Three sessions available: February 23, 24 and 25 at 11:30 am CT.

Virtual GAC is new to all of us. Join us for this pre-conference session to learn how to navigate the Social27 virtual platform to make sure you're getting the most out of your GAC experience. We'll also show you how to

• Setup your profile
• Record a Hello World video
• Connect with attendees
• Build out your agenda for the week
• Make appointments with our sponsors
• And more

Three sessions available: February 23, 24 and 25 at 12:30 pm CT.

Hear how a unified government presents both opportunities and challenges as we advocate for credit unions. We'll touch on:

• The credit union advocacy agenda
• Lobbying in a virtual environment
• Messaging to both democrats and republicans

Speakers:

• Becca Durr, Director of Advocacy, CUNA
• Robert Flock, Director of Advocacy, CUNA
• Jeremy Empol, Vice President of Federal Affairs, California Credit Union League

Every one of your products, services and delivery channels are covered by multiple laws, rules and regulations. And, with every rule comes potential risk of a compliance violation or costly litigation. We'll talk through pressing matters of regulatory compliance and you'll leave with best practices your organization should deploy. Our panel of professionals will also provide updates on litigation “hot spots” and their potential effect on credit union operations.

Speakers:

• Alexander Monterrubio, Senior Director of Advocacy & Counsel,  CUNA
• David Reed, Partner, Reed & Jolly
• Cristina Miller, Partner, Styskal, Wiese & Melchione, LLP (SW&M)
• Christopher Pippett, Chair of the Financial Services Industry Practice, Fox Rothschild

Sponsored by Credit Union Compliance Management System^TM (CU CMS)

Real-time payments are commonplace in many countries, but have been slow to roll-out in the U.S. The panel discussion will explore the current state of play, various use cases and factors credit unions should consider in determining how and when to implement real-time payment solutions.  

Panelists include The Clearing House, a leader in this space, the Federal Reserve System, with plans to launch its FedNow alternative by 2023-2024, and Nacha, who continues to speed the delivery of ACH payments with multiple same-day windows. 

Speakers:

• Glen Savardy, Managing Principal, 154 Advisors
• Daniel Gonzalez, Vice President & National Account Director Federal Reserve's Customer Relations & Support, Office Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
• Brad Ganey, SVP/COO, Catalyst Corporate Credit Union
• Steve Ledford, SVP, Product & Strategy, The Clearing House

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a business imperative for all credit unions. Explore how DEI positions credit unions for success, strengthens our advocacy efforts, and helps advance financial well-being for all-one member at a time.

Speakers:

• Ryan Donovan, Chief Advocacy Officer, CUNA
• Samira Salem, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CUNA 
• Angela Russell, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CUNA Mutual
• Monica Davy, Former Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, NCUA
• Amy Nelson, CEO, Point West Credit Union

Seismic demographic shifts and the resulting “lower for longer” interest rate environment mean longstanding economic assumptions, relationships and metrics are less relevant. Instead, politics and the political climate have assumed increasing importance. 

In an environment characterized by crisis, uncertainty and increasing complexity, these trends are magnified. And for many members, financial well-being has declined dramatically during the pandemic, and at the same time borrowing and credit union operating results have fundamentally changed. In this session, CUNA's Chief Economic Officer Mike Schenk and Senior Economist Jordan van Rijn will explore these themes and their implications for credit union operations in 2021 and beyond.

Speakers:

• Mike Schenk, Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Policy Analysis and Chief Economist, CUNA
• Jordan Van Rijn, Senior Economist, CUNA

Sponsored by CO-OP Financial Services

With many credit union boards and legislators holding virtual meetings it may seem more difficult for volunteers to advocate for credit unions during the pandemic. With the recent election and challenges facing our members, it's extremely important to advocate for the credit union movement. This panel will feature three credit union board members and we'll discuss some best practices on advocating in a virtual and socially distanced environment.

Speakers:

• Adam Engelman, Director of Federal Grassroots and Programs, CUNA 
• Frank Chinn, Immediate Past Chairman, Unitus Community Credit Union
• Gary Chizmadia, Chairman, Credit Union of New Jersey
• Stacey Walker, Board Member, XCEL Federal Credit Union

Sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group

Executives from key management areas engage in a moderated dialogue about post-pandemic: changes, expectations, considerations, actions and opportunities. Insights from the perspective of: 

• Lending
• Marketing & Business Development
• Operations & Member Experience
• Technology
• HR & Organizational Development
• Finance

Speakers:

• Mia Perez, Chief Administrative Officer, Louisiana FCU
• Greg Inman, Chief Operations Officer, Neighbors FCU
• Buddy Bennett, Chief Operating Officer, Cyprus FCU
• Leigh Brady, EVP-Organizational Development, State Employees' Credit Union
• Ray Lindley, Chief Operating Officer, Elevations Credit Union
• Jim Phillips, Chief Information Officer, SchoolsFirst FCU
• Susan Gruber, EVP/Chief Finance Officer, Patelco CU
• Brian Grytdal, VP Marketing, Horizon CU
• Jason Lindstrom, President & CEO, Evergreen Credit Union
• Brad Barnes, Chief Finance Officer, Air Academy FCU

Sponsored by CUNA Councils

CUNA staff and expert guests will share what is happening at the NCUA, CFPB and FHFA. We will discuss pending, as well as future rulemakings, that will impact credit unions so you have a good understanding of the regulatory landscape. Come prepared with questions on rules and regulations that are important to your operations.

Speakers:

• Luke Martone, Senior Director of Advocacy & Counsel, CUNA
• Mark McArdles, Assistant Director, Mortgage Markets, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Sponsored by CUNA Compliance & Risk Council

You've heard of CULAC, CUNA's federal PAC, but just what is a PAC? How does it work? How does it help advance our credit union advocacy agenda? Hear from the team of experts behind CUNA's nationally-renowned political action program for an inside look at how CULAC, CUNA and Leagues are delivering advocacy wins for credit unions in the political sphere.  

Speakers:

• Trey Hawkins, Vice President of Political Affairs, CUNA
• Abby Truhart, Political Director, CUNA
• Andy Byun, Political Program Manager, CUNA
• Trey Richardson, Managing Partner, Sagac Public Affairs and GR Pro
• Jack Quigley, Managing Partner, Elevated Campaigns & Public Affairs

Congress created the credit union charter with an express mission to: Promote thrift among members and create a source of credit for productive and provident purposes. Today, credit unions deliver on that promise with a laser focus on improving financial well-being for all.  

The business case is obvious: Improving member financial health produces more loyal members, stronger communities and more successful, resilient credit unions. The need is great - and growing - as the global pandemic rages and policymakers increasingly want proof of credit union mission fulfillment. What are members facing? How can your credit union more effectively deliver on its ability to change lives?  How can we better communicate the difference we make? This panel explores these questions and outlines the growing national conversation on impact and mission fulfillment. 

Speakers:

• Gigi Hyland,  Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation National Credit Union Foundation
• Dan Schline, President & CEO, Carolinas Credit Union League
• Taylor Nelms, Senior Director of Research, Filene Research Institute
• Todd Marksberry, President & CEO, Canvas Credit Union

Delivery of financial services is evolving with innovations emerging from credit unions, banks and non-bank technology firms. The current regulatory framework was not designed to address today's models, leaving loopholes in existing laws and regulations. This creates opportunities for non-bank firms to deliver “bank-like” services without the guardrails and protections consumers take for granted. 

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is accepting applications for “special purpose charters” conferring banking rights without the typical regulatory and compliance requirements of a national bank. This session will consider the range of these models, their associated risks, and CUNA's strategy to ensure that non-banks offering financial services face a level playing field.

Speakers:

• Lance Noggle, Senior Director Advocacy For Payments & Cybersecurity, CUNA
• Glen Savardy, Managing Principal, 154 Advisors
• Chris Otey, Chief Revenue Officer, CU 2.0
• Brian Lauer, Partner, Messick Lauer & Smith P.C.

A fast-paced, free-flowing discussion with CEOs on the changes that surround us, the impact of the pandemic and insights related to “what's next.” What does the great re-set look like? How are CEOs preparing, handling, shifting focus? Topics include:

• Memberships that were hard hit, hoping to rebound
• Technology's rapid adoption and new security paradigms
• Communities stretched thin, looking to regroup
• Shifting behaviors of workers and consumers
• Changes to traditional credit union services and burgeoning new opportunities

Speakers:

• John Best, Founder and CEO, Best Innovation Group
• John Janclaes, President & CEO, Partners FCU
• Crystal Long, President & CEO, GECU
• Thomas O'Shea, President & CEO, Aspire FCU
• Mike Valentine, President & CEO, BCU

Sponsored by CUNA CEO Council

Examine voter and consumer research to better understand the importance of nuances in messaging. What words lead voters to advocate and consumers to choose credit unions? Join us to find out.  

Speakers: 

• Ryan Donovan, Chief Advocacy Officer, CUNA 
• Richard Gose, Chief Political Officer, CUNA
• Chris Lorence, Executive Director, CU Awareness
• Keith Frederick, Pollster, FrederickPolls
• Dhushan Thevarajah, Chief Strategy Officer, BEworks