If Jason Stverak could trade jobs for a day, he wouldn’t pick a flashy CEO role or a Silicon Valley perch—he’d choose to be Commandant at West Point. That tells you a lot about how he views leadership: as something rooted in service, ethics and shaping the next generation.
Stverak is Chief Advocacy Officer at the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), where he spends his days making sure credit unions—especially those serving military families—aren’t drowned out in the noise of Washington. Advocacy may not grab headlines like mergers or fintech launches, but it’s the quiet work that determines whether credit unions can keep doing what they do best.
In this Q&A, Stverak opens up about what credit union leaders need to stop overlooking, how his approach to leadership has evolved and why advocacy isn’t someone else’s job. You’ll also pick up a few dining tips if you find yourself in D.C.—because sometimes the best insights come not from a policy briefing, but from a well-timed dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill.
Pull up a chair. This conversation blends strategy, perspective and just enough personal detail to remind us that advocacy is about people, not just politics.
CU Business Questions
Q: What would you advise credit union leaders to ensure they’re trained/educated on when it comes to lobbying?
A: Credit union leaders must understand that lobbying is not about partisanship—it’s about building trust and long-term relationships with policymakers. They should be trained on the legislative process, key regulatory frameworks (NCUA, CFPB, etc.) and how to tell their institution’s story effectively. It’s critical to grasp how data and personal impact stories work together. Additionally, leaders must be fluent in industry threats (like interchange fee regulation or CRA expansion) and know how to advocate at both the federal and state levels. I recommend attending advocacy training through America’s Credit Unions, state leagues and programs like the Defense Credit Union Council’s Advocacy sessions (defense matters, MAC for DCUC members).
Q: How are you (& DCUC) rethinking member engagement?
A: DCUC is rethinking member engagement by shifting from periodic updates to continuous strategic collaboration. We’ve modernized communications through real-time issue alerts, curated intelligence briefings and exclusive leadership roundtables. We’re integrating digital advocacy tools and grassroots platforms so members can easily activate staff and members. Most importantly, we treat member engagement as a two-way street: not just informing, but listening, learning and adapting to what our credit unions need from Washington and beyond.
Q: How do you approach leadership differently today than you did five years ago?
A: Five years ago, leadership for me was about being the loudest and most informed voice in the room. Today, it’s about empowering others to speak with clarity and confidence. I’ve learned that real leadership is about building coalitions, encouraging principled dissent and creating an environment where mission-driven people thrive. Especially in advocacy, influence is often won quietly and collaboratively. I also put far more emphasis on mentorship and staff development than I once did.
Q: What’s something you believe credit unions need to stop doing to remain relevant over the next 5 years?
A: Credit unions need to stop downplaying their advocacy responsibilities. Too many rely on national trade groups or assume others will carry the water. That mindset is dangerous. Every credit union, large or small, must recognize that political and regulatory decisions can upend their business models overnight. Staying relevant means getting in the fight early and often, especially as banks try to weaponize legislation and regulation against us.
Q: What’s something you believe most credit union CEOs are overlooking right now?
A: Most are underestimating the importance of digital financial inclusion for military and rural populations. With the rise of AI, fintech partnerships and instant payments, the next competitive edge won’t just be low rates—it’ll be seamless access, especially for deployed service members and veterans. Too many CEOs are still optimizing for physical branches while the future battlefield is mobile-first and digitally secure.
H2: Personal Business
Q: What books are you reading/have you read this year that you found valuable?
A: Two books have had a lasting impact on me this year: Good to Great by Jim Collins and The Bible. Good to Great offers powerful lessons on disciplined leadership and the importance of building something that lasts beyond your own tenure—something every credit union leader should consider. One idea that stuck with me is the concept of the Hedgehog Principle: staying focused on what you can be the best at, what drives your economic engine and what you’re deeply passionate about. The Bible, meanwhile, continues to be a source of wisdom, humility and moral grounding, especially important when advocating for people and leading with purpose in a world full of noise and distractions.
Q: What’s the most important thing to you about your legacy?
A: That I used my voice and experience to protect those who protect us. If I’m remembered for helping military families access financial services, making sure credit unions weren’t silenced by special interests and mentoring the next generation of credit union advocates, I’ll consider that a legacy worth having.
Q: Best places to eat when in DC?
- Old Ebbitt Grill – classic DC, great for hosting lawmakers.
- The Hamilton – excellent late-night menu and ambiance.
- RPM Italian – modern, upscale and great for a strategic dinner.
- Founding Farmers – farm-to-table, great for breakfast meetings.
- Filomena Ristorante – iconic Georgetown spot with incredible Italian dishes and old-school charm.
Personal Questions
Q: What hobbies do you have, and what do you like about them?
A: I enjoy going shooting and fishing. There’s something incredibly grounding about being outdoors and away from the noise. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful and it brings a sense of clarity. Whether I’m casting a line or sighting in at the range, it’s a reset that keeps me focused when I return to the grind of Capitol Hill.
Q: Reading or podcasts? What are some of your favorites?
A: Both, but for different reasons. For reading, I keep up with Politico, Punchbowl News and Foreign Affairs to stay sharp on both domestic and global policy. As for podcasts, I enjoy:
- Punchbowl News – inside-the-Beltway analysis from trusted insiders.
- American History Tellers – storytelling that brings America’s past to life.
- With Flying Colors – focused military history with integrity and detail.
- Ruthless – sharp takes on culture and politics with a punch of humor.
- NPR Politics Podcast – a reliable barometer of what’s moving in DC.
Q: What was something you did in school that you enjoyed?
A: I loved debate team. It sharpened my ability to think quickly, research deeply and persuade effectively, skills that still serve me in congressional meetings, interviews and advocacy work to this day.
Oddball Questions
Q: If the world is indeed a stage, what play are we in? Why did you pick that play?
A: Les Misérables. It’s a story of redemption, justice, resilience and standing up for those who are overlooked or oppressed, especially in times of great social upheaval. Like the characters in Les Mis, credit unions, particularly those serving our military and veteran communities, often fight against powerful forces to do what’s right. It reminds me that leadership is about moral courage and refusing to let people be forgotten in the shadows of bureaucracy or greed. In advocacy, just like in Les Mis, we fight not just for policy but for people, with every ounce of conviction we have.
Q: If you could swap jobs with anyone for one day, who would it be and why?
A: Honestly? The Commandant of West Point. Leading future military leaders while instilling ethics, service and mission—that’s the kind of responsibility that shapes generations. Plus, getting a peek at how we develop strategic thinking at the highest levels would be a privilege.