In our latest blog, we’re bringing you the highlights from the Association’s State Governmental Affairs Conference, FOCUS New York’s Day of Giving, and more. Don’t miss out on this week’s credit union news in the New York Minute.
Highlights from State GAC 2026!
Energy, advocacy, and momentum were on full display in Albany as credit union leaders from across the state came together for the 2026 State Governmental Affairs Conference. From high-impact sessions to direct engagement with lawmakers, this year’s event reinforced the power of the credit union movement in action.
Monday
General Session
The conference kicked off with a high-energy General Session featuring influential voices from across New York State Government. Attendees engaged in forward-looking conversations, gaining fresh perspectives on advocacy and the future of the industry.
Amy Kramer and Jeremy Newman delivered an insight-packed legislative update to equip attendees with the knowledge they need to navigate an evolving policy environment and advocate effectively.
Ryan Roberts, CEO of Great Meadow FCU, Association Board of Directors’ Vice Chair, and Chair of FOCUS Board of Trustees, brought the importance of advocacy front and center in a presentation about FOCUS New York. His message was clear: engagement isn’t optional. It’s essential to ensure credit unions have a seat at the table for their collective voice to be heard.
Keynote speakers & lawmakers who presented include:
- New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
- New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley
- Katie Sherwin, Director of the Division of Consumer Protection of the Department of State
- Assemblyman Paul Bologna
- Tanuja Mohapatra, Senior Advisor to the Superintendent of the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS)
Legislative Reception
On Monday night, connections took center stage in the DeWitt Ballroom, where attendees networked with peers and policymakers in a lively, collaborative atmosphere.
Tuesday
The excitement carried into Tuesday as attendees hit the Capitol for the ‘Hike the Hill’ event to meet directly with lawmakers and advocate for the credit union movement. Throughout the day, advocates were able to have meaningful conversations about the legislative priorities that matter most for credit unions and the members they serve.
We’d like to thank the following lawmakers who met with New York’s credit unions:
We’d also like to thank the many credit union advocates who brought passion and purpose to Albany!
FOCUS New York Celebrates Third Annual Day of Giving
This week, FOCUS New York celebrated the third annual Day of Giving! Taking place on the first day of State GAC, this was a day of fundraising to support the mission of FOCUS New York, the state’s credit union Political Action Committee. With every contribution, FOCUS New York is better able to support candidates and lawmakers who advocate for credit unions.
“Every dollar contributed to FOCUS New York is an investment in the future of credit unions across the state,” said Association President & CEO William J. Mellin. “I’d like to thank the FOCUS New York Board of Trustees for their dedication and leadership. Specifically, thank you to Ryan Roberts of Great Meadow FCU, Ron Belle of AmeriCU Credit Union, Inna Sprague of Teachers FCU, Chris Hay of Dannemora FCU, Andrew Smith of Sidney FCU, Scott VanZandt of Hudson Valley CU, and Leah Dubrey of UFirst FCU.”
On behalf of FOCUS New York, we’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed. When you give, no matter the amount, you put real power behind the credit union mission.
Learn more about FOCUS New York!
Act Now: Sponsor the TruStage Golf Tournament to Benefit the NYCUF at EXCEL 26
Support a great cause while gaining valuable visibility for your organization by sponsoring the TruStage Golf Tournament to benefit the New York Credit Union Foundation at EXCEL 26. Set for Thursday, June 11 at the McGregor Links Country Club, this event brings together credit union professionals for a day of networking, friendly competition, and philanthropy.
A variety of sponsorship levels are available, offering opportunities for organizations of all sizes to get involved. From the Professional level, which includes a foursome, premium signage, and e-newsletter recognition, to targeted options like Lunch Sponsor, Putting Contest, and Tee Signs, each package delivers meaningful exposure. All sponsors receive recognition at registration, on signage, across communications, and beyond.
This is more than a round of golf. It’s a chance to align your brand with a mission that strengthens communities across New York. Don’t miss the opportunity to support the Foundation and hit the greens while connecting with industry peers.
Credit Union Leaders Recognized by Long Island Business News
Credit union leaders on Long Island are making an impact, with several industry executives recognized as 2026 Influencers in Banking & Finance by Long Island Business News. The list highlights professionals who are shaping the future of financial services through innovation, community commitment, and a strong focus on member relationships.
This year’s honorees include:
- Carol Allen, People’s Alliance FCU
- Michelle Dean, Suffolk Credit Union
- John Deieso, Jovia Financial Credit Union
- Joseph Tedesco, Ocean Financial FCU
- Brad Calhoun, Teachers FCU
- Linda Armyn, FourLeaf FCU
- Craig Booth, Island Federal Credit Union
These leaders are great examples of what sets credit unions apart; prioritizing people over profits while expanding services, investing in digital transformation, and strengthening financial literacy initiatives. Their recognition underscores the powerful influence of credit unions.
Congratulations to all honorees for their continued leadership and dedication to the communities they serve.
Municipal Credit Union Employees Volunteer With City Harvest
Municipal Credit Union and the MCU Foundation recently partnered with City Harvest for a “Repack” event in Brooklyn. Volunteers gathered at the Cohen Community Food Rescue Center to help address food insecurity across New York City, an effort that delivered immediate and meaningful results.
In a single event, volunteers repackaged 3,310 bags of food, supporting community programs that distribute healthy meals to neighbors in need. This hands-on effort helps ensure that families across the city have access to nutritious food, while also easing the burden many continue to face.
By supporting community organizations like City Harvest, The MCU Foundation demonstrates the powerful role credit unions play beyond financial services.
Empower FCU Volunteers at Food Bank of Central New York
Empower Federal Credit Union recently served its community through a volunteer effort at the Food Bank of Central New York. Members of the senior leadership team spent the morning packing boxes filled with nutritious food, helping support individuals and families facing food insecurity across the region.
Founded in 1985, the Food Bank of Central New York serves as a vital distribution hub for hundreds of local organizations, including food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens across an 11-county area. Beyond food distribution, the organization tackles the root causes of hunger through education, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Empower FCU’s continued partnership with the Food Bank highlights the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By giving back in tangible ways, Empower FCU supports initiatives that create lasting, positive change for neighbors throughout Central and Northern New York.
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