The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) recently concluded its highly anticipated 2024 Winter Conference in Miami, Florida, which brought together over 250 leaders from the credit union industry, including League Presidents, League Chairs, League Executives, federal and state regulators, America’s Credit Unions leadership and board, and key business partners to chart the future of credit union advocacy and collaboration. 

Under the theme of "Comprehensive Collaboration", the conference featured impactful discussions aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts, fostering innovation, and addressing critical industry challenges. In addition to a robust General Session, participants engaged in tailored sessions within specific collaboration tracks designed for League Presidents and Chairs, advocacy teams, communicators, foundation executives, and league service corporation leaders.

Advancing Advocacy Through Collaboration, Insight and Innovation

“We chose our theme ‘Comprehensive Collaboration’ to celebrate the renewed energy we have seen from Leagues this year,” shared AACUL President Brad Miller. “Leagues have put an increasingly sharp focus on intentional and holistic collaboration to further advocacy impact and, ultimately, advance a thriving credit union movement.”

The conference began with a strategy session wherein advocates from AACUL, individual Leagues and America’s Credit Unions brainstormed about an aligned approach to credit union advocacy in 2025. Several other sessions also underscored the importance of collaboration for furthering advocacy impact:

• Navigating the Interchange Landscape: A diverse panel of industry experts shared strategies to prepare for upcoming policy changes.

• Showcasing Foundation Work to Create Advocacy Wins: State foundation professionals shared how community-focused programs enhance advocacy efforts in a panel discussion facilitated by Gigi Hyland, Executive Director emeritus of the Foundation.

• Proactive Approaches to Combatting Financial Fraud: AACUL President Brad Miller led an insightful panel of industry experts who shared proactive strategies for reducing fraud’s financial and reputational impacts and provided valuable insights into how collaboration can support and reinforce credit union efforts to battle this crime.

Celebrating Leadership and Looking Ahead

League Presidents currently serving on the AACUL Board were re-elected to one year terms with the following officers for 2025:

• Chair: Patrick Conway, President/CEO, CrossState Credit Union Association

• Vice Chair: John Bratsakis, President/CEO, MD|DC Credit Union Association

• Secretary/Treasurer: Dan Schline, President/CEO, Carolinas Credit Union League

Other AACUL Board members include Patty Corkery, President/CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League, Caroline Willard, President/CEO of the Cornerstone League, Karen Harbin, President/CEO of Commonwealth Credit Union (America’s Credit Union Board representative), and ex-officio members Jeff Olson (Immediate Past Chair), President/CEO of Dakota Credit Union Association, Jim Nussle, President/CEO of America’s Credit Unions, and Brad Miller, President of AACUL.

The 2024 AACUL Winter Conference culminated with a forward-looking general session, including a presentation on the future of the credit union movement with closing remarks by industry stalwart Mark Sievewright.