Shyna Mistry Punjani, former Board Chair of Platinum Federal Credit Union and now Board Chair/Governance & Succession Advisor/Executive Onboarding Expert, joined us on the show to share her insights and expertise on creating proprietary frameworks for CEO and board succession planning and onboarding.

Shyna shared her background transitioning from Bank of America corporate to credit union governance, including her journey from being rejected from the board initially to eventually becoming the first female chairperson in the credit union's 25-year history.

She also discussed the critical need for succession planning due to credit union consolidation, with numbers declining from 8,700 to 4,300 institutions over 20 years, and the new NCUA mandate requiring documented succession plans reviewed every 24 months starting January 1, 2026.

Shyna outlined her three-phase approach to succession planning: (1) identifying leadership continuity risks, (2) creating 90-day activation plans (distinguishing between contingency and continuity planning), and (3) mapping talent pipelines into ready-now, ready-later, and developing categories.

In addition, she addressed AI governance as a new consideration for boards, with Shyna emphasizing the need for boards to bring in external consultants and establish human oversight for AI implementations while maintaining the fundamental governance pillars of strategy, risk assessment, and leadership. She stressed that succession planning should be driven by stewardship rather than just regulatory compliance, focusing on ensuring institutional strength and member benefit continuation when key leaders depart.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

LEVERAGE President Steve Willis and his girlfriend Emily Glaccum, stopped by the Studio Lounge to share their thoughts on the upcoming evening's Night of Miracles Gala.

Specifically, Steve and Emily talked about the inspiring Harrison family, who was being honored that evening. They also highlighted the event's significant impact of credit union support for children's health -- and LEVERAGE's matching donation of $100,000 and the ongoing commitment to supporting families facing medical challenges.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to visit our ENGAGE interview archive page for more episodes from the conference -- as well as supporting our host/sponsors: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, LEVERAGE, Backbone, i2c inc., and Despite Impossible podcast.

Denelle Miller, CEO at FiCare Federal Credit Union and Night of Miracles Committee Chair, stopped by the Studio Lounge to share her thoughts on what the event means to The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates member credit unions.

Denelle talked about fundraising efforts for Children's Miracle Network (raising more than $1 million), supporting vital hospital care across multiple states -- as well as the impact of credit union collaboration and community support.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to visit our ENGAGE interview archive page for more episodes from the conference -- as well as supporting our host/sponsors: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, LEVERAGE, Backbone, i2c inc., and Despite Impossible podcast.

Melissa Gehl, National Credit Unions for Kids Program Manager, and Kristen Schavemaker, Chief Partnerships Officer, Children’s Miracle Network, joined us in the Studio Lounge at Night of Miracles to discuss what this particular event means to local Children's Hospitals -- with this year's fundraising efforts bringing in more than $1 million.

Melissa and Kristen talked about the 40-year relationship between Children's Miracle Network and Credit Unions for Kids -- how credit unions are making a significant impact on children's healthcare needs.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to visit our ENGAGE interview archive page for more episodes from the conference -- as well as supporting our host/sponsors: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, LEVERAGE, Backbone, i2c inc., and Despite Impossible podcast.

PARC Street Group Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Events Tammy O'Hara stopped by the Studio Lounge during the Night of Miracles events to share her thoughts on the annual event's impact on the industry -- especially on those credit unions within The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates family.

Tammy discussed her long-standing commitment to Children's Miracle Network and the positive impact events like these have on Credit Unions for Kids raising millions of dollars each year.

She also touched on CEO compensation, new initiatives at her firm like PARC Street Advisors, and the company's client-focused philosophy -- as well as highlighting the tremendous growth and dedication of the PARC Street team.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to visit our ENGAGE interview archive page for more episodes from the conference -- as well as supporting our host/sponsors: The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, LEVERAGE, Backbone, i2c inc., and Despite Impossible podcast.