Board and supervisory committee members gathered in Ocean City, Md., for the 2022 Volunteer Leadership Conference hosted by the MD|DC Credit Union Association and the Cooperative Credit Union Association, and designed to help attendees gain insight on guiding their credit union’s strategic direction.

“VLC is unique in that it is designed specifically for board and supervisory committee members,” said MD|DC Credit Union Association President/CEO John Bratsakis. “It’s an opportunity for volunteers to network with peers, and gain the knowledge needed to help guide their credit unions toward greater growth and success. We appreciate the continued support and collaboration from the Cooperative Credit Union Association.”

Ron McLean, CCUA president/CEO added, "We're proud to partner with the MD|DC Credit Union Association on the VLC. The conference not only provides our members a dynamic forum to learn, share best practices and celebrate being a credit union volunteer, but also become truly energized with the spirit of people helping people."  

Keeping up with compliance and risk management is essential for volunteers. Attendees heard from NCUA Regional Director John Kutchey who said liquidity continues to be a major concern. Omar Ramsay, Chief Risk Management Officer at USSFCU, discussed how risk management can help credit unions frame strategies and allocate resources. Association Compliance Director André Lucas led two CPE-eligible BSA trainings.

Speakers also tackled other strategic imperatives:

• Humanidei CEO Jill Nowacki guided attendees through an interactive workshop on identifying areas where strategic integration of DEI efforts would benefit their credit unions and community.
• CUNA Mutual Group’s Fred Palmer talked about designing a succession plan strategy focused on developing a credit union’s top talent
• Michael Walters Advertising discussed leveraging outreach and education to build your brand and attract younger members.