When it comes to credit union advocacy efforts, one must never underestimate the power held by Alicia Nealon, director of regulatory affairs for NAFCU. The latest Trailblazer 40 Below is best known for fighting on the front line for credit unions in their battle against overregulation – while remaining positive, approachable and always willing to share her insights and knowledge with co-workers and the credit union community.

Nealon is passionate about ensuring credit unions' voices are being heard, and interacts not only with the NCUA, but also with the CFPB as the leader of NAFCU's comment letters on proposed changes to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and annual privacy notice policy. She also championed NAFCU's campaign against the FHFA's Federal Home Loan Bank membership eligibility proposal.

“My interactions with NAFCU's member credit unions make me the most proud,” she said. “The comment letters, editorials and press clips are a very important aspect of NAFCU's mission, but our members are what inspire me on a daily basis.”