VeleraLIVE: Key takeaways shaping the future of credit unions

This week at VeleraLIVE, credit union leaders, industry experts, and innovators came together to explore what’s next for the movement and how to prepare for it.

From powerful keynote moments, to insightful panels, and informative breakout sessions the event delivered a clear message—one that closely reflects Velera’s strategic focus: a commitment to service, powering the future with technology, growing and evolving, and ultimately, moving faster together.

During his opening keynote, President & CEO, Chuck Fagan reflected on Velera’s evolution. He shared insights from the past, present, and an outlook for what’s ahead. From there, he introduced three new data-first solutions built on Stellaris and Atmos, the next-generation technology stack and intelligence layer within the Velera Ecosystem.

Focused on analytics, data movement, and marketing engagement, the new solutions offered a glimpse into a more connected future, one where credit unions can bring their data together and put it to work in more meaningful, impactful ways.

“Velocity doesn’t mean rushing. It’s about moving with purpose and confidence and enabling you to do the same.” - Chuck Fagan

Following Chuck’s keynote, he was joined by his successor Brian Caldarelli, Chief Administrative Officer at Velera and Board Chair Cathie Tierney for a fireside chat focused on Velera’s long-term leadership succession plan. Velera’s identity as a service-first organization was reinforced multiple times throughout the discussion, with a clear emphasis on being proactive, anticipating needs, and continuously improving the member and client experience.

“It’s about understanding what’s working. It’s about protecting what matters. It’s about being really intentional about where we go next.” - Brian Caldarelli

That mindset aligns closely with the broader themes of VeleraLIVE, particularly the focus on moving faster, while staying grounded in purpose.

A credit union executive panel was moderated by Mark Sievewright, Chief Strategy Officer and Segment Lead, Credit Unions at SRM and featured Mirella Reznic, President & CEO of Farmers Insurance FCU, Ken Senus, President & CEO of St. Mary’s Bank, Mike Valentine, President & CEO of BCU, and Caroline Willard, President & CEO of Cornerstone League. The panel explored some of the most pressing trends shaping the future of credit unions, including growth, AI, succession planning, and mergers. This discussion underscored a growing reality: credit unions must not only adapt to change, but anticipate it.

That conversation continued in a fireside chat between Chuck Fagan and America’s Credit Unions' President & CEO Scott Simpson, where they addressed some of the most critical external pressures facing the movement today.

From interchange and the credit union tax status to ongoing consolidation, the discussion highlighted the importance of advocacy, alignment, and protecting the cooperative model as the industry continues to evolve.

Erica Dhawan took the stage with a keynote on connectional intelligence, setting the tone for how communication must evolve alongside technology.

Her message was both timely and practical, focusing on how communication is evolving in a digital-first world. As credit unions continue to balance technology with human connection, her insights served as a powerful reminder that how we show up especially through digital channels matters more than ever.

“Reading messages carefully is the new listening, while writing clearly is the new empathy.” - Erica Dhawan

It reinforced an important theme throughout the event: while innovation is critical, connection remains at the core of the member experience.

AI took center stage during Mike Walsh’s keynote, The AI-Powered Organization, challenging attendees to think beyond the technology itself and consider its broader implications.

Rather than focusing solely on what AI can do, Walsh pushed the audience to think about what they will do with it, embracing uncertainty and remaining curious. 

He left us with a compelling question, "Intelligence will be everywhere. The question is, what are we going to build with it?"

VeleraLIVE was an incredible event from start to finish. From day one, attendees had the opportunity to give back, as Velera partnered with Children’s Miracle Network and CU4Kids to host a blanket station in the registration area. Throughout the day, participants stopped by to tie blankets that will be donated to children at the CMN Hospital in Orlando.

That same sense of community carried into the welcome dinner, where attendees enjoyed an “eating around the world” experience, bringing together flavors, conversations, and connections from across the industry.

And to close it all out, Tom Brady brought a motivational perspective to the stage with his message centered on resilience and consistency. He reminded attendees that meaningful progress doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s built over time through focus and perseverance.

From every keynote, panel, and breakout session at VeleraLIVE to the moments in between, reconnecting with colleagues and building new relationships, the true spirit of the credit union movement was on full display.