AACUC conference honors credit union leaders, spotlighting bold leadership and inclusion

More than 450 credit union leaders gathered in Alpharetta, Georgia, for AACUC’s 2026 Annual Conference, where the group honored three longtime executives with its top lifetime award. The event focused on leadership, AI, financial inclusion and developing the next generation of credit union talent.

Why it matters: - AACUC’s annual gathering is a key convening point for credit union leaders focused on diversity, inclusion and leadership development. - The conference put a spotlight on how the credit union movement is responding to AI, workforce gaps and service to historically underserved communities. - Honoring longtime executives with the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award underscores the industry’s emphasis on legacy, representation and transformational leadership.

What happened: - More than 450 credit union executives, emerging leaders, industry partners and retirees attended AACUC’s 2026 Annual Conference in Alpharetta, Georgia. - The four-day event centered on the theme “Not Like Us: We’re Bold, Mindful and Brave...The Remix.” - Velera served as conference title sponsor. - Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers delivered the keynote address. - AACUC President and CEO Renée Sattiewhite framed the theme as a call to action for the credit union movement. - AACUC presented its Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award to Marsha Majors, Mary McDuffie and Gary J. Perez. - AACUC and CEO40Group gave the 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award to Lucy Ito. - The AACUC Board of Directors honored Chuck Fagan, outgoing CEO of Velera, for his support of AACUC’s mission.

The details: - Conference programming included keynote presentations, interactive educational sessions, leadership development opportunities and networking events. - Devers focused on resilience, perseverance and overcoming adversity in her keynote. - Sessions covered AI innovation, executive leadership, financial inclusion, workforce development and pathways for future credit union professionals. - AACUC highlighted its Young Professionals Summit as part of its effort to develop emerging leaders. - The Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award is AACUC’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement and transformational leadership. - Marsha Majors is the retired president and CEO of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union. - Mary McDuffie is the retired president and CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union. - Gary J. Perez is president and CEO of USC Credit Union. - Lucy Ito previously served as president and CEO of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors. - AACUC has spent nearly three decades promoting leadership development, financial inclusion and professional advancement.

Between the lines: - The conference theme signaled a push for leaders to rethink how credit unions recruit talent, invest in future executives and expand opportunity. - The awards lineup reflected AACUC’s effort to connect legacy leaders with newer changemakers across the industry. - The focus on mentorship and collaboration suggested the organization is leaning into cross-generational leadership as a strategy for long-term resilience. - AACUC’s programming also shows how diversity and inclusion remain central to the group’s identity and to its view of the credit union sector’s future.

What's next: - AACUC will continue using its annual conference as a platform for leadership development, networking and industry collaboration. - The organization is expected to keep promoting opportunity for emerging professionals through programs like the Young Professionals Summit. - AACUC’s broader mission remains centered on increasing diversity and strengthening representation across the credit union community.

The bottom line: - AACUC used its 2026 conference to celebrate the movement’s past, elevate current leaders and press the industry to prepare the next generation.