LAKEWOOD, Wash.--The Defense Credit Union Council, in collaboration with CUES, successfully hosted a Northwest Sub-Council meeting on Friday, March 27, at Harborstone Credit Union headquarters here, DCUC reported.
The half-day gathering brought together credit union leaders from across the Pacific-Northwest for a focused discussion on advocacy, leadership development, and the evolving needs of the industry. Designed to foster collaboration and insight sharing, the meeting featured timely advocacy and industry updates from DCUC, professional development perspectives from CUES, and an open forum where attendees discussed real-time challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping credit unions in the region.
Participants connected with peers over coffee and lunch while gaining practical takeaways to strengthen their institutions and communities.
Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, provided an in-depth briefing on current industry trends and DCUC’s strategic direction, and expressing DCUC’s commitment to addressing emerging needs within the industry.
“As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, it’s critical that we remain proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of the many communities and members we serve,” said Hernandez. “DCUC’s strategic plan is focused on strengthening advocacy, enhancing resources, and ensuring credit unions are well-positioned to meet all challenges ahead.”
CUES CEO Heather McKissick delivered an educational session focused on leadership readiness and how organizations can better prepare for leadership change. She highlighted that many organizations focus on titles and roles but often overlook the deeper sources of influence that enable leaders to move an organization forward.
“Successful leadership transitions require more than naming the next leader,” said McKissick. “Organizations need to understand where influence actually resides—from stakeholder relationships and institutional knowledge to leadership style and external credibility. When those factors are intentionally developed and shared across the leadership team, organizations are better positioned to navigate leadership change while maintaining momentum and trust.”
"The Northwest Sub-Council meeting exemplifies the value of regional collaboration and dialogue, reinforcing DCUC and CUES’ shared commitment to supporting credit union leaders in a rapidly changing environment," DCUC added.
CU Unplugged Concludes
Separately, DCUC), in partnership with Best Innovation Group (BIG), successful concluded the inaugural CU Unplugged, a first-of-its-kind event designed to transform how credit union leaders connect, collaborate, and innovate.
Held March 30–April 2, 2026, and hosted by Signature Sponsor Visa at its Market Support Center in San Francisco, CU Unplugged introduced a new format with no preset agenda, keynote speakers, or passive sessions. Instead, a curated group of credit union leaders, technologists, and innovators led real-time discussions, driving conversations and shaping outcomes collaboratively, DCUC explained.
“CU Unplugged is about elevating the voices of those doing the work every day,” said DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez. “This event created space for meaningful, unscripted dialogue around the complex challenges facing our industry.”
Participants engaged in dynamic conversations on key issues including AI governance and cybersecurity, payments and digital member experience, emerging threats, and operational challenges. “Innovation happens through open, honest dialogue,” said John Best, CEO of Best Innovation Group. “CU Unplugged created an environment where ideas could turn into action, helping shape the future of credit unions.”
Learn more at https://www.cu-unplugged.com/.