DCUC and CUES Announce Partnership to Expand Member Value and Leadership Development

CUES' Heather McKissick

​Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) and CUES are proud to announce a new collaboration designed to strengthen member offerings through a shared commitment to leadership development, innovation, and credit union excellence. CUES CEO Heather McKissick and DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez shared the special announcement earlier today at DCUC’s 2025 Annual Conference in Palm Springs, California.
 
This collaboration creates new opportunities for members of both organizations and reflects a mutual dedication to serving the evolving needs of the credit union community.
 
“This partnership represents a natural alignment of two organizations that are passionate about empowering credit unions and their leaders,” said Hernandez. “By bringing our missions together, we’re offering more than just discounts—we’re creating opportunities for credit union professionals to grow, connect, and better serve their communities, especially those that support our military and veterans.”
 
McKissick also shared her excitement: “CUES is proud to collaborate with DCUC to offer meaningful leadership development experiences to even more credit union professionals. We believe in the power of mission-centered collaboration and look forward to working alongside DCUC to amplify our impact, reach more members, and foster a stronger, more unified credit union movement.”
 
Jim Hayes, President/CEO of State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU), Board Secretary, DCUC, and Board Director, CUES, also expressed his support for the partnership: “It’s truly exciting to see these two powerhouse organizations—DCUC and CUES—unite with a shared purpose: to amplify collaboration, empower credit union leaders and staff, and deepen the impact we have on the communities we all serve. This kind of partnership is exactly what fuels the broader mission of the credit union movement— 'people helping people.'”
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Hayes added, “Having the honor of serving on both the DCUC and CUES boards, I can personally attest to the deep commitment behind this partnership. I’m excited for the lasting value it will deliver to our industry and the communities we support across the country.”
 
As part of the collaboration, DCUC member credit unions will enjoy a first-time attendee discount of 10% on select CUES events, including Directors Conference (excluding CUES CEO Institute). In addition, CUES members will receive a first-time attendee discount of 10% for DCUC’s 2026 Annual Conference.
 
This collaboration marks an important milestone in DCUC’s ongoing commitment to increasing member value and forging powerful alliances that drive innovation across the credit union industry.

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