​On Wednesday, August 5, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) held its 2026 Hall of Honor Gala during the DCUC Annual Conference, honoring three exceptional credit union leaders: LtCol Clarence M. “Chuck” Collins III, Board Chair, Marine Federal Credit Union; Maria Martinez, President/CEO, Border Federal Credit Union; and L. Dail Turner, Board Vice Chair, Andrews Federal Credit Union. Each inductee shared their gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on the colleagues, families, mentors, and communities who supported their journeys and contributed to their collective success.
 
LtCol Collins III shared an acceptance speech, starting by sharing his love for the United States Marine Corps.
 
“Twenty-four years with the Marine Corps, I had the privilege of flying helicopters. I had four command billets and learned more life's lessons than I could possibly count. And I am who I am today because of the Corp,” said LtCol Collins III. “And now, I’d like to offer a few words about defense credit unions, and this applies to everyone in this room.”
 
During his remarks, LtCol Collins III spoke about the incredible support, assistance, and unrelenting guidance that defense credit unions provide to military members and veterans. Whether helping someone buy their first car or home, navigate a deployment, or manage paycheck delays during a government shutdown, defense credit unions remain committed to being there for their members when they need it most.
 
“Nobody knows how to guarantee a paycheck in the middle of a government shutdown like we do, or puts the kind of money, time, and effort into educating this young military member like we do.”
 
LtCol Collins III also spoke to the unique value DCUC provides to credit unions committed to serving those who serve, highlighting the organization’s expertise in military, veteran, and Department of War matters and its ability to advocate for credit unions and their members. He emphasized the importance of having an organization that understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the defense credit union mission.
 
“They know the DoW, they know how to advocate bigger and stronger for us. Over my 30 years in the credit union movement, DCUC is at the top of the list, the creme de la creme because they know defense credit unions and the unique circumstances and issues.”
 
Martinez then offered a moving reflection on her journey through the credit union movement, sharing personal experiences and lessons from her years of leadership and service during her acceptance remarks.
 
“Border Federal Credit Union was founded more than 70 years ago by a small group of military employees and some federal employees from Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. We were founded to serve as a trusted financial partner, and that vision continues to be the guide that we follow today,” shared Marinez. “For many decades, we have stood alongside active-duty servicemembers, veterans, civilian employees, and their families through financial education, counselling, responsible lending, and simply being there when life became difficult. We have witnessed the incredible resilience of those who wear our nation's uniform. Whether helping a military family overcome financial hardship, or a veteran retire with dignity. Those moments remind us that the work we do matters.”
 
Martinez continued, “But tonight, as I reflect on this recognition, I cannot help but think about another journey, because I had a journey. Many years ago, my family and I crossed the border; we came from Mexico into the United States and we arrived here with very, very little. We didn't have a road map, we only had faith. I never imagined that one day I would be standing here.”
 
“That's the beauty of America, that is the beauty of opportunity. And that is the beauty of the credit union movement,” said Martinez said. “Because credit unions have never judged people from where they started. When the member comes in, we don’t ask where they have been, we ask ‘how can we help you.’ That simple question changes lives, believe it or not. It certainly changed mine.”
 
Martinez concluded, expressing “The credit union movement gave me something far greater than a career, it gave me a purpose. The credit union philosophy, people helping people, those three words are not a slogan, they are a promise. A promise that every person deserves dignity. A promise that every financial opportunity should never depend on where you were born, how much money you have, or what obstacles you have faced. A promise in hope is one of the greatest investments we can ever make. And as leaders, we spend countless hours talking about innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity and growth. But technology was never replace compassion. Algorithms will never replace empathy. Innovation will never replace humanity. And no matter how sophisticated the industry becomes, our greatest competitive advantage will always be the human heart.”
 
Col Turner concluded with an acceptance speech reflecting on several pivotal moments throughout his tenure and the many individuals and fellow team members who helped shape the transformative growth and success of Andrews FCU. He recognized the contributions of colleagues, industry leaders, and those who supported the credit union along the way, emphasizing that its achievements were the result of a shared commitment to its members and mission. Turner also reminded guests of the enduring purpose at the heart of the defense credit union movement: honoring our nation’s military members and veterans by serving their financial needs, supporting their families, and carrying forward a commitment to those who have served.
 
“This year’s honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose and to dedicate a career to serving others,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. “Their stories reflect the very best of the credit union movement, leadership rooted in service, a commitment to people and community, and a lasting dedication to those who serve. Their contributions have strengthened our movement and created a legacy that will continue to inspire the leaders who follow.”
 
DCUC thanks Elite Plus Sponsor Visa and Principal Sponsor Scienaptic AI for their generous sponsorship of the 2026 Hall of Honor reception bar and dinner. The night followed with a special afterparty, Miami Nights: Salsa, Casino & Celebration, thanks to sponsors Alloya and Trellance.

​In response to the confirmation of John Crews to the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) Board, Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association, made this statement:

“Crews brings extensive experience in financial services policy, and a strong understanding of the important role credit unions play in strengthening communities and expanding access to affordable financial services. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a thoughtful approach to regulation. During the Senate Confirmation hearing Crews outlined a supervisory framework that remains responsive to a changing financial services marketplace.
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We look forward to working with Crews as the NCUA continues its efforts to modernize and improve the regulatory framework governing credit unions. A regulatory system that is risk focused, tailored, and forward looking enables credit unions to devote more resources to innovation, member service, and the financial well-being of the communities they serve.”

​The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), a national association representing credit unions serving military and veteran communities, issues the following statement congratulating John Crews on his official confirmation to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board.
 
"We commend Congress for confirming John Crews as NCUA Board Chairman," says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. "This decision provides the credit union system with the balanced, thoughtful oversight needed to advance our cooperative mission across communities nationwide and overseas. More than 40 million military, veteran, and defense-affiliated members rely on their credit union as a trusted partner for financial readiness, and we look forward to engaging with Chairman Crews to strengthen these vital services across the cooperative movement."
 
“Chairman Crews brings a strong understanding of regulatory policy and public service to this leadership role," states Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. "As the credit union movement faces evolving economic shifts and technological innovations, DCUC remains committed to working alongside the NCUA to ensure regulatory framework empowers credit unions and their members to thrive."
 
During the confirmation process, DCUC sent letters to Congressional oversight committees highlighting several key priorities aligned with Crews' testimony:

• Maintaining the foundational stability of the credit union system.
• Supporting efficient, risk-based regulation that accounts for institutional size and operational differences.
• Preparing for technological advancement while safeguarding member assets.
• Encouraging the growth of new credit unions to serve underbanked and military communities.
• Preserving an open, accessible, and collaborative dialogue between the NCUA and the credit union movement.

​Explore how DCUC advocates for defense credit unions on NCUA and regulatory policy matters here.

Eltropy, the agentic AI-powered conversations platform for community financial institutions (CFIs), today released a new strategic guide, "Attract, Activate, Nurture, Amplify: The AI Playbook for Community Financial Institutions." The playbook gives credit union and community bank leaders a structured framework for deploying AI across every stage of the consumer relationship, rather than as a single point solution bolted onto customer service.
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The AI Playbook, By the Numbers

• The playbook outlines a four-stage AI framework for community financial institutions: Attract, Activate, Nurture, Amplify
• Eltropy's AI Chat Agents automate up to 80% of routine member inquiries
• Institutions using Eltropy AI report a 40% reduction in call volume
• The platform delivers 24x7 access to self-serve support options
• The Eltropy Safe AI Framework applies four layers of protection: model foundation, guardrails, application design, and AI governance

Eltropy's argument in the playbook is blunt: A credit union with three branches can out-serve a regional bank with thirty, as long as it answers the phone, the chat, and the text faster than the competition does. The guide frames consumer expectations around instant, personalized support on their preferred channel without repeating themselves, and treats meeting that expectation at scale as an intelligence problem rather than a staffing problem.

The playbook walks through how AI Chat Agents, AI Voice Agents, AI Assistants, and Conversational Intelligence apply differently at each stage of the journey. In the acquisition phase, AI helps institutions engage high-intent website visitors and callers before competitors do. In the activation phase, the focus shifts to always-on support that keeps conversations moving without losing the human touch. The nurture stage centers on catching early signs of member frustration or churn risk before they turn into lost relationships, and the amplification stage looks at how satisfied members can be turned into active advocates through automated referral prompts and upgrade nudges.

A significant portion of the guide addresses trust and governance, an area regulated institutions weigh closely when evaluating AI vendors. The Eltropy Safe AI Framework outlined in the playbook covers pre-vetted model foundations, configurable guardrails, multi-layer response validation, and governance and training resources designed to give institutions clarity on what their AI can and cannot do.

Saahil Kamath, VP of Product and Head of AI at Eltropy, said the playbook responds to a pattern Eltropy keeps hearing from institutions.

“Credit unions and community banks keep telling us the same thing: they know AI matters, but they don't have a clear way to sequence it across the member journey,” said Kamath. “Attract, Activate, Nurture, Amplify gives them that sequence, built on a safety foundation they can stand behind with their board and their regulators.”

The playbook is available now as a free download on Eltropy's website at eltropy.com/playbook. ​

​CU Student Choice, the leading provider of education financing solutions for credit unions, today announced the launch of new line of credit programs designed for students seeking professional degrees in fields such as medicine, dentistry, and law. Langley Federal Credit Union and Elements Financial are the first two credit unions to introduce the new programs, with a dozen more credit unions expected to launch professional degree offerings within the next 45 days.
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The announcement comes as new federal student loan rules that took effect July 1, 2026, eliminated the Graduate PLUS Loan program for new borrowers, significantly reducing federal financing options for students pursuing professional degrees. For students enrolled in multi-year programs with substantial education costs, the changes are likely to create greater demand for flexible private financing alternatives.

"The elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans has created an immediate need for new financing options for professional students," said Scott Patterson, President and CEO of CU Student Choice. "Our professional degree line of credit gives credit unions an opportunity to fill that gap with financing that's built for the realities of multi-year professional education."

Unlike many traditional private student loans that require borrowers to submit a new application each academic year, Student Choice's professional degree financing is structured as a reusable line of credit. Eligible borrowers apply once and draw only the funds they need over multiple academic years, subject to annual review and credit approval. This approach helps simplify the borrowing process while giving students greater flexibility as education costs fluctuate.

"Tuition is rising, funding is not”, said A. Jerome Fowlkes, Chief Impact Officer, Langley Federal Credit Union. “That gap hits graduate students hardest, the future doctors and lawyers our communities depend on. Langley designed lending programs built for the real cost of medical and law school, with one-time application and approval. Apply once. Focus on your degree, not your funding."

Langley Federal Credit Union will offer the new program to eligible students attending select Virginia medical and law schools, including programs at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Elements Financial launched a broad set of professional degree offerings that are now available to students attending eligible schools across the nation.

The new programs include features designed specifically for graduate and professional borrowers, including residency deferment and residency loans for eligible medical students. Combined with the reusable line of credit structure, the programs provide additional flexibility throughout school and into advanced clinical training.

"Professional degree financing is about much more than helping a student pay for school," said Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer of CU Student Choice. "It's an opportunity for credit unions to begin relationships with members who are entering careers with significant long-term financial needs. By supporting them early, credit unions can earn trust at a pivotal moment and continue serving those members as they finance vehicles, purchase homes, build wealth and plan for the future."

Student Choice's professional degree line of credit can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, housing and other qualified education expenses, depending on program terms. Programs offered through participating credit unions feature no origination fees, no prepayment penalties and repayment terms of up to 25 years, depending on the credit union and product.

Demonstrating the power of cooperation and a commitment to helping Maine families, the Maine Credit Union League, Synergent®, and nearly every Maine credit union—including two headquartered outside of Maine—have joined together to raise $100,000 for Good Shepherd Food Bank through the 48 to Feed the State initiative.
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The statewide effort encouraged each of Maine’s 48 credit unions to contribute $1,000 to the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger in support of Good Shepherd Food Bank. Credit unions contributed a combined $48,800, and the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, the League’s credit union service organization (CUSO), matched those contributions and rounded up the total to an even $100,000 donation. League associate members headquartered outside of Maine also participated, further demonstrating the cooperative spirit that defines the credit union movement.

The initiative was launched to help address the rising challenge of food insecurity across Maine. With food pantries experiencing record demand, the funding will help Good Shepherd Food Bank and its network of community partners meet the growing need.

“When communities face challenges, credit unions come together to help,” said Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “This initiative is a powerful example of what makes the credit union movement so special. Each individual contribution mattered, but together we created an impact that none of us could have achieved alone.”

The donation continues the longstanding partnership between the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and Good Shepherd Food Bank. Since 1990, the Campaign has raised more than $16 million to help combat hunger across Maine, supporting hundreds of local organizations, as well as the Food Bank, to ensure no Mainer goes without a meal.

“At Synergent, we believe our success is measured not only by how we serve credit unions, but also by how we strengthen the communities they serve,” said Tyler Hudson, President of Synergent. “Matching these contributions was an easy decision because collaboration is at the heart of the cooperative model. We’re honored to stand alongside Maine’s credit unions in helping our friends at Good Shepherd Food Bank.”

“Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is among a very small and prestigious group of our most generous donors,” shared Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “They have contributed over $1.3 million to the Food Bank alone and millions of dollars to help end hunger in our state since their Campaign began in 1990. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership.”

The 48 to Feed the State initiative reflects the cooperative philosophy that has long guided Maine’s credit union system. While each credit union serves its own members and community, they regularly work together to address statewide challenges and support causes that improve the lives of all Mainers.

“Time and again, Maine’s credit unions demonstrate that when there is a need, they are ready to respond,” Baldacci added. “Helping people is at the heart of what credit unions do. Whether it’s fighting hunger, improving financial well-being, or supporting local communities, credit unions are a trusted resource that people can count on.”

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible. Funds raised by the Campaign remain in Maine, supporting local organizations such as food banks, pantries, schools, colleges, and meal sites. You do not need to be a member of a local credit union to donate to the Campaign.

Filene Research Institute today announced a new strategic partnership with Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business. The partnership creates new opportunities for credit union leaders to engage with the broader financial services ecosystem while bringing credit union perspectives into the conversations shaping the future of money.

The collaboration will begin this fall at Money20/20 through the launch of the Credit Union Pass and exclusive programming designed specifically for credit union executives. It will continue at Filene’s premier annual event, big.bright.minds. 2026, where leaders will connect emerging financial services trends with the research and turn them into practical strategies to drive sustainable growth.

“This year we’re launching the Credit Union Pass, built specifically for credit union leaders who need meaningful access to Money20/20 in Las Vegas. Filene is the natural partner to help us do that right. By partnering with Filene, we’re bringing their research and their members directly into the rooms where the biggest decisions are being made. The Credit Union Meetup and our closed-door deep dive represent something entirely new for Money20/20: purpose-built programming designed exclusively for credit union executives. Together, we’re creating the focused, high-impact experiences and connections that will empower credit union leaders to shape the future of fintech,” said Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Money20/20.

Together, Filene and Money20/20 are helping credit unions navigate and shape the future of financial services. The partnership pairs Money20/20’s visibility into the technologies, partnerships, and market forces transforming the industry with Filene’s ability to translate those developments into research, insights, and peer perspectives credit union leaders can act on with confidence.

The next chapter of the collaboration will unfold at Filene's premier annual event, big.bright.minds., December 1-3 in New Orleans. Built around this year's theme of Growth, the event brings together credit union leaders, researchers, and industry innovators to explore the trends, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of financial services.

Through Filene's latest research, peer conversations, and programming developed with Money20/20, attendees will gain practical strategies for navigating emerging issues, including payments innovation, agentic AI, stablecoins, and real-time payment rails.

“big.bright.minds. is where we bring Filene’s most forward-looking research directly to the leaders who can act on it,” said Christie Kimbell, Executive Vice President at Filene Research Institute. “Our partnership with Money20/20 expands that conversation, giving credit union leaders direct access to the ideas, innovators, and trends shaping the broader financial services industry. That's how we help our members stay ahead of change instead of reacting to it.”

Registration for big.bright.minds. 2026 is now open at filene.org/bbm26. Innovator-level Filene members and above receive complimentary registration as a benefit of membership. Thinker-level members and non-members interested in attending can contact Filene's membership team at [email protected] to explore options.

​More than 450 credit union executives, emerging leaders, industry partners and retirees gathered for the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s (AACUC) 2026 Annual Conference, a four-day celebration of leadership, service and collaboration that culminated in honoring three distinguished credit union pioneers with the organization’s prestigious Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
Presented by Conference Title Sponsor Velera, the 2026 conference embraced the theme, “Not Like Us: We’re Bold, Mindful and Brave...The Remix,” building on the momentum of last year’s event while challenging attendees to reimagine leadership for a rapidly evolving financial services landscape.
 
The conference featured inspiring keynote presentations, interactive educational sessions, leadership development opportunities, networking experiences and celebrations designed to equip attendees to lead with courage, authenticity and purpose. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers headlined the conference, sharing a powerful message of resilience, perseverance and overcoming adversity that resonated with leaders navigating change within their organizations and communities.
 
Throughout the week, speakers and panelists explored topics ranging from AI innovation and executive leadership to financial inclusion, workforce development and creating opportunities for the next generation of credit union professionals. Sessions reinforced AACUC’s commitment to advancing diverse leadership and equipping emerging leaders with its Young Professionals Summit, while strengthening the credit union movement’s collective ability to serve historically underserved communities through the cooperative philosophy of people helping people.
 
“The Remix was more than this year’s conference theme. It was a call to action,” said AACUC President/CEO Renée Sattiewhite. “As our industry continues to evolve, we must be willing to rethink how we lead, invest in emerging talent, strengthen our institutions and expand opportunity for the communities that need us most. This conference reminded us that bold leadership is about standing together with purpose, courage and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact.”
 
A highlight of the conference was the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner, where AACUC recognized three extraordinary leaders whose decades of service, innovation and advocacy have left an enduring mark on the credit union movement. Named in honor of credit union pioneer Pete Crear, the award represents the organization’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement and transformational leadership. This year’s honorees included:

• Marsha Majors, President/CEO, Retired, U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union 
• Mary McDuffie, President/CEO, Retired, Navy Federal Credit Union 
• Gary J. Perez, President/CEO, USC Credit Union

 
The conference also celebrated leaders whose influence has strengthened the credit union movement. In collaboration with CEO40Group, AACUC presented the 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award to Lucy Ito, former President and CEO of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), recognizing her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. The AACUC Board of Directors also honored Chuck Fagan, outgoing CEO of Velera, for his longstanding partnership and unwavering support of AACUC's mission to advance leadership, equity and opportunity throughout the credit union movement.
 
The annual conference also celebrated the power of mentorship, volunteerism and collaboration, providing attendees with meaningful opportunities to connect across generations, share best practices and strengthen relationships that will continue advancing the credit union movement long after the conference concluded.
 
For nearly three decades, AACUC has championed leadership development, financial inclusion and professional advancement while fostering a stronger, more representative credit union industry. The Annual Conference remains the organization’s signature event, bringing together leaders committed to creating opportunity, empowering future generations and ensuring the cooperative movement continues to thrive.