Kerry to Give Keynote Address at GAC

CUNA announces the keynote speaker for the 2019 Governmental Affairs Conference.

Former Secretary of State Senator John Kerry.

Former Secretary of State and Senator John Kerry will keynote CUNA’s annual Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. March 10-14.

“His knowledge of the political arena and passion for humanitarian causes make him a natural choice to deliver a powerful keynote address,” Todd Spiczenski, chief products officer at CUNA, said in announcing Kerry’s speech.

“Credit unions have a rich history of supporting Americans through financial education and grassroots community building,” Kerry said. “Advocacy is a critical component in keeping that spirit of cooperation alive, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to lend my contribution.”

Kerry, a Democrat, served four years as secretary of state in the Obama Administration, after serving in the Senate from 1985 to 2013. He played a key role in the Paris Climate Control Accord, which he signed in 2016

Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee for president, has emerged as an outspoken critic of President Trump and Republicans in Congress. Trump has withdrawn from the Paris Climate deal.

Kerry also served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, returning from service in Vietnam with a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three Purple Hearts. He is the author of two books, A Call to Service: My Vision for a Better America and This Moment on Earth.