National Credit Union Conference for Directors and Senior Management

May 15 – 18, 2025 |The Royal Sonesta New Orleans |

New Orleans, Louisiana

Join credit union board of directors, board chairs, supervisory committee members, CEOs, senior management, committee members, branch managers & other credit union leaders from across the country for an exploration of today’s biggest challenges facing credit unions. Return to your credit union revitalized with fresh ideas & innovative solutions for taking your credit union to the next level. 

Earn 12 CPE credits while attending this conference.

Registration & Hotel Information

Conference Registration

We offer an excellent educational return on your conference investment. Register early for greatest savings. 

Guest Program

Our guest program enables your registered guest(s) to join you during the following conference events: ($269 per additional per guest)

Hotel Reservation

Book your room online or call The Royal Sonesta at (504)-586-0300. Be sure to mention CU Conferences to receive rates starting at $259.

Rates are based on availability. If you are unable to book a room, call CU Conferences at 888-465-6010 for assistance.

Ground Transportation*

■   Taxi ride is approximately $42 from the airport to the hotel

■   Uber and Lyft are also available

*Rates are only estimates

Weather

The weather in New Orleans during the month of May is generally high 80s during the day to high 60s at night.

Speaker Information

Bill Farley,
President/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC

Peter Fugaro,
President
Prymak, LLC

Linda Lafortune, Director of
Learning & Client Support
CUInsight

Dr. Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC,
President
Progressive Techniques, Inc.

Tammy O'Hara,
Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Partners

Conference Agenda

Schedule subject to change. Registered guests are welcome during these (GP) credit union conference events.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Conference Registration

1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Opening Remarks

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. 

Breaking Down the Basics of Executive Benefits & Compensation

Tammy O’Hara 

Executive Benefits Consultant

Parc Street Partners


This session will address the basics of executive benefits and compensation. In addition to being key components of corporate governance, they are employee retention strategies, designed to attract, retain, and motivate top leadership.

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. 

Networking and Refreshment Break

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Understanding Risk Management for Board Members

Peter Fugaro

President

Prymak, LLC


Risk is a normal part of financial services and credit unions know that is part of the business. But the specific risks change over time, and credit unions need to understand these changes and how to manage them. Risk will never be eliminated, but recognition and preparation are critical to the organization’s survival. Learn about the latest risks credit unions face, and hear about prudent strategies to minimize and hedge against negative outcomes.

3:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Daily Wrap-Up

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (GP)

Welcome Reception

Join us for cocktails, light dining, and great conversation. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, PARC Street Partners, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. Be sure to visit with one of their representatives.


Friday, May 16, 2025

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. (GP)

Breakfast

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Opening Remarks

9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Unconscious Bias

Dr. Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC

President
Progressive Techniques, Inc.


Our decisions are influenced by various factors. Your personal experiences, background, and environmental conditions all affect your choices whether you realize it or not. In many situations this is not an issue and, often, we make the right choice based on what we have learned naturally and have experienced in our life.


Unconscious bias happens when we make incredibly quick judgments and assessments of people and situations without realizing it. The problem occurs when unconscious bias is against certain cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, characteristics, etc. When we operate with our unconscious biases, it can have an adverse impact on your members, staff, and credit union. It is critical to learn to manage your biases so that everyone feels valued and appreciated.


Session Highlights:



10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Networking and Refreshment Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

Economic Update

Bill Farley

President/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC


GDP, interest rates, unemployment, housing, inflation, recession…all of these are top of mind when navigating our credit unions into the future. More than ever, as credit union leaders, we must solve how we maintain safety and stability, execute strategy, and help members help themselves. We’ll review key economic indicators as well as an analysis of the credit union marketplace to help you make better strategic decisions through 2025 and beyond.

11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

Growing Market Share Through Marketing & Technology Innovation
Part I

Peter Fugaro

President

Prymak, LLC


The credit union and banking industry continues to become more and more competitive. Successful growth requires a comprehensive marketing/branding strategy to find new members and leading-edge technology to retain them. Marketing strategies need to combine creativity with results-oriented initiatives. Technology needs to be used to improve member experience and enhance operational efficiency. Those goals are easier said than done. During the first part of Peter’s session, we will



12:35 – 1:35 p.m. (GP)

Group Luncheon

Join us for lunch. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

1:35 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.

Growing Market Share Through Marketing & Technology Innovation
Part II

Peter Fugaro

President

Prymak, LLC


After lunch, Peter’s session will continue highlighting the following:

2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

The Heart of Leadership: Harnessing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

Linda Lafortune
Director of Learning & Client Support
CUInsight


This session explores the fundamental components of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and their profound impact on leadership, relationship-building, and organizations. We will explore the core elements of EI, including self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, and learn how each contributes to effective communication, decision-making, and collaboration.


By understanding and applying these principles, you’ll discover how to enhance your leadership capabilities, foster stronger connections, and create positive outcomes for both you and the teams and organizations you lead.


Key Learnings:

3:40 – 3:50 p.m.

Daily Wrap-Up

Saturday, May 17, 2025

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (GP)

Breakfast

Join us for a hearty breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Opening Remarks

9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Surfing the Riptide

Bill Farley

President/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC


Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and toughness. The credit union movement has certainly seen its share of challenges, with more to come. In this session, we will dive into what it takes to build a resiliency culture in your credit union.

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Networking and Refreshment Break

10:45 – 12:00 p.m.

Make Way for Generation Z - Zoomers are Here

Dr. Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC

President
Progressive Techniques, Inc.


Generation Z, often defined as individuals born from the mid-to-late 1990s through the early 2010s is characterized by its unique experiences and perspectives shaped by rapid technological advancement, social change, and global events. Generation Z, also called “digital natives” are the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones, and social media as integral parts of their daily lives. Their mastery of technology has left their social skills less developed.


Generation Z wants to be engaged in the workplace and often looks at their career as a journey through life. Generation Z are pragmatic, resourceful, and competitive. It is important for them to make a difference in the world and have purpose in their lives. They want purpose but are unlikely to give up financial security to attain it.


Generation Z have grown up in a digital-first world and have distinct attitudes toward credit unions. To engage them, it will be important to offer digital integration, transparency and trust, financial education, customization and personalization, and community focus.


To lead and work with Generation Z will require leveraging technology, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing mental health initiatives.


Objectives:

12:00 – 12:15 p.m.

Daily Wrap-Up

Take the Afternoon & Evening to Enjoy the Sites, Sounds & Flavors
of New Orleans!

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Travel Day - Have a Safe Trip Home!!