Mindblowing entertainment announced: Mentalist Frederic Da Silva!

Award Winning Mentalist Frederic Da Silva is performing his mind reading magic show, Paranormal, at the CU Leadership Convention! Be prepared for an evening of mystery, magic, and hypnosis as Frederic delivers a mind-bending, unforgettable evening.

Janelle Shane joins our Keynote Speaker line-up!

Featured on the main TED stage, in the New York Times, The Atlantic as well as being Futurist in Residence at the Smithsonian, Humorist and Artificiation Intelligence expert Janelle Shane is here to de-mystify all that AI is, and help you explore what AI can do for you in her Keynote presentation What AI Can Do – and Can’t.

Janelle Shane Keynote Speaker

Announcing our 2025 Keynote Speaker: Super Bowl Champion Joe Theismann

Losing his successful football career at 35 to a serious injury, Joe Theismann learned first-hand how to overcome adversity. Today, he is a world-class businessman, who will take the stage with his positive, high-energy presentation to share his strategies for handling unforeseen change and a comprehensive game plan for success at your CU.

Discover what’s new for 2025 – Agenda items and speakers you won’t want to miss!

Hear why our 2024 audience can’t wait to return in 2025!


60+ sessions
packed with real
world guidance

Dozens of new thought leaders… plus, our returning all-star speakers

9 NEW BREAKOUT SUMMITS discussing today’s hottest topics

3 NEW Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshops

Expanded Breakfast of Champions idea sharing session

NEW exhibit hall featuring 50+ solution providers

Opening night entertainment and reception

And much more!

Here are just a few of the HOT TOPICS we’ll be discussing in 2025:



  • Generative AI and how CUs can use the newest technology to reduce risk & increase member loyalty
  • Best practices to manage liquidity in a high-rate, inflationary market
  • Executive compensation plans proven to attract and retain your top talent
  • Lending solutions that are generating double-digit growth rates – without sacrificing rates
  • Effective methods for recruiting new board members
  • Sound practices for retaining core deposits, despite rising rates
  • New tools some of the top CUs are using to leverage digital optimization
  • Governance tactics to keep your board focused on strategic decision-making
  • Tactics to build life-long members – not rate-hoppers
  • Practical tactics to boost net interest margins in a high-rate environment
  • Strategies CUs are using to regain trust with members – and beat the banks on service
  • Newest Fintech solutions that are giving CUs a competitive edge
  • M&A strategies – and pitfalls – every director and C-suite executive must know
  • Proven solutions CUs are employing to attract Gen Y and Z in a digital world
  • New regulatory priorities by NCUA and CFPB on lending, overdraft fees, M&As, cybersecurity, crypto, vendor oversight and more
  • Leadership strategies that are proving effective in a post-pandemic world
  • And much more…

We welcome CU Leaders from all aspects of the movement! Attendees welcome but not limited to:

  • CEOs & Presidents
  • Board Chairs/Directors
  • Supervisory Committee Members
  • Chief/VP of DEI
  • Chief/VP of Marketing
  • Chief/VP of Finance
  • Chief/VP of Lending
  • Chief/VP of Technology
  • Chief/VP of HR
  • Chief/VP of Business Lending

ONE ticket = ALL sessions

Pick and choose to attend any sessions from among 9 UNMISSABLE Breakout Summits

Be a part of the #1 event for growth-minded CU Leaders in 2025 with our BIGGEST savings yet!

Take advantage of our 2025 Early Bird discount rate and save up to $340/person. Attending the CU Leadership Convention as a group? Save even MORE with our Group Pricing! Don’t wait – our Early Bird prices end soon!

100% Money-Back Guarantee

We’re so confident that the CU Leadership Convention will meet your credit union needs that we are offering our 100% Money-Back Guarantee. If you don’t return to your credit union with the strategies needed to contribute to the growth of your organization, write us and we will promptly return your entire registration fee—no questions asked.

Cancellations and Substitutions:

Our cancellation and substitution policy are as follows: If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to send a substitute. Or, if you cancel in writing by Thursday, May 1, 2025, you may get a full refund. After that date, there is no refund, but you may use your registration fee at next year’s CU Leadership Convention. Registrants who do not cancel and do not attend are liable for the full conference fee. Cancellations via phone will not be accepted.

Connect Face-to-Face with C-Suite Leaders & Directors from August 12th – 15th, 2025 in Las Vegas


The 48th Annual CU Leadership Convention is a one-of-a-kind, in-person experience: a unique blend of networking, collaboration and thought leadership between credit union c-suite executives, presidents, board chairs and sponsors.

The program is custom designed to encourage conversation about best practices, relationship building and knowledge sharing across all functional areas on the most pressing issues facing credit unions today.

Join us in Las Vegas from August 12th – 15th, 2025, to engage with over 1,000 forward-thinking CU leaders looking for answers to their most challenging issues.

Premier Sponsorship Programs

Premier Sponsorship provides a complete 360-degree experience throughout all aspects of the event.

Principal Sponsorship

  • The Exclusive Principal Sponsor of one of the CULC Summits (Leadership, Trending, Lending, Human Resources, FInTech, Branding & Marketing and Financial Management)
  • Keynote speaking opportunity kicking off the specified summit on Wed., July 31
  • Premium branding as the Principal Sponsor of the summit of your choosing
  • Premium branding where sponsors appear throughout the CU Leadership Convention
  • Full page advertisement in event guide
  • Six (6) staff passes (in addition to your speaker, 7 total)
  • 10’ x 20’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Pre- and post-show email to CULC registrants
  • Seat drop pre-speaking session (1)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists

Lead Sponsorship

  • Branding: Your firm will be branded at the Lead Sponsor level
  • One speaking opportunity (specific details to be determined with CULC Chairman)
  • Full page advertisement in event guide
  • Four (4) staff passes (in addition to your speaker, 5 total)
  • 10’ x 20’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Pre and post show registrant lists

Sponsorship

  • Branding: Your firm will be branded at the Sponsorship level
  • One speaking opportunity (specific details to be determined with CULC Chairman)
  • Half-page advertisement in event guide
  • Three (3) staff passes (in addition to your speaker, 4 total)
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Pre and post show registrant lists

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities

Taking place on the night before the conference kicks off, this premier program provides sponsor with a private hosted dinner for a curated audience of CEOs.

  • Branding: Your firm will be promoted as a sponsor of the Forum, where sponsors are listed.
  • Attendee Passes: Your firm receives three (3) passes to attend the CEO Dinner and CU Leadership Convention
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Curated session: Your firm will have the opportunity to create an interactive session and work with CULC to curate an audience from the CULC attendees.

  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Every attendee will create a walking billboard for your firm throughout the event. Sponsor’s logo will appear on the event lanyards provided to all attendees upon registration.

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

The 4×7 Tech Demo will feature a session with 7 firms receiving 7 minutes on stage to present and demonstrate their technology offering.

  • Branding as a sponsor and participant in the 4×7 Tech Demo
  • One presentation slot in one Tech Demo (exact one TBD)
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

As the exclusive sponsor of CULC’s registration area, your brand will be in the one place every single attendee must visit.

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Sponsor receives premium sponsorship branding on every tote bag, distributed to all attendees.

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Sponsor may suggest a branded password for WiFi access during the event. This will be advertised on signage and tent cards throughout the venue.

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Sponsor receives premium sponsorship branding surrounding the networking breaks

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Be the first to greet attendees in the morning as the host of the conference breakfasts.

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded on breakfast signage as the sponsor
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe & drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff badges (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Align your firm with the premier think tank session – The Breakfast of Champions!

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)
  • Thought Leadership Sponsor may help in the sessions at the discretion of the CULC Chairperson
  • Sponsor may provide branded pens/pads for the session

Sponsor receives exclusive sponsorship branding on aisle signs throughout the exhibit hall

  • Branding:
    • Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
    • Your firm will be branded as sponsor on break signage
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe and drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)

Be one of 15 exhibitors participating in the contest for attendees.

Each passport sponsor will be featured on a bingo style card. Attendees must visit and engage with passport sponsors at their booth visit sponsors and have the sponsor stamp their card with their unique stamp.

Upon completion, attendees turn their cards in for a chance to win prizes.

  • Branding: Your firm will be branded at the Sponsor level
  • 10’x10’ exhibit space (includes standard pipe & drape)
  • Company logo & listing on website
  • Company listing in event guide
  • Two (2) staff passes (allows access to conference sessions and public networking events)
  • Pre and post show registrant lists (name, title, company)
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You’re invited to the #1 event for growth-minded CU Leaders

The CU Leadership Convention held every summer in Las Vegas is regarded as one of the top conferences for credit union executives and directors with more than 1,200 attendees and 50+ solution providers.


Previously known as the Directors & CEO Conference, the country’s leading event for Directors, CEOs and C-suite level leaders is now the CU Leadership Convention. For 47 years, the conference has delivered the best content, packed with practical guidance and innovative solutions from the country’s leading SMEs, CEOs, executives, directors and consultants willing to share what’s working – and what’s not.

This year is no exception! Join us in Vegas to share ideas, network and learn from the country’s leading credit union experts. This year’s convention features:

  • 63 sessions with real-world guidance from CEOs, directors and SMEs.
  • 9 NEW Breakout Summits on today’s hottest topics, including AI, liquidity, DEI lending, HR, leadership, fintech and more. Pick and choose your favorite topics!
  • 3 NEW Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshops on Board Governance, Data, AI, and Financial Management.
  • Expanded Breakfast of Champions idea exchange: Share your best idea, with proven results, and hear from your peers about their biggest successes to revolutionize your CU (Limited to the first 300 paid attendees)!
  • NEW exhibit hall featuring 50+ solution providers.
  • Opening night entertainment and reception.
  • And much more!

Since we are not an association or a CUSO, we deliver unbiased perspectives from the industry’s leading thought leaders, so you have the information you need to better serve your communities, your members and your employees. This commitment to top-quality content and thought-provoking speakers – all while in America’s most exciting city – makes the CU Leadership Convention a must-attend event for any credit union leader.

We look forward to seeing you in Vegas!

Dennis J. Sullivan, Chairman

For Board Members:

  • Learn and adopt best-in-class strategies to grow your credit union and improve profitability in a sustainable way.
  • Build on your current plans and ideas by exchanging information with fellow innovative board directors pioneering the credit union movement.
  • Discover how to generate 10-12x the returns for your credit union at the all-new CU Leadership Summit – dedicated to helping board directors provide their C-suite with the right level of direction. Take your board director skills to the next level by learning about the hottest topics for credit unions, including new sessions on how AI and Liquidity impact CUs.
  • Differentiate yourself from banks by gaining access to fintech experts, solution providers and unvarnished perspectives focused on supporting credit unions and their boards to win more business.
  • Crowdsource innovation – take part in this year’s Expanded Breakfast of Champions idea exchange. Share your best idea, with proven results, and hear from your peers about their biggest successes to revolutionize your CU (Limited to the first 300 paid attendees).
  • Join this getaway with your spouse, unwind and enjoy all that the US entertainment capital has to offer.

For C-Suite Executives:

  • Learn about the hottest topics in the movement, based on your area of expertise. Choose from 8 Summits covering fintech, leadership, marketing, DEI, HR and more to develop actionable strategies that will have impact in your CU.
  • Get the best of both worlds at CU Leadership Convention – entertainment and education. Connect with your peers over breakfast or at one of our evening events whilst experiencing the most progressive speakers, content and solution providers for your CU by day.
  • Network with fellow C-suite to tackle shared challenges and discover innovative solutions, including how to communicate effectively with your board.
  • Learn the top 3 emerging risks every executive needs to know and find out how to apply the big changes affecting strategy, structure, governance, and leadership for credit unions, so you can play your part in driving growth.

Latonya Allen, CUDE

Chief Lending Officer at Government Printing Office Federal Credit Union

Jen Anthony

Vice President, Think|Stack

Raj Bandaru

CIO, Kinecta FCU

Jason Bedsworth

Founder & President, CFS Insight

LaSonya Berry, SPHR

CHRO, AACUC / CEO, McPherson, Berry & Associates

John Bissell

President & CEO, Greylock FCU

Jennie Boden

CEO, Quantum Governance

Tomer Borenstein

CTO & Co-Founder, BlastPoint

Jim Bouchard

Founder, The SENSEI LEADER Movement

Leigh Brady

President and Chief Executive Officer, SECU

Sedric Brinson

Chairman and Co-founder, L.E.A.D (Leaders Engaged in Action and Development) MS

Sharon Camper

Chief People Officer, Apple FCU

Tad Carlson

VP – IT Solutions & Development, Royal Credit Union

Marquis Carroll

Chief Executive Officer, MSC Security

Zach Christensen

Director, DEI & Digital Services, Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates

Stephen M.R. Covey

Bestselling Author, Trust & Inspire

Justin Crawley

Senior Advisor, Abrigo

Dohnia Dorman

Chief Experience Officer, African-American Credit Union Coalition

Peter Duffy

Managing Director, Piper Sandler Companies

Nick Evens

President & CEO, Curql Collective, LLC

Deborah Fears

President & CEO, Chicago Post Office Employees CU

John Felton

CEO, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union

Juan Fernandez

President & CEO, Louisiana Credit Union League

Eric Fifield

Chief Revenue Officer, EFG Companies

Nash Fung

Magician & Keynote Speaker

Tamra Gaines

President, Tamra Gaines & Associates

Johnny Garlich

Founder, The Member Closing Center

Ryan Giffin

SVP, Client Success, LendKey

Billy Guthrie

Managing Director, Darling Consulting Group

Emma Hayes

Chief Learning & Engagement Officer, SECU

Ronaldo Hardy

President and CEO, NACUSO

Tim Harrington

CPA, President, TEAM Resources

Emily Hollis

CEO, ALM First

Ashley Holloway

Partner Sales Manager, Amazon Web Services

Rob Hoyle

Chief Information Officer, Vantage West Credit Union

Delana Huling

President & CEO, Baylor Health Care System Credit Union

Milton Hunt

President, author of 10 Keys to Maximizing Your Potential

Tracey Jackson

President/CEO Treasury Department FCU

John Janclaes

President, NYMBUS

Carolyn Jordan

Chief Growth Officer, Neighborhood CU

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Olympic Great

Nancy Kappler-Foster

Board Treasurer, Hudson Valley Credit Union,

Maria Kell

Co-Founder, KellMoore & Associates

Joe Kennerson

Managing Director, Darling Consulting Group

C. J. Klump

Senior Director, Consumer Credit Products, Visa

Gabe Krajicek

CEO, Kasasa

Anne Legg

Founder & President, Thrive Strategic Services

Juli Lewis, CMPFinCap, CCUFC, CUDE, CCUE

VP of Community Engagement, USF Federal Credit Union

Cory Madden

Board Director, Ventura County CU

Travis Markley

President & CEO, Hoosier Hills Credit Union

Paul Marston

COO, HR Performance Solutions

Dayatra Matthews

CLO & GC, LGFCU/Civic FCU

Barbara Mojica

Executive Director, National Latino Association of CU Professionals

Tyler Moore

Co-Founder, KellMoore & Associates

John Moreno

Managing Partner, Newcleus Credit Union Advisors

Tyrone Muse

CEO, Visions FCU

Scott Olson

SVP, Chief Data Officer, CoastHills Credit Union

George Ombado, AADE, I-CUDE, HSC

Executive Director/CEO, ACCOSCA

Stan Phelps

Author, Forbes Contributor, TEDx Speaker, IBM Futurist

Sam Plester, CUDE

CEO & Founder, Mission Brands Consulting

Espy Poblano

Training Manager, AACUC

James Pogue, Ph.D

Chief Executive Officer, JP Enterprises

Jim Pond

co-founder, JXM

Liz Ponder

Senior Executive, SRP FCU

Matt Roe

Chief Revenue Officer, Open Lending, LLC

Michael Scholl

Director of Analytics, Chartway Credit Union

Keith & Rebecca Klein Scott

Owners, TALLsmall Productions, LLC

Debbie Smith

CEO, Georgia United CU

Kwame Smith

Executive Benefits Specialist, TruStage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group)

Lynette Smith

Chief Engagement Officer, Quantum Governance & retired President/CEO, TruEnergy FCU

Maurice Smith, Esq.

CEO (ret.), Local Government FCU, M Smith Law, PLC

Katie Stone

CEO & Co-owner, PixelSpoke

Shawna Suckow

Author & Speaker

Kerala Taylor

Co-owner and Director of Marketing & Impact

Tom Tobin

Founder & CEO, Modelshop

Maryellen Valaitis

Former Director, McGraw-Hill FCU

Adam Wright

Managing Director of CUDX Operations, Trellance

Scott Young

SVP, Emerging Services, Velera

See what you missed in 2024…

The CU Leadership Convention is one of the largest events in the country bringing together credit union directors, CEOs, Presidents, and C-suite executives from across the nation.
Keynote speakers and entertainment acts have featured Dan Rather, Jon Taffer, Cal Ripken Jr., Chris Gardner, Howie Mandel, Jay Leno, and Penn & Teller. Most importantly, the convention hosts more than 60 industry experts to share best practices and guidance to help credit unions of all sizes grow and better serve their employees, members and their communities. In addition, the convention includes more than 50 solution providers in its exhibit hall showcasing the newest technology and services available to credit unions.
Celebrating its 47th anniversary July 30-August 2, 2024 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the CU Leadership Convention typically hosts more than 1,200 credit union leaders. Content is focused on the key areas of managing credit unions including lending, Fintech, cybersecurity, DEI, finance, leadership, Generative AI, member service, and branding. The convention is hosted by PEI Group, and is not affiliated with any trade group or political organization so we can give you unvarnished content designed to help you grow and solve your toughest challenges.

To download any of the Resources, a valid work email is required. Personal emails that use @outlook.com, @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @icloud.com, etc. cannot be accepted.

Pre-Event Resources

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2025 CULC Brochure

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2024 CU Leadership Convention Survival Guide

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2024 CU Leadership Convention Attendee List

Learn, play, and unwind at Caesars Palace

It’s time to indulge and treat yourself while learning and networking at the 48th CU Leadership Convention. Play, dine and unwind like royalty at Caesars Palace Las Vegas: the remarkable, palatial, center-strip resort. From luxurious hotel rooms to world-class entertainment, it’s time to experience a trip that’s one for the books.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas

3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-227-5944

Hotel bookings are now open!

Phone reservations: 1.866.227.5944
Reservation Contact: Lynn Taggart ltaggart@flamingolasvegas.com

All convention registrants also get these exclusive benefits as guests at Caesars Palace:

  • Unlimited local phone calls
  • Two (2) admissions per day to Fitness Center
  • In-room internet access to include two (2) devices per room per day


Hotel Deposit & Cancellation Policy:

All reservations must be guaranteed with a deposit for the first night’s guestroom and tax charge. If reservation is guaranteed to a credit card, the first night’s guestroom and tax charge, per guestroom, will be billed immediately to the cardholder’s account. Any reservations made via the telephone call center will be assessed a fee of $15.00 plus current sales tax, per reservation. This fee will not apply to reservations made via the internet.

Property allows individual attendee cancellations without penalty up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to the attendee’s scheduled arrival date. Property will charge the individual attendee one night’s guestroom rate plus tax for cancellations within seventy-two hours (72) hours of the scheduled arrival date or failure of the individual attendee to check-in on the scheduled arrival date (each a “no-show”).

It is Property’s standard policy to require a credit card or cash deposit from individual attendees upon check-in for incidental charges. Hotel check in time is 4:00 pm. Check out time is 11:00 am. Any departures after 11:00 AM are subject to the full day charge. Each guestroom must have at least one registered guest twenty-one (21) years of age or older.

Learn, play, and unwind at Caesars Palace

See what you missed in 2024…

Great news! The CU Leadership Convention is proud to partner with the African-American Credit Union Coalition to host this year’s AACUC Annual Conference, and we look forward to welcoming you to Las Vegas!

As an AACUC member, you will enjoy all the benefits of networking and sharing ideas – and you get the opportunity to experience the country’s most thought-provoking speakers, world-class entertainment, and more chances to apply innovative solutions to the challenges facing credit union leaders today – all in America’s most exciting city! AACUC Members are eligible for an exclusive registration discount! Keep scrolling to access the discount.


Here are just 10 of the benefits AACUC members will enjoy:

  • Special opening-day welcoming reception for members to meet old friends and forge new relationships.
  • AACUC curated breakout sessions — including our ALL-NEW DEI Summit — discussing the hottest topics in lending, HR, Fintech, Financial Management, Marketing & Branding, Leadership and much more.
  • Special Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award luncheon celebrating this year’s winners.
  • AACUC thought-leaders featured throughout the convention all four days!
  • A unique opportunity to meet with more than 60 solutions providers in the country’s largest exhibit hall for credit union leaders.
  • More chances to learn what’s working — and what’s not — from more than 1,000 of your colleagues.
  • Celebrate this year’s recipient of the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award winner!
  • More opportunities to network and collaborate with your peers at the exclusive AACUC Member Lounge.
  • World-class entertainment you and your guests can only experience in Las Vegas!
  • A special closing party for you to relax and enjoy your time with friends and colleagues.
  • And much more…

Don’t miss Olympic great Jackie Joyner Kersee

Named by Sports Illustrated as “The Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century.”

2024 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon

Come celebrate the 2024 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees during the 47th CU Leadership Convention on Wednesday, July 31. Congratulations to Sandra DeVoe Bland, Board Chair of SRP Federal Credit Union, and Dan Berger, retired President/CEO of NAFCU. This prestigious award recognizes a credit union professional or volunteer whose career best embodies the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s mission to increase the strength of the global credit union community.

Sandra DeVoe Bland
Board Chair
SRP Federal Credit Union

Dan Berger
Retired President/CEO
NAFCU

We look forward to welcoming you to the 47th CU Leadership Convention, presented in partnership with AACUC.

Register TODAY and SAVE with your AACUC Member Discount Code!
Access the AACUC Member Discount code by logging into the AACUC Info Hub.

Not an AACUC Member?

Have questions for AACUC about your membership status or the AACUC Member Discount?

Contact us at membership@aacuc.org.

Great news! The CU Leadership Convention is proud to partner with the African-American Credit Union Coalition to host this year’s AACUC Annual Conference, and we look forward to welcoming you to Las Vegas!

As an AACUC member, you will enjoy all the benefits of networking and sharing ideas – and you get the opportunity to experience the country’s most thought-provoking speakers, world-class entertainment, and more chances to apply innovative solutions to the challenges facing credit union leaders today – all in America’s most exciting city! AACUC Members are eligible for an exclusive registration discount! Keep scrolling to access the discount.


Here are just 10 of the benefits AACUC members will enjoy:

  • Special opening-day welcoming reception for members to meet old friends and forge new relationships.
  • AACUC curated breakout sessions — including our ALL-NEW DEI Summit — discussing the hottest topics in lending, HR, Fintech, Financial Management, Marketing & Branding, Leadership and much more.
  • Special Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award luncheon celebrating this year’s winners.
  • AACUC thought-leaders featured throughout the convention all four days!
  • A unique opportunity to meet with more than 60 solutions providers in the country’s largest exhibit hall for credit union leaders.
  • More chances to learn what’s working — and what’s not — from more than 1,000 of your colleagues.
  • Celebrate this year’s recipient of the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award winner!
  • More opportunities to network and collaborate with your peers at the exclusive AACUC Member Lounge.
  • World-class entertainment you and your guests can only experience in Las Vegas!
  • A special closing party for you to relax and enjoy your time with friends and colleagues.
  • And much more…

Don’t miss Olympic great Jackie Joyner Kersee

Named by Sports Illustrated as “The Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century.”

2024 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon

Come celebrate the 2024 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees during the 47th CU Leadership Convention on Wednesday, July 31. Congratulations to Sandra DeVoe Bland, Board Chair of SRP Federal Credit Union, and Dan Berger, retired President/CEO of NAFCU. This prestigious award recognizes a credit union professional or volunteer whose career best embodies the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s mission to increase the strength of the global credit union community.

Sandra DeVoe Bland
Board Chair
SRP Federal Credit Union

Dan Berger
Retired President/CEO
NAFCU

We look forward to welcoming you to the 47th CU Leadership Convention, presented in partnership with AACUC.

Register TODAY and SAVE with your AACUC Member Discount Code!
Access the AACUC Member Discount code by logging into the AACUC Info Hub.

Not an AACUC Member?

Register with my AACUC Discount Code:

Have questions for AACUC about your membership status or the AACUC Member Discount?

Contact us at membership@aacuc.org.

ANNOUNCING OUR 2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: NFL CHAMPION JOE THEISMANN

Keynote Presentation: The Challenge of Change

NFL Legend Joe Thiesmann

Joe will bring his signature charisma and powerful message to the stage with his keynote, The Challenge of Change. With humor and heart, he’ll share how he turned a career-ending injury into a springboard for a winning mindset – whether on the field, in business, or in life. Expect inspiration, practical insights, and plenty of laughs as he draws parallels between teamwork in sports and achieving big wins in your CU.

Joe Theismann, legendary quarterback for the Washington Redskins, led his team to Super Bowl XVII glory and carved his name into NFL history with record-breaking performances, MVP honors, and a fierce dedication to excellence. After a dramatic end to his career following a nationally televised injury, he reinvented himself as a dynamic entrepreneur, Emmy-winning NFL analyst, and motivational speaker, inspiring countless others with his insights on resilience and success. A College Football Hall of Famer and author of the empowering How to Be a Champion Everyday (2020), Joe’s story is one of triumph, transformation, and unrelenting determination. Known for his long-standing community service efforts, Theismann currently sits on the Sports Advisory Board of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

JANELLE SHANE JOINS OUR 2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER LINEUP!

Keynote Presentation: What AI Can Do – and Can’t

Janelle Shane, Artificial Intelligence Speaker, Humorist

AI is making headlines and disrupting banking. But what IS artificial intelligence, and what is it good at? AI expert Janelle Shane takes a weird and humorous approach to a complex topic and talks about the kinds of problems where AI will succeed, fail, or succeed at solving the wrong problem entirely. She has been featured on the main TED stage, in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Popular Science, All Things Considered, Science Friday, and Marketplace, as well as being Futurist in Residence at the Smithsonian. Her book, “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works, Thinks, and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place” uses cartoons and humorous pop-culture experiments to look inside the minds of the algorithms that run our world, making artificial intelligence and machine learning both accessible and entertaining. Shane was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, and an Adweek Young Influential.

April Clobes

President & CEO, MSU FCU

Paul Dionne

Chief Strategy Officer & Lead Consultant, Quantum Governance, L3C

Dohnia Dorman

CEO & Co-founder, Omnia Exec, LLC

Andrew Downin

CEO, O Bee CU

Nick Evens

President & CEO, Curql Collective

Tamra Gaines

Founder, Tamra Gaines & Associates

Tim Harrington

President, TEAM Resources

John Iannerelli

Founder, FBI John

John Janclaes

President & CEO, Nymbus CUSO

Dr Samuel Jones

Founder, Transform Now, Inc.

Maria Kell

Kelmore & Associates, LLC

Brian Lee

President & CEO, Landings CU

Sandra McDowell

Founder, eLeadership Academy

Brandon Michaels

President & CEO, OneAZ Cu

Val Mindak

President & CEO, Park City CU

Tyler Moore

Kelmore & Associates, LLC

Jim Morrell

President & CEO, Penninsula Community CU

Steph Sherrodd

President & CEO, Sunward CU

Tansley Stearns

President & CEO, Community Financial CU

Dan Stoltz

CEO, Blaze CU

Tonita Webb

President & CEO, Verity CU

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
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Agenda

Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshops - Tuesday 12th

Conference Opens
11:00 - 17:00

Convention Registration Opens

Deep-Dive Pre-Conference Workshops
13:00 - 16:00

Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshop 1 – M & A - Strategic Considerations for Member Focused CUs

13:00 - 16:00

Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshop 2 – Staying on Strategy: Applying Your Strategic Plan into Your Operations and Culture

John Janclaes
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John Janclaes

President & CEO, Nymbus CUSO

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13:00 - 16:00

Deep Dive Pre-Conference Workshop 3 – Leadership: Best Practices for CU Directors

Tim Harrington
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Tim Harrington

President, TEAM Resources

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Agenda

Conference - Wednesday 13th

Open
07:00 - 17:00

Registration

07:00 - 08:45

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & Continental Breakfast

General Sessions
09:00 - 09:45

Keynote Presentation: The Challenge of Change

Learn more here

09:45 - 10:30

CEO Roundtable Panel

Details to follow

10:30 - 11:00

5 x 5: 5 Speakers Share Their ONE Best Idea That Will Have the BIGGEST Impact on CUs Today

Dr Samuel Jones, Tim Harrington, Matt Maguy and Jim Pond
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Dr Samuel Jones

Founder, Transform Now, Inc.

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Tim Harrington

President, TEAM Resources

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A speaker photo for Matt Maguy and  Jim Pond

Matt Maguy and Jim Pond

Read bio
11:00 - 11:45

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

11:45 - 12:45

Lunch

12:45 - 13:15

Networking/Dessert in Exhibit Hall

Breakout Summit Sessions — 1:15 - 1:40 pm
13:15 - 13:40

Leadership Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:15 - 13:40

Marketing & Branding Summit - Open a Can of Whoop-Ads!

Matt Maguy and Jim Pond

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Matt Maguy and Jim Pond

Read bio
13:15 - 13:40

FinTech Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:15 - 13:40

Lending Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:15 - 13:40

HR Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:15 - 13:40

Trending Summit - Conversant Group?

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:15 - 13:40

Growth Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:40 - 13:50

Transitional Break

Breakout Summit Sessions — 1:50 - 2:20 pm
13:50 - 14:20

Leadership Summit - Digital Partnerships - How CUs Can Gain a Competitive Advantage to Acquire More Members & More Loans

Tim Harrington
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Tim Harrington

President, TEAM Resources

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13:50 - 14:20

Marketing & Branding Summit - What makes your CU Unapologetically Unique?

Andrew Downin
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Andrew Downin

CEO, O Bee CU

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13:50 - 14:20

Fintech Summit - Fintech Partnerships: A Blueprint for Credit Union Success

Nick Evens
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Nick Evens

President & CEO, Curql Collective

Read bio
13:50 - 14:20

Lending Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:50 - 14:20

HR Summit - Top Strategies for Effective Succession Planning in the C-Suite

Tamra Gaines
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Tamra Gaines

Founder, Tamra Gaines & Associates

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13:50 - 14:20

Trending Summit - Top Cybersecurity Challenges Facing CUs Today & How to Respond

John Iannerelli
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John Iannerelli

Founder, FBI John

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13:50 - 14:20

Growth Summit - M&A Panel Discussion: A No-Holds Barred Conversation about the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Jared Freeman
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Jared Freeman

President/CEO

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14:20 - 14:30

Transitional Break

Breakout Summit Sessions — 2:30 - 3:00 pm
14:30 - 15:00

Leadership Summit - Momentum Now: A Proven System to Lead with Confidence in Your Credit Union

Dr Samuel Jones
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Dr Samuel Jones

Founder, Transform Now, Inc.

Read bio
14:30 - 15:00

Marketing & Branding Summit - Shifting to a New Value Proposition to Drive Your CU Forward

Brandon Michaels
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Brandon Michaels

President & CEO, OneAZ Cu

Read bio
14:30 - 15:00

FinTech Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

14:30 - 15:00

Lending Summit - Leveraging Data Analytics to Grow Your Loan Portfolio

CXO Summits – details to follow

14:30 - 15:00

HR Summit - The Neuroscience of Trust & CUs Can Empower their Employees

Sandra McDowell
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Sandra McDowell

Founder, eLeadership Academy

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14:30 - 15:00

Trending Summit - Building a High-Trust, Member-Centric Culture

Lynn Heckler

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Lynn Heckler

Chief Talent Officer, PSCU

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14:30 - 15:00

Growth Summit - Reaching the "Unreachable": How to Grow by Appealing to Millennials and Gen Z’ers

Deena Otto
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Deena Otto

Ops Officer, SVP

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Agenda

Conference - Thursday 14th

Open
07:30 - 09:00

Exhibit Hall Open

07:30 - 08:45

Breakfast of Champions

Come prepared to share with your peers ONE idea that worked in your CU, and enjoy a delicious breakfast to begin the day! All attendees have been asked to RSVP to ensure availability.

General Sessions
09:00 - 09:40

Opening Keynote - What AI Can Do -- and Can't

Details to follow

09:40 - 10:20

Keynote

James Pogue, Ph.D

Details to follow

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James Pogue, Ph.D

Chief Executive Officer, JP Enterprises

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10:20 - 10:30

2025 Neoteric Changemaker Award Ceremony

10:30 - 10:45

Transitional Break

Breakout Summits Sessions Resume — 10:45 - 11:15 am
10:45 - 11:15

Leadership Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 11:15

Marketing & Branding Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 11:15

AI Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 11:15

Lending Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 11:15

HR Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 11:15

Trending Summit - The Triple Win: A People-First Approach to CU Mergers

Dan Stoltz
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Dan Stoltz

CEO, Blaze CU

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10:45 - 11:15

Tech Demo

CXO Summits – details to follow

10:45 - 12:30

CU Connect - What's Your Philosophy About Executive Benefits?

Maria Kell
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Maria Kell

Kelmore & Associates, LLC

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10:45 - 12:30

CEO Forum

CXO Summits – details to follow

11:15 - 11:45

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

Breakout Summits Sessions — 11:45 - 12:30 pm
11:45 - 12:30

Leadership Summit - Suits and Skirts – Game On!

Teresa Freeborn

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Teresa Freeborn

President and author of Suits and Skirts - Game On! The Battle for Corporate Power

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11:45 - 12:30

Marketing & Branding Summit — Marketing your CU in the Joyful and Dark Moments in Your Members' Lives

Tansley Stearns
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Tansley Stearns

President & CEO, Community Financial CU

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11:45 - 12:30

AI Summit - Engaging Members: From Smiling Faces to AI Interfaces 

CXO Summits – details to follow

11:45 - 12:30

Lending Summit - Bridging Gaps: Empowering Communities with Non-Prime Auto Lending Solutions

Tyler Valentine
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Tyler Valentine

President & CEO

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11:45 - 12:30

HR Summit — Succession Planning: Best Practices for Building Leaderss and Developing Engagement Among Employees

Val Mindak
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Val Mindak

President & CEO, Park City CU

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11:45 - 12:30

Trending Summit - Latest Threat Actor Trends & Your Most Important Security Control

Heath Renfrow
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Heath Renfrow

Co-Founder & Chief Information Security Officer

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11:45 - 12:30

Financial Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

Lunch Break
12:30 - 13:15

Networking Luncheon

13:15 - 13:45

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall Exhibit Hall Finale

Guest Experiences
14:00 - 16:30

Guest Experience #1

13:30 - 16:30

Guest Experience #2

Breakout Summits Sessions — 1:45 - 2:15 pm
13:45 - 14:15

Leadership Summit — The Parternship Advantage: How Strategic Partnerships Can Revitalize Your CU

John Janclaes
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John Janclaes

President & CEO, Nymbus CUSO

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13:45 - 14:15

Marketing & Branding Summit — Re-branding: Effective Practices to Reinvent Your CU in a Dynamic Market

Steph Sherrodd
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Steph Sherrodd

President & CEO, Sunward CU

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13:45 - 14:15

AI Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:45 - 14:15

Lending Summit — Best Practices to Grow Your Loan Portfolio Profitability

Tonita Webb
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Tonita Webb

President & CEO, Verity CU

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13:45 - 14:15

HR Summit — The Serious Business of Happiness: Proven Principles for High Performance

13:45 - 14:15

Trending Summit — Catering to Niche Markets: How One CU Serves Members and Families with Dementia

Brian Lee
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Brian Lee

President & CEO, Landings CU

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13:45 - 14:15

Financial Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

13:45 - 15:00

CU Connect

CXO Summits – details to follow

14:15 - 14:30

Transitional Break

Breakout Summit Sessions — 2:30 - 3:00 pm
14:30 - 15:00

Leadership Summit - Resilience in Times of Uncertainty

Milton Hunt

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Milton Hunt

Milton Hunt, Founder

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14:30 - 15:00

Branding & Marketing Summit — Break Free from Collaboration Chaos: Reimagine Strategically-Aligned Teamwork for Marketing Success

Dohnia Dorman
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Dohnia Dorman

CEO & Co-founder, Omnia Exec, LLC

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14:30 - 15:00

AI Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

14:30 - 15:00

Lending Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

14:30 - 15:00

HR Summit - Leveraging Tech to Turn Managers into Leaders

Rob Hoyle

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Rob Hoyle

Senior VP of HR

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14:30 - 15:00

Trending Summit - Growth By Focusing on Community: Real World Tactics Every CU Should Know

Jim Morrell

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Jim Morrell

President & CEO, Penninsula Community CU

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14:30 - 15:00

Growth Summit

CXO Summits – details to follow

After Party Event
19:00 - 22:00

Signature Closing Party

Agenda

Conference - Friday 15th

Friday, August 15, 2025
07:30 - 09:00

Buffet Breakfast

General Sessions
09:00 - 09:50

Underground Collision: Underground Collision" Does the Future of Credit Unions Makes You Want to CUSS!

April Clobes, Susan Mitchell
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April Clobes

President & CEO, MSU FCU

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Susan Mitchell

President, Mitchell Stankovic & Associates

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09:50 - 10:00

2-Minute Spotlight: 4 Speakers Have Just 2 Minutes to Deliver their Most Powerful Idea for CUs Today

Tansley Stearns

CXO Summits – details to follow

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Tansley Stearns

President & CEO, Community Financial CU

Read bio
10:00 - 10:15

General Session with Closing Keynote

Details to follow

10:15 - 00:00

General Session with Closing Keynote

Details to follow

11:00 - 11:00

Conference Adjourns

Hear why our attendees come back year after year!


Learn why Daniel Sowers, CEO of Gulf Wind Credit Union brought his whole C-Suite to the CU Leadership Convention in 2024



Hear from Nick Gowey, CU’ Answers, about why he found the 2024 partnership with the AACUC so valuable

David Tracey, Credit Union REPOS comments on how the CU Leadership Convention helps him better serve the CU community


Mindblowing entertainment announced: Mentalist Frederic Da Silva!

 

Award Winning Mentalist Frederic Da Silva is performing his mind reading magic show, Paranormal, at the CU Leadership Convention! Be prepared for an evening of mystery, magic, and hypnosis as Frederic delivers a mind-bending, unforgettable evening.

Experience the impossible as internationally acclaimed mentalist Frederic Da Silva takes the stage at the CU Leadership Convention 2025. Known for his mesmerizing show PARANORMAL, Frederic will captivate you with mystery, magic, hypnosis, and mind reading that will leave you spellbound.

Voted Best Mentalist in Europe and ranked as the #1 Magic Show in Las Vegas, Frederic’s jaw-dropping mind reading, elegant humor, and unique charm promise an unforgettable performance. Witness the magic and see why audiences around the world are left questioning reality!

Thank you for your interest in the Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2025. Nominations will be accepted up until June 13. Winner(s) will be announced at the 48th CU Leadership Convention, August 12–15, 2025 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

Debbie Smith (left), CEO of Georgia United Credit Union, winner of the 2024 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award accepts the award from Renée Sattiewhite, President of the African-American Credit Union Coalition.

The award is named after the first recipient of the award, Renée Sattiewhite, CEO and President of the African-American Credit Union Coalition. This national award recognizes those who have demonstrated personal perseverance, advanced the cause of “people, helping, people,” advocated for relevant ideation, and created positive programming for leaders. The unique name of the award was selected because it represents the literal meaning of the word neoteric: A modern person who advocates for new ideas. Nomination Requirements: Anyone may submit a nomination for the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award. Nominations must clearly document why the candidate or team should be considered, above all others, for this distinguished award. Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection process without additional research. Complete nominations must include the nominee’s (or team members’) curriculum vitae or resume(s). While a CV or resume provides the committee with a more comprehensive overview of the nominee’s (or team members’) accomplishments and experiences, it is not a substitute for any of the required items listed below. After reviewing initial nomination submissions, the committee may request reference letters to assist in the evaluation of the nominees under consideration.

 

The following is a list of examples that may be considered in the evaluation process:

  • Demonstrated an exceptional ability to make change happen in the credit union sector with a focus on modernizing the purpose of “people, helping people.”
  • A body of work that has had a broad impact on the advancement of the credit union movement within society.
  • Exceptional display of volunteerism within the credit union movement outside organizational or job description.
  • Been a role model or mentor for others and epitomized the true meaning of being a Changemaker – putting ideas into action.
  • Unwavering/Enduring commitment to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging for a broad audience of stakeholders, across all demographic segments understanding that allyship is paramount to all sustainable initiatives.

Recognition

Recipient(s) will receive an award with their name engraved, which recipient(s) may keep. Each recipient(s) will also receive two complimentary registrations to the 2026 CU Leadership Conference.