Pictured: SRFFCU CEO Anatoli Murha with fellow credit union representatives during a meeting with a staff member from the office of U.S. Representative Dan Goldman, who represents New York’s 10th Congressional District—home to SRFFCU’s headquarters and regional office.
Photo credit: The New York Credit Union Association
Self Reliance Financial Federal Credit Union participated in the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., the premier advocacy event for the credit union movement.
Hosted by America’s Credit Unions, GAC brings together thousands of credit union professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country. The conference serves as an important platform to engage directly with lawmakers, stay informed on national policy issues, and advocate for the needs of credit union members and the communities they serve.
SRFFCU was represented at GAC 2026 by CEO Anatoli Murha and Compliance Officer Thomas Maksymiuk, who attended the conference on behalf of our members. During the conference, they participated in meetings with congressional offices to advocate for the interests of credit union members and highlight the vital role credit unions play in supporting local communities. These discussions also reinforced the importance of ensuring that the voices of our members and the broader Ukrainian‑American community are represented at the national level when policies impacting financial institutions are being shaped.
In addition to advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill, conference sessions covered important topics such as advocacy strategy, regulatory updates, emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and the broader economic outlook impacting credit unions and their members.
GAC 2026 also provided valuable opportunities to connect with peers from across the credit union industry. Representatives from credit unions of all sizes including fellow Ukrainian‑American credit unions were in attendance, reinforcing a shared commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and community service.
Beyond advocacy and education, one of the most valuable aspects of GAC is the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with peer institutions. The conference fosters idea‑sharing, relationship‑building, and collaboration that extend well beyond the event itself.
As Thomas Maksymiuk, Compliance Officer, shared: “I appreciated the conference because it gave us the opportunity to interact with other credit unions. We’re able to learn from one another regarding what works and what doesn’t, and build connections that can be valuable in the future.”
Our participation in GAC 2026 reflects SRFFCU’s continued commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and growth. By engaging directly with policymakers and working alongside peer credit unions, including those within the Ukrainian‑American community, we are better equipped to serve our members, protect their financial interests, and support the long‑term financial well‑being of the communities we proudly serve.