Credit Union Leaders Gather for Inspiring CEO Panel

Panelists (L-R): Kevin Miller, CEO of Travis Credit Union; Donna Bland, CEO of Golden 1 Credit Union; Erin Mendez, CEO of Patelco Credit Union; Sara Klein, CEO of Organized Labor Credit Union; and moderator Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the California Credit Union League and Nevada's Credit Unions.

The California Credit Union League’s Sacramento Network recently hosted a sold-out crowd of 150 credit union leaders and professionals from across the greater Sacramento region for its highly anticipated 2025 CEO Panel.
 
Held at the Hilton Arden West, the event provided attendees with valuable insights into leadership, member service, operational strategies, and the power of collective advocacy. The evening featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Scott Simpson, president and CEO of the California Credit Union League and Nevada’s Credit Unions. Panelists included Sara Klein, CEO of Organized Labor Credit Union; Kevin Miller, CEO of Travis Credit Union; Donna Bland, CEO of Golden 1 Credit Union; and Erin Mendez, CEO of Patelco Credit Union.
 
Panelists shared their experiences in navigating both opportunities and challenges over the years, offering attendees valuable mentorship nuggets and practical advice. Discussions centered on the evolving landscape of:
 

• Cybersecurity and Business Continuity: The importance of comprehensive business continuity plans was emphasized, covering multiple scenarios and timeframes. The need for adaptability and acceptance of change was highlighted. A key point was the necessity of stress-testing these plans, asking “What will it take to break the bank?” The COVID-19 pandemic experience has demonstrably strengthened and improved organizational resilience.
• Industry Collaboration: Panelists showcased impressive levels of collaboration within the credit union industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies/natural disasters. Numerous organizations have reached out to assist struggling credit unions over the long term, demonstrating a strong spirit of mutual support. This collaborative spirit has been a source of pride for all involved.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Do credit union professionals want to accept that AI is here to stay, or deny it? That’s the question encapsulating the discussion around AI in many credit unions today. The consensus was to embrace AI, but with appropriate “guardrails” in place. This approach allows teams to explore AI’s potential and identify opportunities while mitigating risks.
• 2025 Outlook and Member Service: Discussions about 2025 focused on navigating potential volatility and serving members effectively. Strategies varied, including welcoming new members, managing loan growth, and prioritizing service during fluctuating employment situations. Concerns were raised about potentially higher delinquencies due to inflated credit scores during the post-pandemic years. Some credit unions are focusing on attracting shares, maintaining a low loan-to-share ratio, and actively monitoring and adjusting open lines of credit.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Lending: The discussion around ITIN lending highlighted the tension between regulatory compliance and the responsibility to serve and care for members.

 
More importantly, panelists also shared the most impactful experience or decision that set them on the path to becoming a credit union CEO, as well as advice for younger leaders who aspire to reach executive positions in the credit union industry.
 
“One of the most impactful experiences that set me on the path to becoming a CEO was having a great leader who inspired me to push further in both my education and career aspirations,” Klein said. “I was challenged to step outside of my comfort zone, think bigger, and strive for excellence.”
 
As a professional credit union leader at the time, Klein’s guidance from her CEO and his support instilled in her the confidence to pursue leadership roles, continuously develop skills, and remain resilient in the face of challenges, she said. His influence shaped her mindset, teaching Klein the importance of vision, perseverance, and the ability to uplift others. Her advice to young leaders aspiring to reach executive positions in the credit union industry is simple: stay focused, work hard, and work for a leader who believes in you.
 
“Stay focused on your goals and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow,” Klein added. “Hard work and dedication will set you apart, so always go the extra mile and embrace challenges as learning experiences. Most importantly, find a leader who sees your potential, supports your development, and pushes you to be your best. The right mentorship and environment can make all the difference in your journey to executive leadership.”
 
Miller said when he became the CEO of Travis CU, the support and warm welcome from fellow chief executives made all the difference. In addition, collaboration is key.
 
“Collaboration goes beyond sharing ideas,” Miller said. “It’s about learning from each other’s experiences, understanding what works and what doesn’t, and living the ‘people helping people’ philosophy to better serve our members and communities.”
 
Mendez shared that in today’s fast moving, ever-changing marketplace — as well as collaboration and sharing of experiences — learning and perspectives are a differentiation that credit unions have and should frequently embrace.
 
“We are fortunate to work in an industry that values collaboration,” Mendez said. “It can make a huge difference, particularly when entering into unknown or untried territory.”
 
Beyond the insightful panel discussion, the event also highlighted the credit union movement’s commitment to community. A successful silent auction raised funds for UC Davis Children’s Hospital, a local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital.
 
The League’s Sacramento Network extends a special thank you to its “Event Champions”. Their generous support made the event possible. They included:
 

• Platinum: Alliance Reverse Mortgage, SWBC.
• Gold: Origence.
• Silver: State National Companies (SNC), Eltropy.
• Bronze: TruStage, InterWest Insurance Services, The Best Service Company, and Dovenmuehle.

 
The 2025 CEO Panel proved to be a resounding success, fostering connections among industry professionals and providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Attendees enjoyed a delectable spread of food and beverages, further enhancing networking opportunities. The sold-out event underscored the strong sense of community and collaboration within credit unions, demonstrating the collective commitment to serving members and supporting important causes.
 
“Our annual CEO Panel provides a platform for credit union leaders to come together because we believe that collaboration is the key to driving meaningful impact,” said Lindsey Shores, co-chair and program chair of the Sacramento Valley Network, and loan participations manager for SchoolsFirst FCU. “By fostering a synergy of shared resources, ideas, and expertise, we empower credit unions to better serve their members and communities. This collective effort strengthens the philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ ensuring that financial wellbeing and inclusivity remain at the heart of everything we do.”

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