PALM DESERT, Calif.—The Defense Credit Union Council’s 2025 Annual Conference Wednesday included awards and an announcement regarding a new partnership for the trade association.
DCUC announced it is collaborating with CUES.
According to DCUC, the collaboration is designed to strengthen member offerings through a shared commitment to leadership development, innovation, and credit union excellence. CUES CEO Heather McKissick and DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez made the announcement together.
The collaboration creates new opportunities for members of both organizations and reflects a mutual dedication to serving the evolving needs of the credit union community, the two leaders explained.
“This partnership represents a natural alignment of two organizations that are passionate about empowering credit unions and their leaders,” said Hernandez. “By bringing our missions together, we’re offering more than just discounts—we’re creating opportunities for credit union professionals to grow, connect, and better serve their communities, especially those that support our military and veterans.”
“CUES is proud to collaborate with DCUC to offer meaningful leadership development experiences to even more credit union professionals,” McKissick said. “We believe in the power of mission-centered collaboration and look forward to working alongside DCUC to amplify our impact, reach more members, and foster a stronger, more unified credit union movement.”
Jim Hayes, president/CEO of State Department Federal Credit Union, board secretary, DCUC, and board director, CUES, also expressed his support for the partnership.
“It’s truly exciting to see these two powerhouse organizations—DCUC and CUES—unite with a shared purpose: to amplify collaboration, empower credit union leaders and staff, and deepen the impact we have on the communities we all serve. This kind of partnership is exactly what fuels the broader mission of the credit union movement— 'people helping people,” he said.
As part of the collaboration, DCUC member credit unions will receive a first-time attendee discount of 10% on select CUES events, including Directors Conference (excluding CUES CEO Institute). In addition, CUES members will receive a first-time attendee discount of 10% for DCUC’s 2026 Annual Conference.
“This collaboration marks an important milestone in DCUC’s ongoing commitment to increasing member value and forging powerful alliances that drive innovation across the credit union industry,” DCUC stated in a release.
Wednesday's meeting included an update on recent DCUC advocacy efforts and important issues moving across Capitol Hill delivered by DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak. Stverak then moderated a panel discussion with leaders from across the broader financial and payment systems industry, including John Broda, president & CEO, AFFN; Patrick Dwyer, VP, U.S. State Government Affairs, Mastercard; and Soumya Johar, senior director, Visa. The panel provided their individual and shared insights on how credit unions can plan, adapt, and excel in the payments revolution.
CUs Honored
Andrews Federal Credit Union (USAG Benelux) was presented with the 2024 Army Credit Union of the Year Service Award. During the afternoon session, Navy Federal Credit Union (Souda Bay) and Topside Federal Credit Union (Potomac, Dahlgren) were also recognized for being selected by the Department of the Navy as the 2024 Navy Distinguished Credit Union of the Year.