DCUC Conference: Thursday Recap
WASHINGTON, DC (August 11, 2023) — The Defense Credit Union Council’s (DCUC) 2023 Annual Conference moved into another conference day featuring a presentation by keynote speaker and former U.S. Army Ranger, Keni Thomas, a highly anticipated trade association panel discussion, and insights from NUCA Board Chair, the Honorable Rodney Hood.
Thomas’ keynote presentation focused on why it’s important to lead the way, how others are directly impacted by the result of our leadership and discussed the responsibilities that come with leading.
“Leadership has never been the rank, the position, or the title you hold. It’s the example you set for the ones you serve,” said Thomas. “We all serve somebody. There are people to your left and to your right who are counting on you and it’s up to you to deliver. But you will only be as good as you prepared yourself to be.”
Following Thomas’ presentation, a panel of credit union industry leaders took to the stage. DCUC’s President/CEO Anthony Hernandez was joined by the National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions’ (NAFCU) President/CEO Dan Berger and the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) President/CEO Jim Nussle. Their conversation covered the importance of the credit union industry working together to advance its common mission and the hot topic of the recently proposed merger between NAFCU and CUNA.
The afternoon session moved forward with updates and insights provided by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board member The Honorable Rodney Hood. Hood shared the current state of America’s credit union system and its role in the American Economy both today and tomorrow.
Following the General Session, DCUC held its Annual Business Meeting. During the meeting, two DCUC Board Member positions were filled. Frank Padak, President/CEO, Scott Credit Union, and Jack Fallis, President/CEO, Global Credit Union, were re-elected to the two open Representative-at-large positions. Additionally, DCUC held its first passing of the gavel ceremony which honored Bill Birnie’s years of leadership as past Board Chairman and announced DCUC’s newest Board Chairman, Jack Fallis.
Thursday evening, DCUC held its annual Hall of Honor Dinner and ceremony. Every year, DCUC honors individuals whose contributions over the years have made a significant difference to DCUC and the defense credit union community. This year’s ceremony honored three exceptional individuals: Denise Floyd, Brigadier General (BG) Roger Scearce, and Colonel (Col) Sam Farace. The evening also featured lively entertainment from the talented Boss Band and actress, stand-up comedian, and Armed Forces Insurance Air Force Spouse of the Year, Ashley Gutermuth.
Photos provided by Alexander Aleman.
Keynote Speaker and former U.S. Army Ranger Keni Thomas discusses the responsibilities and impact of leadership with DCUC Annual Conference attendees. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman
DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez and NCUA Board Chair, the Honorable Rodney Hood, discuss the current state of America’s credit union system and its role in the American Economy. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez leads a joint trade association discussion with NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger and CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez leads a joint trade association discussion with NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger and CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
DCUC’s new Board Chairman and President, PNW & International Markets
Global CU (AK) Jack Fallis, DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez, and Frontwave CU President/CEO and former DCUC Board Chairman Bill Birnie. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
Retired President/CEO of Fort Sill FCU and former DCUC Board member Denise Floyd is inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
Past Andrews FCU Board member and longtime DCUC DoD consultant Brigadier General (BG) Roger Scearce is inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
AFFCU Chairman and avid DCUC supporter Colonel (Col) Sam Farace is inducted into the DCUC Hall of Honor. Photo provided by Alexander Aleman.
About Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC)
The Defense Credit Union Council is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. By maintaining a close and constant liaison with the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and NCUA, the Council champions the interests of credit unions serving our military and veteran communities by coordinating policy, procedures, and legislation impacting morale and welfare, financial readiness, and the delivery of quality financial products and services. Organized in 1963, the Council’s membership is comprised of 180 credit unions with over 35 million members. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact DCUC at alert@dcuc.org.
