CHICAGO – The Illinois Credit Union League concluded its 95th Annual Convention in Chicago, drawing hundreds of credit union leaders and industry partners for three days of economic insight, strategic advocacy dialogue, and community engagement.
As the largest annual gathering for Illinois credit union professionals—and the first Convention led entirely by President and CEO Libby Calderone—the event centered on preparing credit unions to navigate a rapidly changing financial environment and strengthen their impact across the state, the league said.
“This Convention was an overwhelming success, confirming its role as the premier annual platform for Illinois credit union professionals,” said Calderone. “The strong attendance, coupled with the commitment shown by our leaders, proves that the movement is unified, adaptable, and strongly positioned for future growth and positive change.”
Advocacy set the tone from the outset, with a fireside chat featuring key leaders across the movement. The panel included Calderone , Scott Simpson (President/CEO, America’s Credit Unions), Becky Reed (COO, BankSocial), Gordon Holzberg (Legislative Advocacy Director, America’s Credit Unions), and Richard Gose (Principal, Hunter Station Strategies). Their discussion examined the regulatory landscape, emerging challenges for credit unions, and the path toward stronger national alignment.
The conversation was followed by a keynote address from Steven Rick, chief economist at TruStage, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the economy and its impact on CUs. Rick offered data-driven insights on interest rates, consumer behavior, and market conditions, giving attendees actionable guidance for strategic planning. The first day concluded with the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, providing robust networking with industry partners.
Day two focused on education and recognition. Attendees participated in breakout sessions covering compliance, technology, operational excellence, and digital transformation.
At the Celebration Lunch, ICUL honored the 2025 state-level America’s Credit Unions Award recipients as well as its own ICUL Award winners. The Illinois Credit Union Foundation also presented its 2025 Commemorative Awards, celebrating individuals whose lives exemplified the credit union movement’s “people helping people” philosophy.
This year’s recognitions included the returning 1st MidAmerica Credit Union memorial to George G. Burnett and new Perpetual Memorial Awards established for Billy Cerwin and Kellie Jurick. Additional memorial awards honored longtime contributors Louis “Lou” McMurray and Cornielius “Con” O’Mahoney, while a new Tribute Award recognized Keith Sias following his receipt of the national Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award.
ICUL also introduced a new storytelling initiative—Credit Unions in Action—designed to capture and share the many ways Illinois credit unions support their communities. The project will help elevate awareness among lawmakers, media, and the public while showcasing the movement’s collective impact.
The day closed with the Chairperson’s Reception, offering leaders an opportunity to connect and reflect on the Convention’s insights and accomplishments.
A key highlight of the Convention was its focus on the future of the credit union movement, underscored by the success of the CU Reach CRASH program. The initiative brought dozens of emerging professionals to Chicago for targeted networking and development opportunities, helping cultivate the next generation of credit union leaders, ICUL said.