DCUC Annual 2026 Continues, Offering Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Insights

By DCUC Staff — August 4, 2026

AVENTURA, F.L. – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) continued its 2026 Annual Conference today at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, welcoming credit union leaders, industry advocates, partners, and distinguished guests from across the country for a full day of education, collaboration, and networking.

The day began with DCUC's Patriotic Opening Ceremony, led by DCUC Board Chair Maggie Sayer, Keys FCU President/CEO, with a Presentation of Colors by the Aventura Police Department Color Guard national anthem, performed by Natalie Sanchez of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Meaningful Dialogue during DCUC AnnualA highlight of Tuesday's General Session was "One Industry, Shared Purpose: A CEO Conversation on Collaboration and Leadership," marking the first time DCUC President & CEO Anthony Hernandez, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel, and America's Credit Unions President & CEO Scott Simpson shared the DCUC Annual Conference stage for a candid discussion on the future of the credit union movement. The conversation explored the importance of leadership, collaboration, and advocacy in an evolving financial services landscape, while highlighting how national credit union organizations can work together to strengthen the movement and better support the credit unions and members they collectively serve: “Washington, D.C., is a noisy place, and to ensure the credit union voice is resonating with policymakers and breaking through, we must advocate as one,” says Simpson. “Dissonance dilutes our strength. Strong advocacy is essential to advancing the credit union mission and ensuring that all credit unions can thrive. I appreciate the opportunity to have open dialogue with Tony Hernandez and defense credit union members on how we will continue to advance, empower, and protect the credit union movement.” "As our industry continues to navigate an increasingly dynamic and evolving landscape, open dialogue and meaningful collaboration are more important than ever," says Hernandez. "Our members were eager to hear how two national credit union organizations can come together to advance our industry's shared purpose.” During the session, Hernandez noted the importance of working together strategically, similar to a military phrase, “overwhelming combat power massed on a single decisive point. That’s where our organizations can collaborate, including the leagues, and credit union system partners,” Hernandez said on stage. “We were honored to have Scott Simpson join us at our Annual Conference. We look forward to collaborating, exchanging ideas, and working together across shared initiatives and priorities to ensure a vibrant and successful future for credit unions and their members," says Hernandez. Attendees then enjoyed a rare opportunity to hear directly from Former President of Poland Andrzej Duda followed by a fireside conversation with Hernandez. Drawing on a decade of leading Poland through significant geopolitical and economic challenges, President Duda shared lessons on resilience, strategic decision-making, trust, and leading organizations through uncertainty: “I was born in a communist Poland, a country that since the second World War had been locked inside the soviet’s sphere; our government wasn’t chosen by us, and yet, this is something I want every person in this room to understand; the polish spirit was never broken. We were occupied but we never conquered in spirit. Polls have always had freedom in our blood,” shared President Duda. “That instinct did not disappear, it was simply waiting.” President Duda continued, stating “Dear friends, I come from a Catholic family. My parents never joined the communist party and never served the regime. I was raised from my earliest memory in a house of quiet resistance to soviet domination, and resistance to the lies that came with it. And then, in 1989, something extraordinary happened. Thanks to the determination of the polish people, the support of the Polish Pope, John Paul II, who told us no to be afraid, and to the wisdom and courage of the American President Ronald Roegan who understood that evil empires eventually fold…in 1989, Poland voted the communist out.” President Duda noted how over a decade of working with American presidents, including President Barak Obama, President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and again, Donald Trump, NATO forces and mobile American forces began stationing permanently on Polish soil. “I fought hard for that. Most of our major defense purchases have been American, and we are now the 20th largest economy in the world. I worked every single day to strengthen the bond between Poland and the United States and build alliances that would outlast any one administration.” President Duda concluded “leadership under pressure is not about the absence of fear; it’s about knowing with total clarity who you are, who you are standing for, and who is standing beside you.” Following the morning session, attendees enjoyed educational sessions covering many of the industry's most pressing priorities, including artificial intelligence and AI governance, data analytics, fraud prevention, executive leadership and succession planning, regulatory compliance, payments innovation, and emerging advocacy issues. A featured advocacy session, "A View from Capitol Hill," led by DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak and Principal John McKechnie, longtime DCUC Advocacy consultant, provided attendees with insights on federal legislation, regulatory developments, military banking issues, tax policy, cybersecurity, interchange, NCUA modernization, and ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of credit unions. During the afternoon General Session, attendees gained insights to the rapidly evolving payments landscape during "Payments at an Inflection Point: Policy, Innovation & Member Trust," featuring Pace Bradshaw, Senior Vice President and Head of North America Government Affairs for Visa, and Maria Martinez, President/CEO of Border FCU, alongside Stverak. The session concluded with an inspiring keynote presentation from Ramón "CZ" Colón-López, retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose presentation encouraged attendees to embrace accountability, build resilient teams, and lead decisively during periods of uncertainty and change. "Leadership is ultimately about earning trust, making difficult decisions with conviction, and never losing sight of the mission and people you serve," Hernandez reminds. "Today's discussions reinforced that many of the challenges facing leaders, whether in government, the military, or financial services, are often universal. By learning from one another and sharing diverse experiences, we strengthen our ability to lead our organizations, better serve our members, and advance the credit union movement forward, together." This evening, attendees enjoyed networking during the Patriotic Reception and packaged care bags for deployed service members through DCUC's 2026 Conference with a Purpose initiative benefiting the United Service Organizations (USO). The evening will conclude with DCUC's annual Cigar & Bourbon Night, providing another opportunity to build relationships and continue conversations in a relaxed setting. "Our Annual Conference is intentionally designed to bring together diverse voices, practical ideas, and meaningful conversations that help credit union leaders navigate today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities," Hernandez adds. "Whether discussing industry or global leadership, exploring emerging technologies and advocacy priorities, or connecting with peers and partners, every interaction reinforces the collaborative spirit that has always defined our movement." Conference programming continues Wednesday, August 5, with another full day of educational sessions, including discussions on advocacy, fraud prevention, payments, executive leadership, and emerging technologies, followed by DCUC's signature Hall of Honor Gala, where three honorees will be recognized for their outstanding leadership and service to the credit union movement and military communities proudly served. 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.

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Originally reported by DCUC.