Advocacy Champion Spotlight: Joe Beffer

As part of our Advocacy Champion Spotlight series, we’re highlighting credit union leaders across the Cornerstone League region who are actively advancing advocacy efforts and shaping the future of our movement. These champions are making a lasting impact—one conversation, one connection, and one policy at a time.

Pictured from left to right: Bailey Brooks, Cornerstone League, Mark Wilburn, Truity CU, Beverly Dollar, Truity CU, Rep. Kevin Hern (OK-01), Nate Webb, Former OKCUA Executive Director, Joe Beffer, Truity CU

We’re proud to feature Joe Beffer, chief lending officer at Truity Credit Union in Bartlesville, Okla.

Beffer has been part of the credit union movement for 13 years, but his passion for advocacy began even earlier—during college, while working on a U.S. Senate campaign. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to civic engagement, leading him to participate in campaigns at every level, from local school board races to presidential elections.

“These experiences helped me build meaningful connections and gain insight into the legislative process,” Beffer said. “Over time, those relationships opened doors for policy discussions and advocacy opportunities that have impacted both the credit union industry and the communities we serve.”

One of Beffer’s proudest advocacy moments came earlier this year when he met with members of Oklahoma’s federal delegation to champion the Don’t Tax My Credit Union initiative. His long-standing relationships with lawmakers like U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern and Josh Brecheen proved invaluable.

“Rep. Hern reassured us that our efforts were making a real difference,” Beffer said. “He emphasized that while associations and lobbyists play a role, it’s the voices of constituents in the community that truly resonate.”

Beffer’s advocacy work extends beyond Capitol Hill. He’s a regular attendee of Hike the Hill and the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), and he has built strong relationships with legislators at both the state and federal levels. Whether it’s hosting dinners with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., or organizing local meetings in Bartlesville, Beffer prioritizes connection and collaboration.

One standout example was a recent meeting with Sen. James Lankford, where Beffer brought together Truity’s mortgage lending team, local realtors, and the Bartlesville Development Authority to discuss housing needs and incentives. “It was a powerful moment of collaboration and advocacy in action,” he said.

Beffer also played a key role in shaping Oklahoma TAG legislation, aligning lien filing and perfection timelines with vehicle registration timelines. “This change provided stronger protections for both consumers and lien holders, and it improved operational clarity across the board,” he explained. “It reinforced the idea that advocacy isn’t just about influencing legislation—it’s about being part of the process that drives meaningful, member-focused improvements.”

These efforts have helped foster trust and open lines of communication with lawmakers. Legislators now see Truity as a resource—not just on credit union operations, but on broader financial and consumer issues. “Sen. Daniels regularly reaches out when bills related to lending or financial institutions are introduced, seeking our input on their viability,” Beffer said.

For Beffer, advocacy starts with connection. “It’s not about delivering a message from the top down, but about creating space for dialogue, collaboration, and shared purpose,” he said. He encourages staff to get involved in advocacy efforts and community events, believing that showing up together amplifies impact and deepens understanding.

Beffer believes advocacy is essential to the future of credit unions. “It ensures that the voices of our members—and the impact we make in their lives—are heard by those who create the laws and regulations that govern our work,” he said.

Personally and professionally, advocacy has shaped his journey. “It’s helped me grow as a leader, sharpened my communication skills, and deepened my understanding of the challenges facing our members,” he said. “It’s also given me a stronger sense of purpose.”

His advice to those new to advocacy? “Start with your story. You’ve already made a difference in a member’s life—share that. You don’t need to know everything—you just need to care enough to take the first step.”

Beffer emphasizes that advocacy is for everyone. “Every employee plays a role in delivering value to members, and that value is shaped by the policies and regulations around us,” he said. “Advocacy isn’t just for executives or lobbyists—it’s for anyone who believes in ‘people helping people.’”

To Beffer, being an Advocacy Champion means being intentional about sharing your impact. “Champions don’t just talk about advocacy—they live it. They show up, tell stories, and help others see why our work matters.”

And for young professionals, Beffer offers a powerful call to action: “You are the future of the movement, and your voice matters now more than ever. Advocacy gives you a seat at the table and a chance to shape the future you want to be part of.”

He leaves us with a quote that reflects his philosophy and heart for service:

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” — Fred Rogers

Thank you, Joe, for your time, your insights, and your continued commitment to advancing the credit union movement. Your voice and leadership make a difference.