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C-Suite Strategy Summit

Nov 18 8:30 AM - Nov 18, 2025 3:30 PM
Nov 18, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
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Description

Calling all C-Suite Leaders! 

Join us for this inaugural event hosted by The League, featuring dynamic sessions led by some of the most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in the credit union movement. Together, we’ll explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the financial services landscape. You’ll gain actionable insights, practical tools, and strategic foresight to position your credit union for success in 2026 and beyond.  

Agenda

8:30am – 9:00am
Check-in and Light Breakfast 

9:00am – 9:45am
Welcome Address and Introductions 

9:45am – 10:00am
Break 

10:00am – 11:30am
Top 10 for 2026: Strategic Priorities for Credit Unions
Caroline Vahrenkamp, Filene Research institute 

An overview and facilitated discussion of the top ten most significant strategic decisions credit union leaders will have to make in 2026. What are the emerging trends and disruptive forces shaping the financial services industry and credit union system? This presentation will help credit union leader future-proof their organizations and provide a clear roadmap to anticipate the most serious challenges and seize the most valuable opportunities in the coming year. 

11:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch

Refuel, recharge, and build valuable connections with fellow leaders. 

12:30pm  – 2:00pm
Navigating Strategy
Sam Plester, Founder & CEO, Mission Brands 

2:00pm - 2:15pm
Break

2:15pm – 3:30pm
Credit Unions & AI: Building Teams, Policies and Momentum
Angela Peat, Co-founder, Delve Collective

Yes, AI’s the hot and sexy topic that everyone wants to talk about, but if you have yet to see a single presentation that actually focuses on the implementation and implications for credit unions, then this topic is for you. Is your credit union ready to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or are you still considering where to get started? Are you a daily AI user or have you barely touched it?

This session, designed specifically from insights from a year long CU AI event series and 20 years of Tech adoption experience, will provide actionable steps to help you take the leap into AI adoption. We’ll guide through the essential strategies to harness AI, from forming an AI task force or working group to implementing pilot projects and creating governance frameworks. We’ll share real-world use cases - like fraud detection, personalized member coaching and marketing optimization-and explore how credit unions are already leveraging AI to stay ahead. You’ll leave with practical insights on navigating the fast-moving AI landscape while ensuring ethical use, data security and strategic alignment. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain expert guidance from Delve Collective’s proven approach to help you prepare your credit union for success in an increasingly digital world. 

3:30pm
Adjourn

Close the day with clarity, connection, and a plan to move forward. 

Additional Info

Speakers

Sam Plester

CEO| Mission Brands Consulting

Sam Plester, CUDE is the Founder/CEO of Mission Brands Consulting which focuses exclusively on delivering customized marketing, communications and engagement experiences for socially driven organizations in the financial services, FinTech, SaaS and non-profit spaces.

Sam has been in the credit union movement for over 10 years including Manager, Corporate Brand & Marketing at Trustage (formerly CUNA Mutual Group) and Marketing and Communications Director at National Credit Union Foundation. He founded Mission Brands Consulting in 2023 to be a true credit union marketing partner.

Angela Peat

Co-Founder | Delve Collective
Angela Peat is a results-driven technology strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations navigate complex tech adoption challenges. Combining expertise in Product Management, Design Thinking, and Agile methodologies, Angela has successfully guided start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, non-profits, universities, and credit unions through transformative technology initiatives. Her work spans four continents, reflecting a global perspective and adaptability that drives impactful outcomes across industries. 

As co-founder and servant leader of Delve Collective, Angela is passionate about democratizing high-end technology consulting services, making them accessible to credit unions, non-profits, and small businesses. Her deep understanding of tech implementation—paired with her commitment to ethical use and strategic alignment— led her to creating the Credit Union Round Table: Age of AI. Over the past year, Delve has led this free AI event series for the credit union industry, equipping organizations with actionable strategies to harness Artificial Intelligence and a safe place to learn. 

Angela also dedicates 5-10% of her time to mentoring within the tech and small business community, fostering connections that drive economic growth and innovation. Whether working with CTOs or front-line staff, Angela’s collaborative approach ensures every organization she partners with is empowered to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 

Caroline Vahrenkamp

Director of Advisory Service | Filene

As the Director of Advisory Services at Filene, Caroline leads the Member Voice initiative, focusing on advanced segmentation strategies for credit unions. She also manages the creation and standardization of presentation materials to ensure consistent messaging across the organization and contributes to Filene's thought leadership as a co-author of Thinking Forward, a monthly LinkedIn newsletter offering insights on industry trends. 

With over 20 years in the credit union industry, Caroline’s previous roles include leading the Raddon Research Insights program at Raddon, where she authored more than 20 research studies. She has also served as CFO at Clackamas Federal Credit Union and SVP of Marketing and Member Experience at Elements Financial. Her decision to join Filene was inspired by the organization’s commitment to helping credit unions thrive and better serve their members, aligning perfectly with her passion for driving meaningful innovation and member-focused solutions. 

Caroline earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University and her MBA from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business. Outside of work, she hosts Wonders of the World, a podcast that delves into the Earth's great places and the stories of our people, civilization, and planet, covering history, travel, and food. She also enjoys exploring new destinations, playing Dungeons and Dragons, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and dog. 

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Event Type

In-Person
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Fees

Early Bird - $299
(Early Bird deadline: October 20)

Regular - $329 

Location

TruStage Lighthouse 
5910 Mineral Point Rd, Madison WI