Justin Hupfer Honored for Visionary Leadership by AACUL
POSTED on February 28, 2026 IN ICUL
Justin Hupfer, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) and CEO of PolicyWorks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICUL, was recognized with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL).
Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2026) – Justin Hupfer, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) and CEO of PolicyWorks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICUL, was recognized with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) on Saturday evening.
This prestigious award honors a credit union league/association professional who has demonstrated visionary leadership at the state and national levels. This includes delivering superior results organizationally and financially, developing services and programs for credit unions, fostering cooperation within the credit union system, and exhibiting personal integrity, purpose and service to others.
Hupfer has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing Iowa credit unions and strengthening the national credit union movement. In his dual role leading ICUL advocacy and serving as CEO of PolicyWorks, a wholly-owned ICUL subsidiary he helped found more than 20 years ago, Justin has built a nationally recognized advocacy and public affairs model.
“Justin has shaped and executed advocacy strategies that have fundamentally strengthened the credit union movement in Iowa,” shared Iowa Credit Union League President/CEO Murray Williams. “He combines strategic vision with disciplined execution, building sustainable advocacy infrastructure while earning trust at every level of government. His integrity and commitment to service make this recognition exceptionally well-deserved.”
Under Hupfer’s leadership, Iowa credit unions have secured significant legislative victories in one of the country’s most challenging advocacy environments. He led strategy during Iowa’s most contentious tax battle in recent history, helped maintain one of the state’s top-performing PACs, and advanced efforts to modernize decades-old credit union statutes. His long-term vision has strengthened ICUL’s advocacy infrastructure and elevated the credit union voice at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C.
“Justin exemplifies the leadership this award was created to recognize,” said AACUL President Brad Miller. “His ability to deliver meaningful results, foster cooperation, and strengthen advocacy at both the state and national levels reflects the very best of the League System.”
“Nationally, Hupfer is a respected collaborator, regularly sharing advocacy strategies and best practices with peer leagues, AACUL, and America’s Credit Unions,” said AACUL Chairman and MD|DC Credit Union Association President/CEO John Bratsakis. “His longstanding relationships with Iowa’s congressional delegation have supported coordinated national efforts to advance financial wellbeing and preserve credit unions’ tax status.”