Why Credit Union Voices Matter in Legislation and Regulation With Keili McEwen

Keili McEwen is the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU), a major not-for-profit financial institution and the largest credit union in Oklahoma. TFCU serves Air Force personnel, employees of more than 2,200 area companies, and residents across Oklahoma and Texas, with more than $6.1 billion in assets and over 470,000 members as of mid-2025. In her role, Keili leads all state and federal advocacy, legislative strategy, and political engagement on behalf of the credit union. Before joining TFCU in 2022, she built a career spanning two decades in public policy and nonprofit leadership, including senior roles at Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services and in the offices of Governors Mary Fallin and Mike Huckabee. In this episode… What really makes credit unions stand apart in today’s financial landscape? Unlike traditional banks, they operate with a mission-driven, member-owned model that brings unique challenges and opportunities when navigating complex regulations and legislative environments. But how do these institutions ensure their voices are heard when laws are written and policies are shaped? According to Keili McEwen, a seasoned leader in public policy and advocacy, it starts with building strong relationships and consistently educating lawmakers about the credit union difference. She highlights that effective influence requires both deep subject matter expertise and a clear understanding of what motivates decision-makers. By aligning credit union priorities with the values and agendas of policymakers, Keili notes, it becomes possible to secure meaningful change for members. In this episode of The Same Day Podcast, host Mat Zalk sits down with Keili McEwen, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU), to discuss why credit union voices matter in legislation and regulation. They explore how advocacy impacts member benefits, the importance of aligning with lawmakers’ priorities, and the unique challenges of operating in a highly regulated environment. Keili also gives advice on building champions in government through trust and storytelling.