2024 NCUMA ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE SESSIONS
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Saturday, May 26
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“Do you, as a Credit Union Leader, ask Strategic Questions? Really?” by Miranda V. Flurry
In this insightful session, Miranda will lead participants on a journey to unlock organizational success through the art of strategic questioning. Discover the transformative power of “how” by asking the right questions, at the right time, CU Executives can shape the future of their credit unions, for the better. This session examines how strategic questions act as a catalyst for the change and growth, help build bridges to other points of view, and how strategic questions can drive success, continuous improvement and the discovery of new possibilities for your credit union. Enhancing Board Directors and Executives ability to ask strategic questions will help the Credit Union to create and protect value for its Members, Employees, Communities, and the Credit Union Movement.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES.
1. Participants will learn the importance of strategic questions in decision-making.
2. Participants will be able to understand the difference between strategic questions versus operational questions.
3. Participants will explore how to formulate strategic questions
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"Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Credit Union" by Brian Lee
An estimated 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. In fact, about 1 in 9 people age 65 or older currently lives with Alzheimer’s. As this number continues to grow, financial institutions are faced with critical decisions on how to best serve their aging members and their caregivers. Brian Lee will talk about the steps Landings Credit Union took to become designated as a Dementia Friendly Business, and what that means for their members and community. He will also share best practices that all credit unions should follow to serve members faced with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
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Sunday, May 27
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"Social Narratives, Economic Realities, & the Credit Cycle- Part I" by Dr. Chris Thornberg
While economic orthodoxy assumes that social narratives are dictated by economic realities, narratives actually have a life of their own and can often stray widely from what the data depicts. This disconnect, once recognized, becomes fundamental to understanding both economic and credit cycles. Join Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics, as he provides an in-depth, data-driven look at the big trends in the US economy with a focus of how broken narratives are behind many of the perceived pressures in our economy today. In an era where distinguishing truth from noise is paramount, Dr. Thornberg emphasizes the critical importance of understanding where our economy is headed. Known for forecasting the subprime mortgage market crash that began in 2007, Dr. Thornberg was also one of the few economists on record to predict the global economic recession that followed. Dr. Thornberg’s trusted commentary and his evidence-based approach to economic policy analysis has built a legacy of correct calls and an ecosystem that includes some of the world’s most influential institutions, municipalities, and entities.
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"Social Narratives, Economic Realities, & the Credit Cycle- Part II" by Dr. Chris Thornberg
In this data-rich two-part session, Dr. Thornberg will shed light on the past, present, and future of credit cycles in the United States. Delving into real estate markets, labor dynamics, consumer trends, and asset valuations, this data-rich two-part session promises actionable insights for Credit Union leaders. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding, empowering leaders to enact positive change within their communities and navigate uncertain economic terrain with confidence and foresight.
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Tuesday, May 28
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"The Road Ahead: Building Resilient Growth and Income Models for Credit Unions" by Ancin R. Cooley
In this fun and upbeat session, Ancin Cooley with Synergy Credit Union Consulting will explore how credit unions can thrive in the ever-evolving post-pandemic landscape. We'll dive into digital transformation initiatives, Branding, innovative lending practices, and member engagement strategies. Join us to learn how your credit union can adapt and excel in the new normal, leveraging these key areas to drive sustainable growth and robust income.
"Calculated Courage: Navigating Risk in a Dynamic Environment" by Ancin R. Cooley
As we confront an increase in DORs and three ratings within our credit unions, the need for calculated courage has never been more pressing. Join Ancin Cooley of Synergy Credit Union Consulting as he shares his expertise in “growth-forward” enterprise risk management. In this essential session, we will delve into strategic frameworks that foster forward-thinking risk approaches while maintaining the core values of credit union conservatism. Ancin will guide us through the responsible integration of emerging technologies and innovative financial products, enhancing adaptability and securing a competitive edge.
Wednesday, May 29
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"Who are the bad Guys?" by Steve Stasiukonis
In today's digital era, the landscape of cyber threats has evolved into a formidable battleground where well-funded adversaries, often sponsored by nation-states, wield sophisticated hacking tools and techniques with alarming efficiency. This presentation sheds light on the intricacies of these contemporary cyber threat actors, emphasizing their formidable capabilities and the challenges they pose to businesses worldwide.
These adversaries are not mere amateurs; they operate with substantial financial backing, often originating from nation-state sponsors, allowing them to access cutting-edge technology and resources. Their arsenal includes the most advanced hacking tools and techniques available, enabling them to infiltrate networks, exfiltrate data, and disrupt operations with unprecedented precision.
What sets these threat actors apart is their unparalleled level of sophistication. They employ tactics such as advanced persistent threats (APTs), zero-day exploits, and social engineering with meticulous planning and execution. Their ability to adapt to evolving security measures and exploit vulnerabilities makes them elusive and challenging to detect.
Stopping these adversaries requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures. Credit Unions need to be aware of the gravity of the threat they face and implement robust defense mechanisms to safeguard their assets. This presentation serves as a wake-up call, urging organizations to stay vigilant, invest in cutting-edge security solutions, and cultivate a proactive cybersecurity culture to mitigate the risks posed by these formidable adversaries.
"What Should you be Asking Your IT Department?" by Steve Stasiukonis
Cybersecurity stands as a cornerstone in today's digital landscape, essential for safeguarding businesses against an array of threats. This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity essentials, equipping C-Suite officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape effectively.
In the realm of cybersecurity, collaboration between the C-Suite and Information Technology (IT) departments is paramount. C-Suite officers must actively engage with their IT counterparts, asking critical questions to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place. This presentation outlines the top ten inquiries C-Suite officers should be posing to their IT departments, addressing often overlooked aspects of cybersecurity.
From evaluating the effectiveness of incident response plans to assessing employee cybersecurity training programs, the presentation delves into key areas that require attention and scrutiny. By actively engaging in these discussions, C-Suite officers can gain insights into the organization's cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement.
Furthermore, the presentation emphasizes the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, highlighting emerging threats and best practices for mitigating risks. It underscores the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, encompassing technological solutions, employee education, and robust risk management strategies.
In essence, this presentation serves as a roadmap for C-Suite officers, empowering them to take an active role in cybersecurity governance and ensure their organizations are adequately prepared to combat cyber threats in an increasingly digitized world.