AACUC, 40 Groups to host Neoteric Changemaker honorees at 2026 conference

AACUC and 40 Groups will bring together the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award honorees for a fireside chat at the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Washington. The discussion is meant to spotlight leadership lessons, the future of the credit union movement and the challenges shaping the industry.

Why it matters: - The session puts three generations of Neoteric Changemaker honorees in one room to share leadership lessons with credit union executives. - The conversation is aimed at strengthening leadership across the credit union movement at a time of industry change. - The event adds visibility to the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award and the cooperative philosophy it honors.

What happened: - AACUC and 40 Groups announced that the 2024, 2025 and 2026 honorees will take part in a special fireside chat during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference. - Dennis Sullivan, founder and CEO of 40 Groups, will moderate the invitation-only CEO Breakfast. - Debbie Smith, Steve Stapp and Lucy Ito are scheduled to participate as the award honorees. - The discussion will focus on the future of the credit union movement, leadership during periods of change and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The details: - The honorees will reflect on experiences that shaped their careers and the decisions that defined pivotal moments in their leadership journeys. - The discussion is designed to surface lessons that can help guide the next generation of credit union executives. - Sullivan said the goal is to share practical insights, honest experiences and leadership lessons that can strengthen the entire credit union movement. - The fireside chat will take place during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. - The Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award was established in 2023 and is named for AACUC President and CEO Renée Sattiewhite. - The award recognizes leaders who demonstrate perseverance, advance the cooperative mission of people helping people, advocate for modern and relevant ideas and create programs that strengthen leadership across the credit union movement. - AACUC is a nonprofit focused on increasing diversity in the credit union industry through advocacy, professional development, collaboration and community engagement. - 40 Groups runs executive leadership forums for CEOs, CFOs and board chairs in the community banking and credit union industries. - 40 Groups says its peer learning and confidential executive discussions help leaders strengthen decision-making, foster innovation and drive transformational change. - More information is available through 40 Groups' LinkedIn page.

Between the lines: - The award-focused breakfast functions as both a recognition event and a leadership forum. - Bringing together honorees from three award years suggests AACUC and 40 Groups want to frame leadership continuity, not just individual achievement. - The lineup also reinforces the role of peer learning and executive networking in a sector built around cooperation.

What's next: - The fireside chat will be held during the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference. - AACUC and 40 Groups are positioning the event as a chance for attendees to hear directly from leaders about the next phase of credit union leadership. - The discussion is expected to offer practical takeaways for executives navigating change in the industry. - The event is invitation-only, limiting attendance to CEO Breakfast participants.