The Defense Credit Union Council, DCUC, with cohosts Fort Sill Federal Credit Union and Tinker Federal Credit Union, successfully concluded the 2025 Midwest Subcouncil Conference held October 7–9, 2025, in Oklahoma City.
The three-day event gathered credit union leaders from across the Midwest to explore key industry challenges and opportunities, foster collaboration, and strengthen the shared commitment to serving the financial needs of their local communities, especially military and veteran members.
“Our Midwest Subcouncil embodies the collaboration and innovation that define DCUC and our unique founding,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “Our Midwest Subcouncil was the first of our regional gatherings, and continues to serve by sharing strategies, deepening connections, and reinforcing our collective mission to serve in the finest traditions of the credit union philosophy.”
The subcouncil conference opened with an address from DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez, followed by a warm welcome from The Skirvin Hotel’s Marketing Manager, Claire Boomer, and remarks from Brigadier General (Ret.) Hopper Smith, Director of Defense Business Development at the University of Oklahoma. The day concluded with a special presentation by Michael (Mike) Knopp, Founder of the RIVERSPORT Foundation.
The conference later featured a lineup of several engaging sessions, including an advocacy update by John McKechnie (longtime DCUC Advocacy Partner and trusted consultant) and Hernandez, and discussions with Scott Chance, District Director for U.S. Congressman Tom Cole.
A notable highlight was a fraud panel, led by Tara Hardin, TRIAD Coordinator, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office; Joshua MacDiarmid, Supervisory Special Agent, CR-3, Fraud/Illicit Finance/Health Care; Fraud, Oklahoma City Field Office; Keili McEwen, VP of Government Affairs, Tinker Federal Credit Union (Moderator); and Jennifer Shaw, Executive Director, Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA). The event presentations concluded with a leading discussion,“Beyond the Balance Sheet: How Fraud Erodes Member Trust and Increases Risk,” featuring Lon Varns, President of Aries Fraud Solutions.
Shortly after this year’s Midwest Subcouncil Conference, DCUC and Aries Fraud Solutions announced a new partnership incentive, offering any current or prospective DCUC member exclusive annual savings on the Obscurity Card solution, equal to the full amount of their DCUC membership dues, for as long as they remain members of both organizations.
Additional highlights included a welcome reception hosted by RIVERSPORT, a networking lunch, and a special tour of Fort Sill Army Post, providing attendees with an up-close look at the communities they proudly serve.
The Defense Credit Union Council, DCUC, proudly concluded a successful Texas Subcouncil Luncheon, held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM (CT) at Soarion Credit Union Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas.
The event, sponsored by Earnest Consulting Group (ECG), a DCUC Premier Circle Partner, brought together Texas credit union leaders for networking, collaboration, and strategic engagement.
Registration was complimentary and open to both DCUC members and non-members, with participation limited to credit union executives (CEOs; C-suite; VPs; and Board Chairs), ensuring focused dialogue among leaders shaping the credit union movement across Texas.
Attendees discovered how DCUC is advancing credit union priorities through advocacy, representation, and collaboration, while gaining insights to help take their institutions to the next level. The luncheon offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers, discuss shared challenges, and explore future opportunities to better serve members, particularly those tied to our nation’s defense community.
“Events like the Texas Subcouncil Luncheon are vital touchpoints for connecting with our members in person, and where service impact can be seen firsthand,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “These regional gatherings give us the opportunity to listen, share updates, and exchange ideas that directly enhance the value and strength of the credit union community across Texas and beyond.”
Hernandez added, “We also want to extend a warm thank you to both our cohost, Soarian Credit Union, and our sponsor, Earnest Consulting Group, for their support of this important and successful event!”