PreConference Registration

(Those attending the main conference are welcome to register at this time as well)

Opening Remarks

PreConference Session

In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, standing still is not an option. Credit unions must adopt proven growth strategies not just to survive, but to thrive amid uncertainty. The time to act is now. Growth requires intentionality, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

To ensure your credit union remains competitive and resilient, you must:

• Reevaluate and adjust your current strategies to align with emerging market demands.

• Pivot your tactics to stay ahead of economic and industry shifts.

• Stay informed on top trends that successful credit unions are leveraging to drive growth.

Networking and Refreshment Break

PreConference Session Continued

During the PreConference session, you’ll gain:

• A clear, actionable path to sustainable growth.

• Insight into how to zig while others are zagging—embracing innovation when others retreat.

• Solutions to economic-proof your credit union, ensuring long-term stability and relevance.

PreConference Wrap Up

Conference Registration

Welcome Reception

Welcome Reception – Join “The Ones In Red,” and your credit union conference peers from across the country & their guests for cocktails, light dining & great conversation! 

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, PARC Street Partners, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. 

Conference Registration

Breakfast

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

Opening Remarks

Who is the Member of the Future?

Laura Loy
Chief Experience Officer
On the Mark Strategies

The member of the future: the notion conjures images of self-driving cars and biometric banking. While tomorrow’s members will indeed use different tools, this person will possess their own unique sets of challenges and demands on the retail financial services environment. The member of the future, with their individualized needs, is right around the corner. Are you ready for them?

This session will cover:
•Technology obsessed
•Generationally unique
•Diverse demographically

Networking and Refreshment Break

U.S. Economic Outlook & It’s Impact on Credit Unions

Steven Rick
Chief Economist
TruStage

The presentation will discuss how the global economy, the overall financial sector and the labor market will affect the U.S. economy, U.S. interest rates and ultimately credit union balance sheet and earnings performance.  Steve Rick will analyze and establish standards against which your credit union’s own performance can be measured.  Mr. Rick will also identify trends of savings and loan activity, and weigh the influence of future economic events on growth patterns out into 2026.

Navigating the Executive Talent Market for Credit Unions

Kirk Kordeleski

Executive Benefits Partner

PARC Street Partners

In this presentation, Kirk Kordeleski will leverage his 45 years of experience in the credit union industry, including his tenure as CEO of the 17th largest credit union and extensive consulting work, to provide insights into recruiting and retaining executive talent. Representing PARC Street Partners and their new ventures in executive compensation search, mentoring and Fintech consulting.

Session Highlights:

• Demographic Shifts and Retirement Trends: With a significant portion of credit union executives nearing retirement (over one-third of CEOs aged 60+), we face a wave of leadership turnover. This creates challenges and opportunities for succession planning and recruitment.

• Market Demand for Talent: The competitive landscape for skilled executives continues to intensify, driven by strategic goals, post-pandemic retirements, and evolving regulatory demands. Boards must adapt to attract leaders who align with the credit union’s vision.

• Compensation Trends: Kirk will delve into trends in base salaries, annual incentives (target bonuses averaging 20% to 60% of salary), long-term incentives, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) as tools for retention and motivation.

• Strategic Approaches: Drawing from PARC Compensation Consulting’s expertise, he will outline strategies for benchmarking compensation, fostering cultural alignment, and mentoring the next generation of leaders to ensure organizational success.

This session aims to equip board members with actionable insights to navigate today’s complex executive talent market effectively.

Group Luncheon

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

Make Way for Generation Z – Zoomers Are Here

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

Generation Z, born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, is deeply shaped by rapid technological advancements, social changes, and global events. Known as "digital natives," they are the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, giving them a high level of tech proficiency but less developed social skills. This generation tends to view their careers as a journey, seeking purpose and making a difference in the world, although they still value financial security and stability.

To effectively engage with Generation Z, workplaces and organizations must integrate technology, offer transparency, and emphasize financial education, personalization, and community engagement. For leaders and employers, working with this generation requires embracing diversity and inclusion, while also providing mental health initiatives to support their well-being. Generation Z's distinct perspectives and values highlight the need for adaptability and an approach that balances technology with meaningful connection and purpose.

Objectives:

•  Define characteristics of Generation Z

•  Identify strategies to engage with Generation Z

•  Develop ways to support their unique educational and career aspirations

•  Create and be open to ways to address their mental health concerns

The Future of Financial Services

Bill Farley
President/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC

The financial marketplace certainly isn’t what it used to be. To compete in the future, we must completely re-think our strategy and approach to the member experience. Based on the latest research by financial futurist Brett King, be enlightened about the credit union “must haves” to be relevant and provide value.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

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

Introduction

The Leadership Challenge

Bill Farley
President/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC

In today’s fast-changing world, leaders play a crucial role in leading and uniting people to solve the challenges. The Leadership Challenge is about the 5 key principles for mobilizing people to create extraordinary results, and uniting people to turn challenges into successes.

Roundtable Discussion By Asset Size

One of the most valuable aspects of attending a conference is the opportunity to network with other credit union professionals from across the country. Networking with those from credit unions of similar asset size is even a greater benefit. Join fellow attendees for a roundtable session to discuss the pressing issues facing credit unions. 

Networking and Refreshment Break

Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning

Tom Glatt, Jr.
Principal/Strategy Consultant
Glatt Consulting Group, Inc.

This session will explore how credit unions can develop a proactive approach to strategic planning by incorporating foresight and scenario planning. We'll delve into identifying key trends impacting the financial industry (e.g., fintech disruption, evolving member demographics, interest rate volatility) and developing alternative future scenarios. Participants will learn practical techniques for analyzing these scenarios and formulating flexible strategies that can adapt to a range of potential outcomes. This is crucial for navigating uncertainty and ensuring long-term sustainability. Glatt Consulting has extensive experience facilitating these strategic planning sessions with boards, helping them move beyond traditional annual planning and adopt a more dynamic, forward-looking approach.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

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

Opening Remarks

Board-Driven Holistic Leadership

Celeste Cook
CEO/Founder
cuStrategies, LLC

Leading growth in today’s challenging and ever-changing economic landscape and competitive environment requires credit union leaders to focus more on strong leadership strategies to navigate change and increase growth, revenue, engagement, and retention.

Explore a board-driven leadership approach to growth to build a strong leadership culture for growth. 

Session Highlights:

• Understand the dynamics of board-driven holistic leadership for growth

• Determine the best approach to cultivating a strong leadership culture for growth

• Identify key strategies to transform your employees into leaders

• Explore what you can do to elevate your credit union to increase growth, engagement, revenue, and retention

• Identify ways to strengthen your leadership brand to create greater relevance

Networking Refreshment Break 

Succession Planning and Board Development

Tom Glatt, Jr.
Principal/Strategy Consultant
Glatt Consulting Group, Inc.

Building a strong and diverse board is essential for effective governance. This session will explore best practices in board succession planning, including identifying and developing future board leaders, creating a robust nomination process, and ensuring board diversity in terms of skills, experience, and demographics. We will also discuss ongoing board education and development programs to keep directors informed about industry trends and best practices. Glatt Consulting works with many credit unions on board development and succession planning to ensure a pipeline of qualified and engaged directors.

Conference Wrap-Up