SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Credit Union League announced that L. Paul Bremer III, recent presidential envoy to Iraq and administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority, will be the featured speaker at the League's annual Government Relations Rally April 5-6. Bremer, who will be introduced by state Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, is one of the world's leading experts on crisis management, terrorism and homeland security. He will share eight steps to effective leadership and will provide management lessons forged under challenging circumstances. The Government Relations Rally was recently expanded to two days to allow credit union officials more time to discuss important issues and speak with elected officials. "This is a crucial year for California's credit union movement. We've undertaken a bold public advocacy program to educate the public and policy makers about the important role credit unions play in our state's economy and its communities," said David L. Chatfield, League president and CEO. "The expanded Government Relations Rally will provide credit union leaders with the latest information to build relationships and reinforce our message with California's elected officials." The event will also include a moderated forum featuring Howard Gould, commissioner of the California Department of Financial Institutions, Elizabeth Dooley, deputy commissioner of credit unions, and Nicholas Owens, NCUA special assistant to the chairman and director of external affairs. They will provide credit union leaders with an update on state and federal credit union regulation. Bremer, Gould, Dooley and Owens are scheduled to speak during the conference's Tuesday opening general session. The general session will be followed by a reception with invited members of the state Legislature, providing credit union leaders the opportunity to discuss industry issues with elected officials in an informal setting. Credit union leaders will also be briefed on legislation addressing elder financial abuse and health savings accounts before meeting with elected officials.