Conference Registration

Opening Remarks

Evaluating Executive Service Providers: Recruiting, Compensation & Benefits 

Tammy O'Hara
Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group

Executive recruiting doesn't end with the hire—it requires thoughtful due diligence across compensation, payroll, and executive benefits. This session explores how organizations can evaluate vendors, identify potential risks, and build a seamless, compliant executive experience from recruitment through ongoing rewards and benefits administration.

Networking and Refreshment Break

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial

A non-traditional look at attracting and retaining the talent that will take your credit union into the future.  We will discuss things outside of pure compensation that our next generation of leaders are incented by and how credit unions and organizations are adapting.

Daily Wrap Up

Welcome Reception

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

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

Breakfast

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

Opening Remarks

Understanding Cyber Security and Protecting Member Data

Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC

The ability for credit unions to use the cloud and online technologies creates the power to add new products, improve service for existing members and attract new membership. But online hacking, data breaches and identity theft are present in cyberspace and add risk to a credit union’s operation. This session is designed to present in a straightforward manner how credit union executives and board members can understand how the institution can take advantage of the web while limiting risks and protecting member data.

Networking and Refreshment Break

Sales & Service Culture – One in the Same?

Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial

We will take a look at why the word sales has such a negative connotation and assess where your credit union lands on the sales / service culture continuum. 

Discover Your Credit Union Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part I

Nicolette Lemmon
President, LemmonTree Marketing Group
& Board Director, Arizona Central Credit Union

Technology has pushed the financial industry into new competitive arenas and given consumers more choices than ever before. The result has been the emergence of a new member dynamic because of the many options in the marketplace. This market demands the development of new strategies to meet the challenges of attracting and retaining members. 

From the front line to the board of directors, your credit union can thrive when everyone takes on the role of cheerleader with personal stories.

• Your Connection – Why did you join your credit union and what services have you used? The idea is that personal stories are among the credit union's most powerful branding tools.

• Your Personal Values – What values are important to you that may also be a trigger for someone new to join? When a staff person, management team member, or board member can confidently explain why they serve and why the credit union matters, they become credible ambassadors who reinforce the organization's mission every time they speak in the community.  

• Your Member Experience – To personalize  the credit union to members as a trusted financial partner, can you share a couple good experiences you have had? Facts and financial products inform people, but authentic experiences inspire trust. 

Nicolette will lead the group in fun exercises to help attendees build their own story that others can relate to in choosing a financial services provider. Plus, the group will explore how to share their stories on social media, in volunteer opportunities, during special events and more. 

Ultimately, the session is about discovering personal credit union stories to contribute to your credit union’s success. Attendees will be reminded of the benefits and processes of how staff, management and board can easily discuss why others can choose the credit union as a financial services partner.  

Group Luncheon

Join us for lunch. Paid registered guests are welcome to attend.

Discover Your CU Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part II

Nicolette Lemmon
President, LemmonTree Marketing Group
& Board Director, Arizona Central Credit Union

Join Nicolette after lunch for the continuation of her presentation.

Understanding Fintech’s Use of AI and How You Can Easily Use It

Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become some of the most talked-about topics in financial services. But what exactly is AI? How are fintech companies using it to improve credit union operations? What guidance are regulators providing? And how can leaders safely and effectively take advantage of these emerging capabilities? This session will cut through the buzzwords and explain AI in practical, business-friendly terms. 

We’ll explore what AI is — and what it is not — while sharing real-world examples of how credit unions and fintech platforms are applying AI to enhance efficiency, member experience, risk management, and decision-making. We’ll also discuss why boards and executives need to begin establishing governance, policy, and oversight frameworks to ensure responsible use of AI across their organizations. Finally, attendees will receive a brief, hands-on introduction to everyday AI tools such as Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT, with simple examples showing how these platforms can improve productivity in day-to-day life.

Daily Wrap-Up

Breakfast

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

Opening Remarks

Wealth Management – Is It Right For Your Credit Union?

Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial

We will discuss the great wealth transfer and how credit unions can potentially attract and retain members and stay competitive in an ever-consolidating financial environment.  We will look at how wealth programs are structured and pros and cons of each.  At the end of the session you will have questions to go back and challenge your team with to determine next steps for your organization.

Networking and Refreshment Break

Digital Transformation and Strategy for Credit Unions

Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC

Technology and digital innovations continue to improve both our personal and business lives. What is Digital Transformation? How should my credit union develop a digital focused strategy? Peter will break this down so board members and executives can help their IT leadership navigate the right path. Also, during this session, you will learn about the latest digital tools and technology trends in financial services to help enhance productivity, efficiency and create a simpler yet robust online experience for your members.

Conference Wrap-Up