DCUC Announces 2026 Crashers Class Ahead of Annual Conference Kickoff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is proud to announce its 2026 DCUC Crashers Class, recognizing ten emerging credit union professionals selected to participate in this year's DCUC Annual Conference, taking place August 3–6, 2026, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida. 

Selected through The Cooperative Trust's nationally recognized Crash program, this year’s DCUC Crashers will experience an immersive professional development program that features executive mentorship, exclusive networking opportunities, educational sessions, and direct engagement with industry leaders. 

The 2026 DCUC Crashers Class includes: 

• Tucker Boatwright, Social Media Strategist, PenAir Credit Union 
• Devin Camacho, Director of Advocacy and Policy, Canvas Credit Union 
• Gavin Dye, Consumer Loan Processor, Community Credit Union of Florida 
• Farrell Frazier, Senior Member Service Representative, GeoVista Credit Union 
• Courtney Horton, Branch Manager, GeoVista Credit Union 
• Alison Malawey, Assistant Branch Manager, Fort Sill Federal Credit Union 
• Mayra A Parra, Branch President, American Southwest Credit Union 
• Samantha Southerland, Headquarters Branch Manager AVP, Fort Sill Federal Credit Union 
• Mark Wilson, Marketing Communication Specialist, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union 
• Danielle Wold, Call Center Assistant Manager, Unitus Community Credit Union 

Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, stated, "We're proud to welcome this year's DCUC Crashers and invest in the next generation of credit union leaders! The DCUC Crash program provides emerging professionals with opportunities to learn from respected industry executives, build lasting relationships, and gain experiences that will shape both their careers and the future of our movement. Every conversation, new connection, and shared perspective can mean all the difference. It offers the potential to inspire stronger leadership, drive innovation, and reinforce our cooperative principles for generations to come. We're excited to see the impact these talented professionals will have on the industry and the members and communities they serve.” 

The DCUC Crasher experience has become a hallmark of DCUC’s Annual Conference. Participants gain unique access to conference programming, one-on-one mentorship from senior executives, and meaningful networking opportunities designed to inspire long-term professional growth while reinforcing the cooperative principles that define the industry. Read more about DCUC’s Crashers program here! 

DCUC’s 2026 Annual Conference Kicks Off Monday 
Beginning Monday, August 3, DCUC will welcome credit unions from across the country and overseas alongside industry partners for four days of education, collaboration, and leadership development focused on advancing the credit union mission and defense credit union movement.  

DCUC Annual 2026 brings together perspectives from across government, financial services, technology, and national security to explore today's most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 

A featured highlight of this year's conference is "One Industry, Shared Purpose: A CEO Conversation on Collaboration and Leadership," featuring Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, and Scott Simpson, President/CEO of America's Credit Unions (ACU).  

DCUC’s Annual also offers attendees unique opportunities to engage directly with keynote speakers, current or former policymakers, and international leaders encouraging meaningful dialogue following general sessions and during networking receptions. 

Conference highlights include: 

• A special leadership discussion with Former President of Poland Andrzej Duda, followed by an exclusive fireside conversation with Hernandez. 
• ​Inspiring keynote presentations from Ramón "CZ" Colón-López, Retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.S. Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Martha McSally, America’s 1st Female Combat Fighter Pilot and former U.S. Senator; and FDNY Chief Richard Picciotto, the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11. 
• New interactive learning opportunities, including the Military & Veteran Community Exchange, CU Unplugged: Innovate or Get Outflanked, and Leadership in Uncertain Times. 
• Executive networking events, sponsor breakouts, and peer discussions focused on emerging industry trends, operational excellence, advocacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and member service. 
• Signature DCUC traditions, including the Hall of Honor Gala and the Annual VADM Vincent Lascara Golf Tournament. 
• DCUC's Annual Conference with a Purpose fundraiser benefiting the United Service Organizations (USO). 

“This year's agenda was intentionally designed to inspire collaboration, drive innovation, and equip credit unions with strategies that strengthen our shared mission and movement,” says Hernandez. “Every session will deliver meaningful insights and takeaways, and attendees will also gain incredible opportunities to hear from and engage with international leaders and keynote speakers throughout the week. We believe the most valuable conversations often happen beyond the stage, and we are excited to foster those lasting connections at our Annual Conference. These experiences, combined with our collective commitment to serving those who serve, create an environment unlike any other in the credit union industry. That's what continues to make the DCUC Annual Conference a truly unparalleled experience." 

For more information, visit dcucannual.org.