Directors Conference

Pre-Conference Workshop
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  

*separate registration required

Credit Union Growth Tools
Chris Pippett, Partner, Fox Rothschild

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, credit unions face unique challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable growth. This session delves into the essential tools and strategies available to credit unions seeking expansion and enhanced viability in the market.
 
Acquisitions, spinoffs, mergers, and secondary capital represent powerful mechanisms for catalyzing growth and strengthening market presence. Through insightful discussions and real-world examples, this session explores how credit unions can strategically leverage these tools to achieve their growth objectives while maintaining a mission-driven focus.
 
Whether you're exploring growth opportunities through strategic partnerships, seeking to enhance operational efficiency, or looking to expand your credit union's impact in the communities you serve, this session equips you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the complexities of credit union growth and achieve long-term success. Join us to uncover actionable strategies and practical insights for driving sustainable growth in today's competitive financial environment.

Conference Registration & Welcome Party
4:00 – 6:00 p.m

Optional Event

Opry Country Christmas
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
$165/person

Nashville’s coolest holiday show! Be part of Nashville’s can't-miss holiday show series. Enjoy a night of festive fun with special guests, spotlight artists, and nonstop surprises at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. There is no better place to spend your Music City holiday. The price includes a main-floor seat and round-trip transportation to the event. 

Conference Information Desk
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Welcome to CUES Directors Conference
8:00 – 8:40 a.m. 

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

Thom will set the tone for the event by creating an inclusive atmosphere that will encourage collaboration while emphasizing the importance of long-lasting connections. His expertise will not only keep you engaged but will ensure that every attendee feels like a part of a larger, connected community. 
 

Opening General Session
8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Help Them Thrive: Boost Engagement, Retention, and Well-Being
Melissa Majors, Author, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, & Coach, Melissa Majors Consulting

"Unintentionally Toxic" is a dynamic plaguing our teams and wreaking havoc on workplace performance. No leader intends to cultivate unhealthy work environments, yet here we are. Gallup’s 2023 Global Workplace study revealed that engagement and employee well-being are the most critical problems to solve, and the way to fix both is- by becoming even better leaders. There's hope! High-performing leaders detoxify their workplaces through tactics that rehumanize themselves, their teams, and their company cultures. They simplify over-engineered experiences and embrace the humanity of those they lead and serve. During this fun, inspirational, yet actionable experience, Melissa Majors examines research, stories, and best practices for mitigating unintentional toxicities and boosting engagement, high performance, and team happiness. Based on neuroscience, research, and common sense, she illuminates profound insights and simple tips you can immediately use to become an even better leader. This discussion is relevant for all leaders.

Learner Outcomes: 

• Articulate the case for rehumanized leadership in mitigating modern-day workplace challenges.
• Equipped with specific leadership tactics that can be used to overcome these issues.
• Ability to Access resources (infographics and pre-defined social posts) that can be used to continue the conversation with your network. 
   

Concluding Connections
9:44 a.m.

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

Networking Refreshment Break
9:45 – 10:05 a.m.

Breakout Sessions
10:05 – 11:05 a.m.

Fair Lending, BSA, and Cybersecurity - Daily Issues for Directors
Chris Pippett, Partner, Fox Rothschild

In the fast-paced world of finance, credit union directors’ shoulder significant responsibilities in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while safeguarding member interests and organizational integrity. This essential session dives into the critical issues of fair lending, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance, and cybersecurity, providing directors with the knowledge and strategies needed to address these challenges effectively on a daily basis.

Topics Covered:

• Fair Lending Compliance: Understanding fair lending laws and regulations, identifying potential areas of risk, and promoting fair lending practices throughout the credit union.
• BSA Compliance: Navigating the complexities of BSA regulations, strengthening compliance frameworks, and fostering a culture of compliance and transparency.
• Cybersecurity Risk Management: Assessing cybersecurity risks, implementing robust controls, and developing incident response plans to protect against cyber threats and safeguard member data.
• Director’s Role and Responsibilities: Clarifying the director's role in overseeing fair lending, BSA compliance, and cybersecurity efforts, and fostering collaboration between the board and management to address daily challenges effectively.
   

Navigating Board Dynamics for Effective Governance
Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, The Diligent Institute

Building a collaborative and high-performing board means dealing with a wide range of individual personalities and perspectives. Especially meant for board officers (current and aspiring), this session will equip you with tools and strategies for fostering productive conversations and driving to a better decision-making environment in the board room.

Protect Assets and Reputation through Technology
Mike Robins, Chief Operating Officer/Integrator, Dynamic Edge

In 2024, the average ransomware payout skyrocketed to $2M, up from $570,000 in 2023. Robust security and cyber insurance are more important than ever, particularly for credit unions. However, the proper solutions and policy applications become more complicated every day. When executives and board members put cybersecurity matters on “auto pilot,” they place their members’ assets and their credit union’s reputation at significant risk. This session will identify the critical components of an acceptable cyber insurance policy, discuss the challenges of proper network security, and explain how to collaborate with your providers in the event of a cyberattack. Finally, it will explain the “why” behind key conditions and exclusions, so that executives and board members may make informed decisions.

Balancing the Unstoppable: Mastering Polarity Management
Chad Helminak, VP/Talent Development Programming, CUES

Boards and directors constantly face challenges that require more than quick fixes. This is especially true when managing polarities. When left unmanaged, opposing forces like "stability" and "change" can lead to misalignment, tension, and communication breakdowns. However, there are ways leaders can recognize and skillfully navigate polarities to foster greater resiliency, adaptability, and unity for their boards and organizations. This session will explore tools and strategies to harness these dynamic tensions, strengthen decision-making, and position your credit union for sustainable success.

Networking/Travel Time
11:05 – 11:20 a.m.

Breakout Sessions (repeated from the morning)
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Luncheon
12:20 – 1:40 p.m.

General Session
1:40 – 2:40 p.m.

AI is Eating the World: How to Reimagine Your Business in an AI-First World
Brian Solis, Best-Selling Author, Futurist, Digital Anthropologist, & Head of Global Innovation, ServiceNow

Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI has become the world’s fast-growing technology and the subject of much debate regarding the threats and opportunities that come along with it. The truth is that no leader has experienced a technology like genAI before, one that performs tasks as good as or better than humans. What’s clear, we have now catapulted toward a post digital transformation era. AI has forever changed the trajectory of business evolution, putting ‘business as usual’ in the rearview mirror. Leaders now face an entirely new set of prospects and challenges that will test their creativity, resilience, and vision. In this rousing keynote, world-renowned futurist and best-selling author Brian Solis will share why this is the moment for leaders to reimagine their organizations for an entirely new future. He will explore why automation is no longer the goal, but instead the norm, and why augmentation will be the key to differentiation and how leaders can forge the mind shift required to unlock a new future as an AI-first exponential growth business.

Concluding Connections
2:40 – 3:00 p.m.

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

Conference Information Desk
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Welcome Back
8:00 – 8:10 a.m.

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

General Session
8:10 – 9:20 a.m. 

Regulatory Update
Ronnie Blue, Supervisory Examiner, NCUA

We'll explore agency priorities aimed at providing regulatory clarity to enable credit unions to thrive in an ever-changing market. We will discuss recent trends, highlight supervisory focus areas, and engage with attendees for questions. 

Networking/Travel Time
9:20 – 9:40 a.m.

Breakout Sessions
9:40 – 10:40 a.m.

5 Practices of Leadership: Navigating the Future of Credit Unions
Jamie Leddin, Ed.D., Consultant, The Leddin Group LLC

In this session, Jamie Leddin inspires and empowers credit union leaders with actionable insights on:

• Thinking Like a Leader: How to get every leader in your organization to embrace a leader’s mindset.
• Clarifying Purpose: How to gain clarity on purpose from an organization’s leaders down to every individual contributor. 
• Defining Priorities: How to set big goals and drive alignment. 
• Creating Plans: How to get broad input into the creation of actionable plans at every level. 
• Inspiring Performance. How to overcome 7 leadership obstacles that hold back performance.

The session not only addresses the current challenges faced by leaders but also provides a clear framework for thinking and leading effectively in a rapidly evolving landscape in the credit union industry.

Board Succession and Nominations
Jennie Boden, CEO, Quantum Governance, L3C 

This session will focus on the critical aspects of board succession planning and nominations, essential for maintaining strong governance and leadership continuity within a credit union. The discussion will cover key strategies for effective board succession planning, the role of nominating committees, and the importance of aligning board competencies with the credit union’s strategic goals. Attendees will gain insights into creating a robust succession plan that supports the long-term success and stability of their credit union.

The Board’s Role in Governing Transformation
Steve Williams, CEO, Cornerstone Advisors

In this session, Cornerstone’s Steve Williams will provide best practices and share industry case studies for how directors can strategize and hold management accountable for ensuring the credit union transforms digital delivery, embraces automation, leverages data and ai, and builds a next generation work force. Directors have a duty of care but must take caution not to delve into operations – join us as Steve Williams share how directors can ensure their credit union does not strategically become the Blockbuster or Sears of tomorrow.

Can My Credit Union Survive Without Me? Preparing the Next Generation of Directors with Purpose and Impact
Pixie Gray, VP/Organizational Development, CUES

Today’s board leaders face both an opportunity and a responsibility: to cultivate cross-generational wisdom that will sustain and strengthen their credit unions long after they leave. Drawing inspiration from Arthur C. Brooks' From Strength to Strength, this session offers tools to embrace the leadership transitions that come with experience. Together, we will explore how tenured leaders can maximize their impact by developing the next generation of directors and creating intentional spaces for succession. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how to empower future leaders, sustain organizational resilience, and ensure your credit union thrives in a new era.

Networking Refreshment Break
10:40 – 11:00 a.m.

Breakout Sessions (repeated from the morning)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Conference Information Desk
7:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday Welcome
8:00 – 8:10 a.m.

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

General Session
8:10 – 9:20 a.m.

A Whole New World - The Rapid Transformation of Financial Services
Mark Sievewright, Chief Strategy Officer, SRM and Founder, Sievewright & Associates, an SRM Company

In the fast-evolving landscape of financial services, adaptation is not just a choice, but a necessity. Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the dynamic shifts and disruptive innovations reshaping the financial sector at an unprecedented pace. From digital banking to fintech and AI, explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing traditional banking models and customer experiences. This session promises to provide valuable perspectives on thriving in a world where change is the only constant.

Networking Refreshment Break
9:20 – 9:40 a.m.

Closing General Session
9:40 – 10:45 a.m.

The Hero Effect® - Being Your Best When It Matters the Most!
Kevin Brown, Author & Motivational Speaker

In a fresh and entertaining style, Kevin shares ideas, strategies and principles that will inspire and equip participants to show up every day and make a positive difference. At the heart of Kevin’s message is a simple, yet powerful philosophy for life that drives every thought, every action and ultimately every result we achieve both personally and professionally. Your team will be motivated to reach beyond what is required and do something remarkable! 

This keynote is designed to help attendees:

• Achieve greater results by eliminating “ordinary" thinking and mastering the habit of excellence. 
• Own the moments that matter (and they all matter) by taking responsibility for their attitude, their actions, and their results. 
• Create meaningful relationships and deliver an extraordinary experience for every “customer” at work and at home.
   

Wrap Up & Final Insights
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Thom Singer, Keynote Speaker & CEO of the Austin Technology Council

Conclusion of Conference, Safe Travels!
11:00 a.m.

Omni Nashville Hotel is located 8 miles (approximately 20 minutes) from Nashville International Airport (BNA). Taxis and Ride App vehicles (Uber/Lyft) pick up at the Ground Transportation Center, Level 1 of Terminal Garage 2.

CUES has negotiated a discount when you book with Enterprise and National for this meeting. You can take advantage of our discounted rates by booking online using the below links. Be sure to reference account number OSMB44A when making all reservations.
 
Enterprise Reservations | National Reservations

We also invite you to enroll in the Emerald Club loyalty program. As an Emerald Club member, you can bypass the counter and choose your own vehicle, earn free rental days, receive arrival & return alerts, receive e-receipts, and maximize benefits while still enjoying our CUES corporate discount. Click here to enroll in Emerald Club (Emerald Club benefits applicable to both Enterprise & National reservations).  

Sunday, December 8

Opry Country Christmas
5:30–9:30 p.m.
$165/person

This event is currently sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please contact events@cues.org.

Nashville’s coolest holiday show! Be part of Nashville’s can't-miss holiday show series. Enjoy a night of festive fun with special guests, spotlight artists, and nonstop surprises at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. There is no better place to spend your Music City holiday. The price includes a main-floor seat and round-trip transportation to the event. 

CUES Directors Conference is for credit union directors, board chairs, board officers, supervisory committee members, board liaisons, and CEOs. Consider sending your entire board so your group can benefit from learning and participating in discussions together, and heading home on the same page.

We can also help you arrange a board meeting while you’re at Directors Conference, contact us at events@cues.org and let us know you’d like the details.
 

In addition to the great content and speakers we have lined up, your registration includes:

• Sunday's welcome reception for attendees and their guest
• Three breakfasts
• One luncheon
• All educational sessions & materials
   

Yes! This conference meets the following standards:

• CPE credits earned: up to 12
• Program Level: Overview
• Delivery Method: Group-Live
• Advanced Preparation: No advance preparation is required
• Prerequisites: Not required for this program

CUES is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, through its website linked above.
 

The comfort and well-being of our attendees is of utmost importance to us; we will make every effort to make sure you are comfortable at our events! 

Please email events@cues.org as soon as you know you’re attending a CUES event. Be sure to include your name, credit union, the CUES event you are registered for, and everything we need to know to accommodate your request. 

We’ll be in touch with any questions we have, and let you know how we can help.
 

Suggested dress for the conference is resort casual attire. Although we try to keep meeting room temperatures comfortable, we suggest you bring a sweater or jacket. 

Your companion is welcome to join you at the Welcome Reception, as well as register for any of our optional activities. A companion meal program is also available, which includes breakfast Monday through Wednesday. See our Travel/Lodging tab for additional details on optional activities. 

Right here! We are currently working on an informational packet for attendees. It will contain everything you need to know about attend this event, including:

• Where to stay
• What airport to fly into, and other transportation information
• When to arrive
• What to pack
• Spouse/guest information, if applicable

ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING. (cues@cues.org)

• Prior to 60 days – full refund
• 31-60 days before start of event – 50% refund
• 0-30 days before start of event – no refunds or credits for future events given 

Due to financial obligations incurred by CUES, no refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests less than 30 days prior to the start of the event. Substitute attendees are welcome, subject to eligibility. 
 
CUES reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances, and will refund fees if the event is rescheduled or location is changed and you are unable to attend.