Crashing GAC: An Insider Perspective

By Josh Nicolet, branch manager, Texans Credit Union

Crash GAC is a program that brings emerging credit union leaders to Washington, D.C., to take part in America’s Credit Unions’ Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), where advocacy, leadership development, and connection all come together in one week.

I always like to say YOCO ("You Only Crash Once”), and it truly is a transformational experience. This year, I had the honor of mentoring 64 emerging leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., to attend the largest credit union conference of the year. What begins as a group of strangers quickly turns into something more; by the end of the week, you leave feeling like family. Here’s a brief look at what the experience was all about.

Speakers and Learning

Crashers were given a front-row seat to leaders across the credit union industry, including CEOs, executive leadership coaches, and a keynote from best-selling author Brené Brown. Speakers offered perspectives on a wide range of topics, including leadership, credit union history, personal development, and self-discovery.

Advocacy: Hiking the Hill

As is tradition, the week concluded with Hiking the Hill, where Crashers advocated for the future of credit unions. Key topics included increased regulation around fraud and the proposal of a government-backed task force focused on preventing and tracking payment-related scams

Another major discussion centered on the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap. While well-intentioned, this proposal could have unintended consequences, potentially resulting in reduced or eliminated credit access for millions of Americans

Finally, interchange continues to be a critical issue. Preserving interchange remains essential, as it allows credit unions to reinvest revenue in their communities and continue offering higher certificate rates and lower loan rates to members

Key Takeaways for Young Professionals

1. You are the present, not the future. We are not the future of the credit union movement; we are the present. It is our responsibility to trailblaze our own path within this industry. Leadership development is not something that happens to you; it is something you own. Before you can challenge systems or create meaningful change, you must first commit to your own growth. If you are waiting for a nomination, permission, or for someone else to recognize your potential, you are sitting in the passenger seat. Take control and create your own opportunities.
2. Be kind, not polite. From a leadership standpoint, politeness can feel like the easier option because it avoids tension and protects feelings, but it often has the opposite effect of what you intend. Instead, choose kindness. Being kind may lead to more uncomfortable conversations, but those moments are where the greatest growth happens for everyone involved. Clear communication, clear expectations, and honest feedback are acts of kindness. If you only remember one thing from this article, remember this: Clear is kind.

The Crasher experience offers young professionals a rare opportunity to grow as leaders, engage in meaningful advocacy, and build lifelong connections across the credit union movement. From speakers to hands-on advocacy and honest leadership development, the impact extends beyond the week in Washington, D.C. If the opportunity to apply arises next year, take it. You will not regret it.