AACUL conference wraps with commitment to future collaboration, success

The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) wrapped its Winter Conference Thursday, three days to align, amplify, and advance the credit union difference. AACUL, America’s Credit Unions, and league leaders collaborated on finding solutions to pressing challenges facing credit unions, and reinforced how the credit union story brings invaluable impact to future advocacy success.

America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson noted there are “reasons for us to be excited and to celebrate, but also reasons for us to worry and be motivated and to excel.”

Simpson met with League Advocates during a townhall, emphasizing the importance of the strong partnerships between leagues and America’s Credit Unions to influence policies. Simpson reiterated how this structure allows for collaboration on issues and alignment on tactical moves, and the need to ensure the movement’s political machinery effectively serves credit unions.

The group discussed several priorities and issues, including charter modernization, banker attacks, political engagement, and more during the discussion.

The America’s Credit Unions Board approved the organization’s 2026 advocacy priorities this week. Other key developments from the event include:

• America’s President/CEO Scott Simpson returned to the AACUL board after serving on the board as a league president from 2014-2021. He reiterated that “America's Credit Unions and AACUL will continue moving forward together to deliver unified advocacy for credit unions nationwide;”
• Simpson stressed the importance of continued collaboration as AACUL and America’s Credit Unions boards joined with the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors board to reaffirm their partnership and commitment to elevating the unified credit union voice; and
• America's Credit Unions Board members Keith Sultemeier and Patty Corkery joined their fellow AACUL Board member John Bratsakis to share insights into how leagues, America's Credit Unions, and credit unions work cooperatively to advocate.

Corkery was also selected as the 26th recipient of the Eagle Award, AACUL’s highest recognition for league leadership excellence. AACUL President Brad Miller praised Corkery for leading “with vision, courage and a genuine care for people, which is exactly what sets great leaders apart.”