Jim Phelps serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer for the Cornerstone League, where he works closely with teams leading federal and state advocacy, communications, engagement, and foundation efforts across a five-state region representing more than 600 credit unions. With over 20 years of experience in public policy and financial services, Jim is nationally recognized for building coalitions, shaping legislative and regulatory strategy, and advancing the credit union movement’s priorities on issues such as taxation, payments, fraud, and charter modernization.

Throughout his career, Jim has led high-impact initiatives that have strengthened both the advocacy infrastructure and long-term sustainability of the credit union system. He has directed major federal and state campaigns, overseen successful modernization efforts, and built high-performing, multi-state teams aligned around a unified policy agenda. A Certified Association Executive, Jim is also an active contributor to national advocacy strategy through organizations such as America's Credit Unions and NASCUS. He is a frequent speaker on public policy, advocacy strategy, and the evolving role of credit unions in today’s financial services landscape.