The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) continued its Annual Conference on Tuesday, August 13, with its first keynote speaker presentation, DCUC Advocacy Update, and six sponsor breakout sessions.

Prior to starting its first general session, DCUC hosted a “Mingle with Mocktails” networking event, followed by DCUC’s “Welcome Lunch.”

DCUC’s general session began with Colonel, USAF (Ret.), DeDe Halfhill’s keynote speaker presentation, “Leaders Connect.” During the presentation, Halfhill discussed common obstacles leaders face and how meaningful connection between leadership and their team can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and collective success.

Afterward, DCUC’s President/CEO Anthony Hernandez, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak, and Strategic Partner John McKechnie provided attendees with an advocacy update. Their discussion covered legislative and regulatory initiatives and concerns the Council is currently tracking at both state and national levels.

McKechnie shared, “On the surface, the DC environment is at a standstill, primarily due to the coming elections and uncertainty that surrounds that. But underneath, there is plenty going on. Both Congress and federal regulators are getting in position to move on big issues next year, such as taxes, consumer protection, and evolutions in the financial services industry. My take is that DCUC is striving to stay one step ahead while remaining close to what really matters for credit unions.”

During the brief, Stverak discussed how the Council is “reimagining” its advocacy to bolster the voice of all credit unions, strengthening its grassroots efforts at both state and national levels. This includes the creation of new committees within the Council and increasing its Military Advocacy Committee (MAC) tempo. Hear more from Jason’s advocacy brief here.

After DCUC’s advocacy update, attendees and guests attended six sponsor breakout sessions provided by Risk Strategies, Revio, Darling Consulting Group, PARC Street Partners, State National, and Kasasa. During the sessions, attendees were provided with educational presentations on topics such as executive benefits, member insights, liquidity performance management, leadership strategies for driving growth, selecting an insurance partner, and increasing deposits and performance.

The day concluded with a welcome reception hosted by the Armed Forces Financial Network (AFFN) at the Vinoy.

The conference will continue tomorrow with DCUC’s patriotic opening ceremony with several keynote speaker presentations and industry panel discussions as well as Credit Union of the Year Awards for the Departments of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

For more information on DCUC’s Annual Conference, please visit dcucannual.org. Follow along and join the conversation with the hashtag, #DCUC2024, on DCUC's LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages!