Directors Conference

Optional Event
Whale Watch Cruise
7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$225/person

Separate registration required. 

Pre-Conference Workshop
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.  

The Middle Way: Keys to Pragmatic and Sustainable Board Development in a Dynamic Environment
Ancin Cooley, Principal, Synergy Credit Union Consulting

In the midst of today’s economic uncertainty, steady Board leadership is more important than ever.  In this timely workshop, Ancin Cooley, with Synergy Credit Union Consulting, will provide actionable strategies on today’s hottest topics surrounding leadership and growth. This session is ideal for Board Chairs, Vice Chairs, and Executive Committee Members. 

*separate registration required

Conference Registration & Welcome Party
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.    

Conference Information Desk
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

Welcome to CUES Directors Conference
8:15 – 8:30 a.m. 

Opening General Session
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

LET’S LEAD
Tony Moore, International Keynote Speaker, Author, and Executive Coach

Today’s credit unions are operating in a time of unprecedented volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. As a result, gone are the days of the genius leader whose dutiful followers await the emergence of the leader’s next great idea. The pace of change is too rapid, and the depth of knowledge needed to be successful is far too deep for any one person to be responsible for it. The credit unions that will lead the sector are those who build and nurture collaborative, interdependent, change leadership teams. Now more than ever, credit unions need employees at all levels to master the competencies needed to breakdown silos, share information across departments, and collectively problem solve. Cutting through the noise created from the overabundance of information on leadership, this keynote takes you back to the foundation of leadership; challenging participants to Live your Values, Embrace your Purpose, Attend to your People, Deliver the Goods. So, are you ready to LEAD?

Participants will learn:

• 3 interventions to increase employee engagement. 
• The key to balancing relationship building with performance outcomes. 
• A proven method for measuring what matters & using data to drive performance.
   

Networking Refreshment Break
9:30 – 9:50 a.m.

Breakout Sessions
9:50 – 10:50 a.m.

Governance & Risk Management: What Board Members Should Be Aware Of
Ancin Cooley, Principal, Synergy Credit Union Consulting

What do the issues at SVB, FTX, and Well Fargo all have in common? They all suffered from significant lapses in governance and risk management. When Boards don't effectively apply governance to strategic decisions and risk-taking, unexpected events will always catch institutions off guard. In this timely session Ancin Cooley, with Synergy Credit Union Consulting, will draw from his experiences as an examiner, board consultant, and strategic planner to provide insight on how to grow income and assets while maintaining a reasonable risk profile.

Cultivating Next Gen Board Members
Julia Patrick, CEO, American Nonprofit Academy

As Board Members age out, become part of the Great Resignation or even the Great Reshuffle, we explore the daunting question, “Who’s Up Next?”  Learn how the next generation of Board leaders responds to the call of Board leadership along with their work habits, service interests and social behaviors.  Beginning with the demographics of generational leadership which is foundational, we will drill down to how Next Gen leaders can be cultivated for Board service as well as committee work.  The issue of multi-generational Board management will also be discussed.  Understanding the expectations of Next Gen leaders, what they respond to and how to foster strong relationships to the Credit Union sector is essential when building a strong Board.

Examining Your Board’s Learning Culture
Jimese Harkley, VP/Membership, CUES

Learning expectations for organizations have changed, the when, where, and how we work and learn has been impacted the most. Directors are not exempt from experiencing these challenges as they give their time to serve credit unions. During this session we will explore new ideas to elevate your board’s learning culture. 

Strategic Use of Capital
Chris Jones, Senior Benefits Consultant & Partner, PARC Street Partners

Chris Jones, Senior Benefits Consultant & Partner at PARC Street Partners, will discuss the demand for talent, the executive compensation environment, and the strategic utilization of capital for executive compensation.He will discuss how Credit Unions can utilize up to 25% of their net worth to invest into impermissible investments that can be used to fund a variety of HR benefits, including, health care costs, retirement funding, Supplemental Executive Retirement Programs (SERPs), etc. 

The prioritization of those investments into either an executive benefit that secures your current and future leaders or used to offset HR operating expenses is a critical decision for each credit union board.
 

Networking/Travel Time

10:50 – 11:10 a.m.

Breakout Sessions (repeated from the morning)
11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Luncheon
12:10 – 1:30 p.m.

General Session
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

OUTTHINK THE COMPETITION: Unlocking Strategic Creativity & Innovation to Drive Growth & Competitive Advantage
Kaihan Krippendorff, Founder and CEO of Outthinker 

Entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Outthinker, Kaihan Krippendorff has worked with and studied thousands of companies and the different approaches they take to drive growth, foster innovation, and set themselves apart from the competition. How is it that some companies are able to continually pivot, clarify and refine strategy, transform their business, and pursue new growth ideas? 

The answer to this can be learned and taught. Based on his book, Outthink the Competition, Kaihan delivers a systematic process and set of proven business strategy and innovation tools he has used with more than 300 clients in almost every industry to create innovative strategies and growth ideas that have generated more than $2.5B in revenue. Blending together first-hand stories of inspiring business and social innovators, from Elon Musk to Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, Kaihan breaks down a tested method for developing actionable strategic growth ideas that increase competitiveness of your business and arms you with the tools needed to excel in today’s digital, agile, and purpose-driven world.

Conference Information Desk
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

General Session
8:15 – 9:25 a.m. 

From Point Solutions to System-Wide Integration: Unraveling AI's Hidden Potential in Business
Joshua Gans, Professor of Strategic Management and holder of the Jeffrey S. Skoll Chair of Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Rotman School of Management, the University of Toronto

When stripped of its hype, what do the new advances in artificial intelligence mean for business? At its essence, AI is just cheaper and better prediction. Thus, the main business use cases for now have all been point solutions, where old ways of prediction are substituted out for AI prediction. These, however, are not transformative changes. We know from the history of radical new technologies that transformation comes later after the true potential of the technology to change systems is revealed. AI prediction shows all the signs of carrying on this pattern. By understanding what AI prediction is doing to decision-making throughout organizations, we can find methods by which any organization can consider and plan for system-wide change to achieve the highest value from AI.
 

Networking/Travel Time
9:25 – 9:45 a.m.

Breakout Sessions
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

Becoming a Better Director: Simple Hacks to Better Board Work
Matt Fullbrook, Manager, Fullbrook Board Effectiveness 

As a director of a complex financial institution, it’s easy to get distracted – even overwhelmed – by the technical demands of the role. And it’s true: credit union boards require tons of expertise to effectively oversee the organization’s health and performance. But no matter how much technical expertise you have, it’s not enough on its own to make you a great director. This session will help you to walk into your next board meeting with specific (and easy!) ways to be more effective than you were last time, no matter the depth and breadth of your expertise. You will: 

• Learn simple “hacks” to taking a curiosity-first approach to your board work
• Turn senior management into your board effectiveness superpower
• Transform good governance from abstract theory to concrete practice
   

Credit Union’s Financial Health and Performance Opportunity
Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer, Cornerstone Advisors

Every credit union is concerned about and committed to improving their members’ financial health. But it’s time to recognize some hard truths: 1) Focusing on improving financial literacy through financial education efforts is having little to impact on consumers’ overall financial health; 2) Good financial health is not consumers’ ultimate goal—high financial performance is what consumers are striving for; and 3) Addressing financial health without addressing consumers’ mental and physical health produces subpar results. This session with Ron Shevlin, Chief Research Officer at Cornerstone Advisors will help Directors understand why current approaches to improving financial health are falling short and why—and how—credit unions can make financial health and performance the core strategy of their organization.

6 Market Realities to Consider for Credit Union Leadership Continuity
Danielle Scodellaro, Executive Benefits Specialist, TruStage

Workforce winds are changing on a dime, making the nuances of leadership continuity much more complex. This session will explore the talent trends that influence how credit unions recruit, reward and retain their top people. Attendees can walk away with a stronger understanding of the demands, motivations and stressors of today’s credit union employees, as well as several emerging best practices for creating a highly desirable working environment for the movement’s next generation of leaders.
 

Vendor Selection: How Servicing Can Make or Break Your Succession Plan
Matt Jakubowski, Vice President and Kraig Klinkhammer, Chief Operating Officer, Gallagher

Your board has significantly invested in your succession plan and anchored it with executive benefits. Now the real work begins! Much like a shiny new car, in order for your investment to work as intended, servicing plays a critical role in identifying key issues before disaster. Plus, with proper servicing, you can maximize the efficiency and impact of your investment. Learn how to assess your needs, mitigate expenses, and ask the right questions on the front end to avoid those red flags that can lead your plan off track. 
 

Networking Refreshment Break
10:45 – 11:05 a.m.

Breakout Sessions (repeated from the morning)
11:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

Optional Event
Whale Watch Cruise
12:45 – 5:30 p.m.
$225/person

Separate registration required.

Conference Information Desk
7:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

General Session
8:15 – 9:25 a.m.

Regulatory Update, NCUA
Cherie Freed, Director, Western Region

NCUA Regional Director Cherie Freed will discuss recent credit union trends, supervisory priorities, and will answer questions from the attendees.  
 

Networking Refreshment Break
9:25 – 9:40 a.m.

Closing General Session
9:40 – 10:45 a.m.

Targeting for Success
Caroline Johnson, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Lecturer at University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

Caroline will illustrate how she has applied a simple formula of preparation and perseverance to achieve an elite level of performance flying F/A-18’s behind enemy lines, and beyond. Audiences will finish the session captivated by her stories of heroism, inspired by her ability to break glass ceilings, and empowered to apply simple formulas to their organizations to unleash performance in uncertain times.

Conclusion of Conference
10:45 a.m.

Airport

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is about a 40 to 50-minute drive from Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG).

Ground Transportation

SpeediShuttle in Maui provides shared and exclusive shuttles as well as sedan, SUV and limousine service to and from Kahului Airport (OGG) or to the destination of your choice. Upon arrival, please check in at the SpeediShuttle counter located in baggage claim. Book online or email hrm@speedishuttle.com. To reach by phone, please call (808) 667-4910 or dial 4910 from your hotel room.

CUES has negotiated a discount when you book with Enterprise and National for this meeting. You can take advantage of our discounted rates by booking online using the below links. Be sure to reference account number OSMB44A when making all reservations.
 
Enterprise Reservations | National Reservations

We also invite you to enroll in the Emerald Club loyalty program. As an Emerald Club member, you can bypass the counter and choose your own vehicle, earn free rental days, receive arrival & return alerts, receive e-receipts, and maximize benefits while still enjoying our CUES corporate discount. Click here to enroll in Emerald Club (Emerald Club benefits applicable to both Enterprise & National reservations).  

On-site overnight parking at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa is $25 per day; valet parking is $40 per day.

Hawaii does not have a sales tax, but does have general excise tax. There is no general excise tax exemption for goods and services purchased in Hawaii by out-of-state residents. As a result, the Department of Taxation also does not issue tax exemption certificates to tourists or other nonresidents in Hawaii.

Sunday, December 10
7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
$225/person 

OR

Tuesday, December 12
12:45 - 5:30 p.m. 
$225/person 

Join us on a whale watch cruise that offers the opportunity to interact with onboard naturalists to gain a better understanding of these beautiful giants of the seas, as well as how and what data collection our dedicated researchers are gathering. The naturalists will provide you with expert commentary about humpback whales and the various behaviors being exhibited by these amazing giants. You will also enjoy the stunning view of one of the most desirable locations on the island.  

Ocean Guardian is a high-tech, ultra-smooth, double-deck power catamaran specially designed to minimize the impact of vessel noise on whales and delivers a comfortable cruising and wildlife viewing experience for large groups. While loaded with amenities, the Ocean Guardian remains truly ecofriendly, built with the highest allowable level of recycled materials and is powered by Maui Bio-Fuel made from recycled fats and cooking oils from Maui restaurants.  

The tour is open to attendees and their guests, and includes transportation to and from the boat, a two-hour whale watching cruise, and various snacks and beverages on the boat. 

Iao Valley and Pineapple Farm Excursion 
Monday, December 11, 2023 
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
$525/person  

Enjoy a bus tour to the Iao Valley! After a short walk past a meandering stream through a forest full of native Hawaiian plants, gaze high above at the iconic Iao Needle – a natural outcropping jutting from the mountain side; covered in emerald green vegetation and towering 1,200 feet over Iao valley. The valley is rich in history as both an ancient battleground and a burial site for ancient Hawaiian royalty. Following this tour, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.  

From there, the group will head upcountry in beautiful Hali’imaile to experience a working pineapple farm. Nothing is as synonymous with Hawaii as the pineapple. Nestled in Hali'imaile in upcountry Maui, the small tour begins in an air-conditioned vehicle that transports you into the pineapple fields. While travelling through them, knowledgeable guides explain the planting and harvesting techniques of the pineapple and show how plantation workers still cultivate the fruit by hand. Visitors are able to observe the growing cycles of pineapples as well as stop in the fields to taste several varieties. After exploring the plantation, guests are guided through the processing factory and shown how pineapple is tested, sorted, and packaged. Everyone on tour receives a boxed Maui Gold pineapple as a take home gift. This pineapple can be easily taken through the airport for seamless travel back to the mainland U.S. It’s truly a fun and delicious tour for everyone!  

This program also includes breakfast on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. All guests are welcome to join your registrant for the opening reception.  

The Companion Meal Plan Only is available for guests at $295. This includes breakfast on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. All guests are welcome to join your registrant for the opening reception.  

CUES Directors Conference is for credit union directors, board chairs, board officers, supervisory committee members, board liaisons, and CEOs. Consider sending your entire board so your group can benefit from learning and participating in discussions together, and heading home on the same page.

We can also help you arrange a board meeting while you’re at Directors Conference, contact us at events@cues.org and let us know you’d like the details.
 

In addition to the great content and speakers we have lined up, your registration includes:

• Sunday's welcome reception for attendees and their guest
• Three breakfasts
• One luncheon
• All educational sessions & materials
   

Yes! This conference meets the following standards:

• CPE credits earned: up to 12
• Program Level: Overview
• Delivery Method: Group-Live
• Advanced Preparation: No advance preparation is required
• Prerequisites: Not required for this program

CUES is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, through its website linked above.
 

The comfort and well-being of our attendees is of utmost importance to us; we will make every effort to make sure you are comfortable at our events! 

Please email events@cues.org as soon as you know you’re attending a CUES event. Be sure to include your name, credit union, the CUES event you are registered for, and everything we need to know to accommodate your request. 

We’ll be in touch with any questions we have, and let you know how we can help.
 

Suggested dress for the conference is resort casual attire. Although we try to keep meeting room temperatures comfortable, we suggest you bring a sweater or jacket. Average temperatures in Maui at this time of year are mid 80’s during the day and mid 60’s in the evening. 

Your companion is welcome to join you at the Welcome Reception, as well as register for any of our optional activities. A companion meal program is also available, which includes breakfast Monday through Wednesday for $295. See our Travel/Lodging tab for additional details on optional activities. 

Right here! It contains everything you need to know about attend this event, including:

• Where to stay
• What airport to fly into, and other transportation information
• When to arrive
• What to pack
• Spouse/guest information, if applicable
   

INFORMATION PACKET

ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING. (cues@cues.org)

• Prior to 60 days – full refund
• 31-60 days before start of event – 50% refund
• 0-30 days before start of event – no refunds or credits for future events given 

Due to financial obligations incurred by CUES, no refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests less than 30 days prior to the start of the event. Substitute attendees are welcome, subject to eligibility. 
 
CUES reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances, and will refund fees if the event is rescheduled or location is changed and you are unable to attend.