ANAHEIM, Calif.–The 17th annual Shapiro Summit, which is for credit unions below $300 million in assets, drew more than 100 leaders from 40 credit unions and other organizations. The meeting, sponsored by the California and Nevada leagues, was themed “Legacy.”
“The Shapiro Summit provided an opportunity for credit union leaders to connect, learn, and grow,” Scott Simpson, president and CEO of the leagues, said in a statement. “Attendees’ enthusiasm was on display, and we’re confident that the insights gained will energize leaders of smaller credit unions to build upon their credit unions’ legacies and achieve even greater success in the year to come.”
According to the leagues, the summit explored the “rich history of credit unions, examined the current economic and political landscape, and provided actionable strategies for navigating fraud, the war for attracting talent, and the evolving economic environment.”
Simpson also participated in a CEO Roundtable with attendees.
Meeting Highlights
Among other meeting highlights, according to the leagues:
- Keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell, CEO of MotionFirst and a business growth expert, “challenged attendees to translate their conference experience into tangible outcomes. Her interactive session focused on overcoming barriers to execution, transforming ideas into actionable plans, and outpacing the competition,” the leagues said. “She seamlessly integrated key takeaways from the entire conference, offering attendees a clear roadmap for success. The session was characterized by its high engagement and practical, real-world strategies, leaving participants motivated and ready to make a lasting impact for their credit union.”
- During a session titled, “Passion and Purpose: A Credit Union PhD,” Taylor Murray, CEO of ServiStar Consulting, “reignited attendees’ commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” the leagues said.
- During a session titled, “The Economy, the Markets, and Credit Union Financial Performance,” Mark Wert, senior advisor for Catalyst, provided a comprehensive overview of the current economic climate and its impact on the credit union industry.
- During a session titled, “The Present: Navigating the Changing Climate of CU Income by Building on the Past,” Randy Thompson, CEO of TCT Risk Solutions, “explored strategies for adapting to the rapidly changing financial landscape while staying true to credit union values,” according to the leagues.
- During a session titled, “The Future: Stop Accidentally Finding Talent and Have Talent Come to You,” Heri Garcia, CEO of Thinkwise CU and Ginger Ontiveros, president and CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent, were joined by three interns and offered insights into developing internship programs to attract and retain top talent from a 360 view, the leagues said.
- Jeremy Empol, senior vice president of public affairs and industry outreach for Federal Home Loan Bank—San Francisco, discussed how credit unions can partner with the FHLB as they focus on their shared future.
- Mark Snihurowych, president of The Center for Senior Benefits shared how credit unions can be a trusted source for nearly a million members going on Medicare while gaining a new revenue stream.
‘Powerful Reminder’
“This year’s Shapiro Summit served as a powerful reminder of the credit union movement's enduring legacy and its vital role in shaping the future of finance,” Larry Palochik, executive vice president of the leagues, said in a statement. “As attendees return to their respective credit unions, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge to drive positive change for their members and communities.”