The Governmental Affairs Conference, March 1-5 in D.C., is quickly approaching. Among the attendees will be Tennessee GAC Crasher, Hannah Hutchins, marketing manager at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, and Mississippi GAC Crasher, Ruthie Murray, service specialist at Statewide Federal Credit Union.
Young professionals have been Crashing the GAC since 2009. The program allows young professionals to experience the credit union movement first-hand. The event will run concurrently to GAC with many crashers participating in their state’s Hike the Hill sessions.
Let’s get to know Ruthie and Hannah.
Ruthie Murray, Mississippi GAC Crasher
How long have you worked at your credit union?
I have worked for Statewide Federal Credit Union for two years.
Briefly, what made you pursue a credit union career?
After 14 years as a hairstylist and business owner in Florida, my family relocated to Mississippi for my husband’s career. During that transition, I knew I was ready for a new professional path—one that would allow me to continue helping people while also expanding my knowledge and skills.
Having been a lifelong credit union member, I’ve always valued the member-focused philosophy that sets credit unions apart. That commitment to putting members first strongly resonated with me and inspired me to pursue a career in the industry. Since joining Statewide, I’ve been grateful for the many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on our members’ financial well-being.
What are you most looking forward to in your Crash experience?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to strengthen my advocacy efforts around financial literacy.
Far too many individuals, across all age groups, were never taught the fundamentals of managing finances effectively. As a result, unhealthy financial habits can develop and often carry over from one generation to the next. I believe credit unions play a vital role in breaking that cycle. Through the Crash experience, I hope to gain the knowledge, tools and connections needed to expand financial education efforts—not just for younger generations, but across all communities. By making financial literacy more accessible and practical, we can empower our members to build stronger financial futures for themselves and their families.
Hannah Hutchins, Tennessee GAC Crasher
How long have you worked at your credit union?
I have worked at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union for the past five years!
Briefly, what made you pursue a credit union career?
My desire has always been to help people. A career in the credit union industry wasn’t originally part of my plan, but it has turned out to be one of the best experiences I could have found. I love having the opportunity to be creative while also making a positive impact in our community.
What are you most looking forward to in your Crash experience?
I’m excited to learn more about the credit union industry as a whole and to bring the perspective of a small credit union to such a large event. I’m especially looking forward to connecting with others and seeing that, regardless of size or location, we are all working toward the same goal.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Working in marketing allows me to see firsthand the difference we make every day. Whether it’s seeing members out in the community or hearing personal stories about how our credit union has positively impacted their lives, it reinforces that the work we do truly matters.
