A member of CUNA's advocacy team is leaving for theAmerican Bankers Association (ABA) while another is joining thetrade group from the Independent Community Bankers of America(ICBA).

Robin Cook, pictured here, is departing CUNA on April 24 for the position of vice president and seniorlegislative counsel at the ABA.

“Robin has been a critical part of our advocacy team for thelast several years, serving as Counsel for Special Projects,” CUNAChief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan said in a memo tostaff. “Robin has worked on a number of projects during histime at CUNA, but his work to get CUNA's legal advocacy functionoff the ground, including his recent work to develop and draft anamicus brief that CUNA submitted to a Federal Court of Appeals in asurcharging case, is particularly noteworthy.”

“He has also led our efforts on payments, data security andpatent reform,” he added. “We are very appreciative of hiscontributions, we look forward to working with him in his newcapacity, and we wish him the best going forward.”

Additionally, Jillian Hitt, Donovan's executive assistant, isleaving on May 8 for a new opportunity in Arizona. Donovan said shecontributed significantly to the Charter Review and EnhancementTask Force and the Compendium Review. He also said she improved theadministrative operation of CUNA's Governmental AffairsCommittee.

“In the early days of the Advocacy Team evolution, Jillian hasbeen instrumental at keeping me focused and on track,” Donovan saidin the memo. “Her good work has been regularly noted not only byher colleagues but by the CUNA members with whom sheinteracted. We wish her well and we will miss hergreatly.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Eurgubian is joining CUNA on April 27 fromthe ICBA. She will serve as deputy chief advocacy officer forregulatory and executive branch relations and senior counsel.

The regulatory attorneys on the advocacy team will report toEurgubian, who will be responsible for leading CUNA's interactionswith agencies such as the CFPB and the NCUA, as well as the Treasury Department and the executivebranch.

Since 2009, Eurgubian was vice president and senior regulatorycounsel at the ICBA. From 2007 to 2009, she served asassistant general counsel at Sallie Mae and an attorney in theDivision of Consumer and Community Affairs at the Federal Reservefrom 2002 to 2007. She earned her J.D. from American University anda B.A. from the University of Southern California.

In addition, Leah Dempsey will start at CUNA as senior directorof advocacy and counsel on May 4. Dempsey comes to CUNA from theCommunity Financial Services Association where she worked as PolicyDirector since 2013. She was previously Maryland State Counsel forformer Gov. Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. Leah holds aJ.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law and earned aB.A. from the University of Delaware. Both new staffers are membersof the State Bar of Maryland.