened my eyes to the many different paths within the credit union movement.” 

Taking Action on Capitol Hill 

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Moore's GAC experience was the opportunity to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Conference attendees have the chance to speak directly with elected officials about key legislative issues affecting the credit union movement, including the preservation of the credit union tax exemption. 

“Meeting with lawmakers was an unforgettable experience,” Moore said. “Being able to advocate for credit unions directly and discuss policies that affect our members was incredible. I felt like I was making a real difference, even as a young professional in the industry. It was a reminder that we can all play a role in shaping the future of the credit union movement.” 

Gaining a Renewed Sense of Purpose 

Reflecting on his time at the GAC, Moore walked away with new knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose in his role as a credit union professional. 

“The GAC was a turning point for me,” he said. “It made me realize the importance of being engaged in our industry's political and advocacy side. It’s not just about working in a credit union; it’s about advocating for our members and the values credit unions stand for.” 

Moore’s journey is a great example of how attending the GAC can shape a young professional’s career, providing them with the tools and inspiration to lead and advocate for the future of credit unions. 

If you’re a young professional looking to take your career to the next level, I highly recommend attending next year’s GAC. Like Moore, you’ll gain valuable skills, connections, and insights to help you grow personally and professionally.

For more information on meetups and other event opportunities, register as a CUYP to gain access to the YP Community.