ALPHARETTA, GA, UNITED STATES, August 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — More than 450 credit union executives, emerging leaders, industry partners and retirees gathered for the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s (AACUC) 2026 Annual Conference, a four-day celebration of leadership, service and collaboration that culminated in honoring three distinguished credit union pioneers with the organization’s prestigious Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award.

Presented by Conference Title Sponsor Velera, the 2026 conference embraced the theme, “Not Like Us: We’re Bold, Mindful and Brave…The Remix,” building on the momentum of last year’s event while challenging attendees to reimagine leadership for a rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

The conference featured inspiring keynote presentations, interactive educational sessions, leadership development opportunities, networking experiences and celebrations designed to equip attendees to lead with courage, authenticity and purpose. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers headlined the conference, sharing a powerful message of resilience, perseverance and overcoming adversity that resonated with leaders navigating change within their organizations and communities.

Throughout the week, speakers and panelists explored topics ranging from AI innovation and executive leadership to financial inclusion, workforce development and creating opportunities for the next generation of credit union professionals. Sessions reinforced AACUC’s commitment to advancing diverse leadership and equipping emerging leaders with its Young Professionals Summit, while strengthening the credit union movement’s collective ability to serve historically underserved communities through the cooperative philosophy of people helping people.

“The Remix was more than this year’s conference theme. It was a call to action,” said AACUC President/CEO Renée Sattiewhite. “As our industry continues to evolve, we must be willing to rethink how we lead, invest in emerging talent, strengthen our institutions and expand opportunity for the communities that need us most. This conference reminded us that bold leadership is about standing together with purpose, courage and an unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact.”

A highlight of the conference was the Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner, where AACUC recognized three extraordinary leaders whose decades of service, innovation and advocacy have left an enduring mark on the credit union movement. Named in honor of credit union pioneer Pete Crear, the award represents the organization’s highest recognition for lifetime achievement and transformational leadership. This year’s honorees included:
• Marsha Majors, President/CEO, Retired, U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
• Mary McDuffie, President/CEO, Retired, Navy Federal Credit Union
• Gary J. Perez, President/CEO, USC Credit Union

The conference also celebrated leaders whose influence has strengthened the credit union movement. In collaboration with CEO40Group, AACUC presented the 2026 Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award to Lucy Ito, former President and CEO of the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), recognizing her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the industry. The AACUC Board of Directors also honored Chuck Fagan, outgoing CEO of Velera, for his longstanding partnership and unwavering support of AACUC’s mission to advance leadership, equity and opportunity throughout the credit union movement.

The annual conference also celebrated the power of mentorship, volunteerism and collaboration, providing attendees with meaningful opportunities to connect across generations, share best practices and strengthen relationships that will continue advancing the credit union movement long after the conference concluded.

For nearly three decades, AACUC has championed leadership development, financial inclusion and professional advancement while fostering a stronger, more representative credit union industry. The Annual Conference remains the organization’s signature event, bringing together leaders committed to creating opportunity, empowering future generations and ensuring the cooperative movement continues to thrive.

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About the African-American Credit Union Coalition
The AACUC is a 501c3 non-profit organization created in 1999 to increase diversity within the credit union community through advocacy and professional development. A recipient of the 2022 Anchor Award from the National Credit Union Foundation for its leadership and global efforts unifying financial industries in eradicating racism amid the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest in 2020, AACUC has become an all-encompassing organization for executives, professionals, volunteers, consultants and regulators within the financial services industry. AACUC is considered a leader in the credit union movement, adopting the 8th Cooperative Principle (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and enabling credit unions to become more diverse and inclusive. Learn more at www.aacuc.org or on social media at Facebook.com/AACUC1, Linkedin.com/company/AACUC, X.com/AACUC1 or Instagram.com/aacucctc.

Dohnia Dorman
African-American Credit Union Coalition
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