Home
Toggle Search
Toggle Search
Financial Well Being

Tristate Collaborative Leadership Conference

Hosted by the Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin Credit Union League

Financial Well Being
Aug 05 1:00 PM - Aug 06, 2025 3:45 PM
Aug 05, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Add event to: ICal Outlook Google Calendar

Description

Tristate CollaborativeThe Tristate Collaborative Leadership Conference, hosted by the Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin Credit Union Associations, is an event that will focus on accelerating leadership skills and building credit union knowledge for the next generation of leaders. We highly encourage Young Professionals, Women's Leadership Network, and Tristate Mentorship participants to attend.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Tristate Collaborative Leadership Sponsorship Opportunities >>

Please contact League Sales with questions and inquiries at sales@theleague.coop

Agenda

Tuesday, August 5

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Registration  

1:30 pm- 2:45 pm 
Welcome & Opening Keynote, Financial Well-Being & Effective Leadership
Josh Roberts, Vice President of System Collaboration & Development | The League  
Gerry Singleton, President & CEO | Montana’s Credit Unions

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm 
Kindness is the New Etiquette: Navigating Awkward Moments
Linda Cohen, Professional Speaker | Linda Cohen Consulting
Ever spotted a colleague with their zipper down or stumbled through a forgotten-name introduction? We've all been there. In this interactive session, we'll explore how kindness can be your go-to tool for navigating many common workplace dilemmas.

This isn’t about outdated rules—it’s about showing up with warmth, building trust - through authenticity and curiosity, and making a positive impression wherever you go. Whether you're guiding a member through a sensitive conversation or shaking hands with a board member whose name escapes you, you’ll walk away with confidence and kindness in your back pocket. Because when in doubt… choose kindness.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm 
Hot Topic Roundtables 

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm 
Networking Sponsor Reception 

Dinner on your own

Wednesday, August 6

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Mentorship Program Celebration Coffee Hour

9:00 am – 9:30 am 
Breakfast 

9:30 am – 10:30 am 
Recruit, Retain, Mentor, Motivate
Shari Storm, Professional Speaker | Category 6 Consulting
The labor shortage - especially with young people - does not appear to be getting better any time soon. How can you recruit and retain talent when you don't have the budget to pay what your competitors can? How can you make your organization more attractive to great employees within your current limitations? This lively, funny, interactive presentation gives straight-forward, applicable advice on how to build a reputation of being a place people want to work. This stand-out session shares strategies on building morale, mentoring rising stars, and keeping teams motivated over the long marathon that our jobs often are. And best of all, the advice is immediately actionable.

10:45 am – 11:30 am 
BREAKOUTS: (Select One)

  1.  Connect with Confidence: Authentic Networking for CU Professionals
    Linda Cohen, Professional Speaker | Linda Cohen Consulting
    Whether you’re a seasoned connector or someone who breaks into a sweat at the word networking, this session will help you reframe how you show up and build relationships. True networking isn’t about collecting business cards—it’s about cultivating meaningful connections grounded in curiosity, kindness, and generosity.

    We’ll talk about how to show up with intention, listen with presence, and follow up in ways that keep the conversation going after the event ends. You’ll leave with simple strategies to ease anxiety, boost confidence, and connect in a way that feels good (and gets results).

  2. Expanding Impact: Leadership & Global Opportunities in the Credit Union Movement
    Marcey Ciaccio, Philanthropy Manager | Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
    Discover how the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions are transforming lives through financial inclusion, advocacy, and leadership development across the globe. This session will provide an in-depth look at the critical work these organizations do to strengthen credit unions worldwide and the opportunities available for emerging and experienced leaders to get involved. Explore how Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) and Worldwide Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) empower professionals to expand their leadership, build global connections, and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. Whether you're looking to develop your leadership skills, engage in international initiatives, or connect with like-minded professionals, this session will provide valuable insights and pathways to get involved. Join us to learn how you can be part of the movement shaping the future of credit unions on a global scale!

11:45 am – 12:30 pm
BREAKOUTS: (Select One)

    1. Running A Good Meeting: Maintaining Momentum from Meeting to Meeting
      Shari Storm, Professional Speaker | Category 6 Consulting
      Coming soon!
    2. Who is Writing Your Story? The Importance of Your Advocacy
      Sarah Wainscott, President & CEO | Wisconsin Credit Union League
      In Wisconsin alone there are 816 groups registered to advocate for their interests.  Just two associations reliably talk about credit unions - the credit union association, and the banks' association, and many other groups may be making assumptions based on what they think they know about credit unions. It's critical that credit unions enter the discussion about our own industry and our own future.  If we aren't talking about credit unions, how can we expect policymakers to know, understand, and rally behind our impact and our interests. Join the session for coaching on why advocacy is a part of your job, and how you can effectively and comfortably engage for the betterment of your career, your credit union, and your communities.

    12:30 pm
    Networking Lunch

    1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
    Design for Digital: Technology and the Fintech Ecosystem for Credit Unions
    Christie Kimbell | Filene Research Institute
    Digital transformation remains a critical priority for all credit unions in an era of constant technological change. This presentation explores the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, uncovering key trends shaping the financial services ecosystem and their implications for credit union strategy. How do credit unions identify, develop, and launch cutting-edge solutions while optimizing their processes to get the most value out of their technology partnerships? From cultivating nimbleness and navigating the risks of experimentation to maintaining operational excellence, this session provides credit union leaders with a roadmap to create a digitally forward organization.

    2:30 pm – 3:30 pm 
    Unlocking Potential: Cultivating a Culture of Growth & Innovation
    Sarah Fecht, Certified Speaker-Trainer | Best Self Leadership
    Imagine a workplace buzzing with creativity and daring ideas, where taking risks is celebrated! We'll dive into effective strategies for spotting and boosting individual talents while setting up dynamic feedback systems that keep the momentum going. With captivating success stories, this keynote promises to show how embracing innovation can lead to incredible achievements.

    Key Takeaways include:

    1. Leadership's Role in Growth Mindset: Discover how leaders can become the champions of innovation, inspiring their teams to grow and explore new horizons.
    2. Safe Environment for Creativity: Learn how to craft a place for creativity, where bold ideas and risk-taking are welcomed.
    3. Strength Recognition Techniques: Uncover exciting ways to spotlight and amplify the unique superpowers of each team member to unleash their full potential.
    4. Feedback Loops for Improvement: Master the art of setting up lively feedback channels that fuel ongoing growth and development.

    3:30 pm – 3:45 pm       
    Conference Wrap Up
    Tristate Collaborative League Presidents 

    Additional Info

    Speakers

    Marcey Ciaccio

    Philanthropy Manager | Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions
    Marcey Ciaccio, Philanthropy Manager at the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, is a dedicated nonprofit leader with a career spanning philanthropy in higher education, healthcare, and community foundations. Now deeply engaged in the credit union movement, she is committed to improving lives worldwide by advancing financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and leadership development.
     
    With a passion for global impact, Marcey works to strengthen credit unions as a force for positive change, ensuring that communities around the world have access to the financial resources they need to thrive. Marcey believes in the power of collaboration to create sustainable and lasting change, helping credit unions worldwide build stronger, more resilient communities while cultivating the next generation of leaders.

    Linda Cohen

    Professional Speaker | Linda Cohen Consulting
    The Kindness Catalyst, brings a fresh, heartfelt take on professional etiquette and networking by weaving in the power of kindness. A nationally recognized speaker and author of The Economy of Kindness, Linda helps audiences build authentic connections, navigate awkward moments with grace, and elevate their leadership presence. Her interactive, story-filled sessions leave participants inspired and equipped with simple tools to lead with empathy and confidence in any business or social situation.

    Sarah Fecht

    Certified Speaker, Trainer & Coach | Best Self Leadership
    Sarah is a certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, trainer & coach. As a lifelong learner, she’s earned her BBA in Management; Human Resources from Viterbo University, her MBA from UW- La Crosse, her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute, her Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and DISC certification training during her career so far. 

    Christie Kimbell

    Executive Vice President | Filene Research Institute

    Christie is Executive Vice President.

    With passion, leadership and a sharp business mindset, Christie Kimbell shares responsibility for the strategy, products, programs, communities, events, financial and operational management of Filene in her role as a secondary Executive Officer.

    Josh Roberts

    Vice President of System Collaboration & Development | The League

    Josh is responsible for promoting credit union service and outreach and fostering opportunities for credit union growth. You can also find Josh helping Wisconsin's small credit unions with operational consulting, provides strategy assistance by facilitating Strategic Planning Sessions, and providing various training for credit union leaders, staff, and boards. Additionally, Josh spearheads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for The League and its member credit unions and is also the League Liaison for the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation and oversees its operations.

    Josh has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial industry, having served credit unions as a vice president, controller, and compliance officer.  He is a graduate of CUNA Management School, where he served as Class President, and a 2016 graduate of the Credit Union Development Educators (CUDE) program.  

    Josh currently serves on the Executive Committee of the CUNA Lending Council and is Vice-Chair of CUNA Lending Council’s Member Resources Committee and Vice-Chair of the Engagement Committee. In addition, he is engaged in the community, serving as Board Chair for the Milwaukee Area Technical College Accounting Advisory Board, and as a member of the Milwaukee Area Technical College Banking and Finance Advisory Board. He has previously held positions and volunteered with local neighborhood associations, the American Red Cross, and local environmental organizations.

    Gerry Singleton

    President/CEO | Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU)

    He has dedicated his career to the credit union movement, and he brings that passion and dedication into his role as President/CEO of Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU). Gerry plans and directs the financial, operating, and human resources for the Montana Credit Union League, Montana Credit Unions for Community Development, and the League Service Group. He also serves as a board member of the Montana Credit Union League Group Benefits Trust and oversees its operation. Under Gerry’s leadership, MCU continually delivers quality advocacy, programs, and services across the state.  

    Previously to joining Montana’s Credit Unions, Gerry spent 25 years as the VP-Credit Union System Relations at CUNA Mutual Group (now TruStage), working closely alongside leagues, CUNA, and other key system partners to build a thriving credit union system. During his time in the credit union movement, he has served on various national boards of directors and advisory groups, including the Board of the National Credit Union Foundation, the Board of the CUNA Mutual Foundation, Credit Unions Building Financial Independence (CT), the Advisory Board of the CUFinHealth Fund, and as an active Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), with designations for International DE,CaribDE and Africa DE. 

    Singleton is a long-time resident of Bozeman, Montana, who loves spending time with his family, hiking, and connecting to his community.

    Shari Storm

    Professional Speaker | Category 6 Consulting

    Shari spent 16 years as an executive at a Seattle credit union, where she oversaw marketing and IT. 

    Her proudest accomplishments at Verity Credit Union included being named an Innovator of the Decade by Net.Banker, heading up the successful Verity Mom campaign, and participating in Filene's prestigious i3 program. 

    Her first book, Motherhood is the New MBA: Using Your Parenting Skills to be a Better Boss was published by St. Martin's Press. With over 20,000 copies sold, it has been translated into Mandarin and purchased for publications in four countries. The book has received tremendous press, including Time and Redbook magazines, Martha Stewart's radio, BusinessWeek online, the Costco Connection and the cover of the Metro News New York, to name a few. 

    Shari has been named a Woman of Influence by CU Times. She has been featured in American Banker, Credit Union Management, and The CEO Report. 

    She is now the CEO of Category 6 Consulting, which specializes in developing strategy with a strong focus on culture, marketing, and fintech. 

    Shari received her undergraduate degree from University of Washington and her MBA from Seattle University. 

    Sarah Wainscott

    President & CEO | The League
    For fifteen years, Sarah has served The League through various advocacy roles, culminating in the start of her tenure as President & CEO in January 2025. Her experience and expertise include lobbying, grassroots advocacy, political fundraising, and serving as Wisconsin credit unions' spokesperson on policy with legislators and regulators in Madison & Washington, D.C.  

    In Sarah's time at The League, she has established reliable and strategic key relationships with influential policymakers that have helped elevate credit unions' impact. She has helped pass bills updating credit union statutes, requiring financial literacy credits for high school graduation, and permitting prize-linked-savings programs while also preventing the introduction or serious consideration of harmful proposals. Notably, she also developed the annual Wisconsin Credit Union Scorecard into a preeminent and persuasive resource on the power of The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin. As a result of these tireless advocacy efforts, public support for Wisconsin's credit unions has grown by 19% since 2010.

    Sarah is an Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists' board member and serves on the Inaugural Advocacy Committee for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication arts and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
    Get Help with Your Registration
    Cancellation & Substitution Policy

    Event Type

    In-Person
    Register

    Fees

    $449 | Early Bird - July 7

    $499 | Regular - Registration deadline: July 29

    Location

    JW Mariott Mall of America
    2141 Lindau Lane
    Bloomington, MN 55425

    Online Room Block Reservations >>