DCUC Annual 2026 Highlights Strategic Leadership, Emerging Technologies, and Advocacy for the Future

AVENTURA, F.L. – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) continued another successful day of programming Wednesday during its 2026 Annual Conference at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, bringing together credit unions from across the country for timely conversations on leadership, financial innovation, advocacy, and the evolving needs of military and veteran communities.

The day began with breakfast and networking, followed by the morning session which celebrated the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Military Credit Union of the Year Awards.
 
Honorees included Andrews Federal Credit Union, recognized by the Department of the Army for U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden; Keys Federal Credit Union, recognized by the Department of the Navy, in the Small Credit Union category for Naval Air Station Key West; Navy Federal Credit Union, recognized by the Department of the Navy, in the Large Credit Union category for Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story; Otero Federal Credit Union, recognized by the Department of the Air Force, in the Small Credit Union category for Holloman Air Force Base; and Travis Credit Union, recognized by the Department of the Air Force, in the Large Credit Union category for Travis Air Force Base.
 
The Distinguished Military Credit Union of the Year Awards recognizes credit unions for their exceptional commitment to serving military installations and the communities surrounding them, reflecting the defense credit union movement's unwavering dedication to those who serve our nation.
 
The morning's keynote featured retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Martha McSally, who delivered an inspiring presentation, "Be Unbreakable: Lead Yourself First in a World That Never Slows Down." Drawing on her experiences as the first American woman to command a fighter squadron in combat, McSally shared practical strategies for developing resilience, leading with confidence under pressure, making intentional decisions, and fostering high-performing teams amid constant change.
 
During her presentation and fireside chat with DCUC President/CEO, Anthony Hernandez, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel, Col. McSally delivered a powerful demonstration using several layered shirts to illustrate the importance in how we ground and define ourselves by knowing who we truly are. Beginning with a shirt reading "I feel" and revealing another with the words "I am," she reminded attendees that emotions and circumstances do not define identity. Instead, she encouraged attendees and leaders to remain grounded in their values and lead with authenticity, purpose, and intention throughout every stage of life’s transitions and in leadership to others.
 
“A lot of our servicemembers, they get home from combat but then they get stuck here. They get stuck feeling like there's no meaning, there’s no purpose or they can't find their footing anymore. People in all sorts of transitions in life can get stuck here, but this isn't our identity either. This is how we might feel from time to time, but this is not who we are,” said Col. McSally.
 
“I want to offer something encouraging to all of you. If it were your 80th birthday toast, or a eulogy…what is the unique expression, the little droplet of the divine that you are expressing to the world, through your work, through your relationships, through everything you do through your life. The biggest regret of the dying is that they didn't authentically live aligned with who they truly are,” Col. McSally shared. “When you say the words, I am, there’s something deeply spiritual about that. You are expressing your identity to the world. How do you want people to describe you? So as decisions come up, ask, does this align with who I am? It becomes so much more obvious when you're grounded in that essence.”
 
Afterward, attendees heard from Michael Brown, Acting Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where he and DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak, discussed the future of U.S. currency. Brown explored how innovation, advanced security features, and strategic public-private partnerships are helping preserve trust and confidence in America's financial system while preparing for the next generation of currency technology.
 
The general session concluded with a discussion between Hernandez and Jonathan Cilley, SVP and Chief Information Officer of Mid-Hudson Valley FCU, who explored the evolving role of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in serving current and future generations. They also highlighted how these industry shifts inspired the creation of CU Unplugged, a new "unconference" designed to bring together credit union executives, technologists, and innovators to collaborate, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the credit union movement.
 
Throughout the morning and afternoon, conference attendees selected from a dynamic lineup of educational breakouts, including:
 

• The future of stablecoins and digital assets within the credit union ecosystem
• Strategies for building high-performing financial institutions
• Engaging the next generation of members through digital financial tools and wealth-building solutions
• Executive compensation strategies that balance organizational mission with long-term sustainability
• A legislative and regulatory Capitol Hill update, highlighting DCUC's advocacy priorities
• Data-driven approaches to serving the diverse financial protection needs of military families
• Emerging credit risk trends and best practices
• Technology-driven strategies for creating more efficient branches
• Strengthening advocacy through the Defending Credit Unions PAC and National Advocacy Fund

 
Between sessions, attendees continued to connect with peers, sponsors, and system partners during networking breaks sponsored by Gallagher and Member First Mortgage while also enjoying the complimentary Headshot Lounge, sponsored by Earnest Consulting Group.
 
DCUC’s Conference with a Purpose and Silent Auction, benefiting the USO, remained one of the week's most anticipated traditions. Thanks to the generosity of DCUC members, guests, sponsors, DCUC’s charitable conference fundraiser once again demonstrates the credit union industry’s enduring commitment to supporting the military and veteran community.
 
"This conference continues to showcase the strength, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define the credit union movement," says Hernandez. "Every conversation this week, from resilient leadership and emerging technologies to advocacy and member engagement, is centered on equipping credit unions to better serve the many communities that rely on them. The ideas and solutions, strategic partnerships, and connections fostered here will continue creating meaningful impact for our industry and the cooperative mission."
 
Wednesday evening's programming will continue with DCUC's 2026 Hall of Honor Gala, reception sponsored by Scienaptic AI and Visa, honoring three exemplary inductees for their outstanding contributions to the credit union movement. The celebration will continue immediately afterward with Miami Nights: Salsa, Casino & Celebration, sponsored by Alloya and Trellance.
 
DCUC Annual Conference programming concludes Thursday morning, August 6, with the conference's closing keynote, “25 Years Later: Leadership Lessons from 9/11” featuring Chief Richard Picciotto, Retired FDNY.
 
Follow along with the full agenda and join the conversation with hashtag #DCUC2026 on DCUC’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and X pages!
 
For more information, visit dcucannual.org. Photography credits to EPNAC.