WASHINGTON-In an effort to bolster CUNA's ability to keep up with state events, the trade group has promoted government affairs staffer Phil Drager to its state advocacy team. Drager worked for CUNA for the last five years, formerly serving as manager of government affairs, and will now serve as manager of state advocacy. With the intense tax attacks of 2003, he has been helping out on the state government side in addition to his other duties. In the new position, Drager will solely serve the state government affairs department and will be CUNA's liaison to a number of state organizations, including the National Conference of State Legislatures. "Phil brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bear on this new role at CUNA," said CUNA Vice President of State Government Affairs Colleen Kelly. "In 2004, we are expecting a number of challenges for credit unions at the state legislatures. Together with the incredible dedication and energy of the state Leagues, the addition of Phil to our state government affairs team ensures that we have our bases covered in properly meeting those challenges." Prior to joining CUNA, Drager was an assistant press secretary to Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Previously this year, Nancy DiGrandi, who formerly worked in CUNA's regulatory affairs office, was shifted to manager of state information and research. Her main task is to compare state laws and provide research assistance to the state credit union leagues.