Dan Berger

Strategic Advisor

As Strategic Advisor for Curql Collective, Dan Berger provides strategic guidance to the Curql Board of Managers and staff to craft the Collective’s strategy and direction. Leveraging his extensive industry leadership experience, including that as President and CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), Berger provides pivotal contributions to drive Curql’s continued success, its role as the market leader, and its commitment to creating the most impactful team in the industry. As its President and CEO of ten years, Berger led NAFCU in its work of advocating for the credit union industry and the 135 million members it serves. He turned this national financial services trade association into the premier advocate for the industry, growing its membership by nearly 50% at the time of his retirement. Prior to that role, Berger served NAFCU as its Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, responsible for overall advocacy with a strategic focus on the White House, Treasury, U.S. Congress, and various regulators and agencies, including the NCUA, CFPB, Federal Reserve, FHFA, FDIC, HUD, and FEC. He also served as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for America’s Community Bankers, Chief of Staff and Political Advisor in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Director of Government Relations for various insurance companies. In his work as a lobbyist in Washington, Berger brought national attention to key policy issues for the industry.

Key Facts:

  • Former President and CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU)
  • Guest lecturer at Florida State University, Harvard University, George Mason University, and George Washington University
  • Served as adjunct professor at George Washington University
  • Holds a master’s degree in public administration, strategic management, negotiations and conflict resolution from Harvard University
  • Holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Florida State University
  • Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Academy of Management, American Economic Associations, and other distinguished organizations
  • Past chair of the national board of directors and executive committee for the Florida State University Alumni Association; extensively served in volunteer leadership for organizations such as Sarasota County Boys & Girls Clubs Foundation, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and others

Noteworthy Accomplishments:

  • Oversaw growth of NAFCU membership by nearly 50% and total association assets growth by 59%
  • Co-author of nationally acclaimed leadership book, “Managing and Leading Well”
  • Noted public speaker experienced in media appearances, discussing business, politics and policy for CNBC, Fox Business, CNN, and Fox News; regularly quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, CNN Money, Bloomberg News, Reuters and other financial publications
  • Recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award by Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
  • Recipient of the Circle of Gold issued by Florida State University Alumni Association 2020, presented to individuals who, through their service and achievements, personify the university’s tradition of excellence
  • Donor for the Berger Family Endowed Scholarship in Economics for first-generation students in the Florida State University Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement program