Join emerging credit union leaders from across the Northeast for the fifth annual Young Professionals Summit, August 10 -11, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester Downtown, New Hampshire.
After selling out the past four years, the Summit is moving to a larger venue to welcome even more young professionals.
The event kicks off on Monday, August 10, at 12 PM, with an afternoon of networking, personal development, and educational sessions designed to inspire and empower. After an evening to explore Manchester, return for day two’s dynamic panels and interactive peer roundtable discussions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!
CCUA Credit Union Registration
The 5th annual Young Professionals Summit kicks off on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Manchester Downtown, with an afternoon of networking, personal development, and educational sessions. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, features dynamic panels and interactive peer roundtable discussions designed to inspire and empower.
YP SUMMIT | DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Lunch on your own |
| 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Registration |
| 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Welcome Remarks Ronald McLean, President/CEO Aimee Morin, VP of Education and Operations |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Opening Keynote Session Kiah Lau Haslett, Fintech Journalist of Workweek Kiah will deliver a keynote exploring shifting demographic trends among younger generations and the implications these changes hold for credit unions. Are we truly future-proofed for what’s ahead? Where will these young members be in 5, 10, or even 20 years and how will their expectations evolve along the way? This session will challenge leaders to consider what is within their control today to ensure credit unions remain relevant, competitive, and connected to this critical member segment for years to come. |
| 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Networking |
| 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | YP Roundtable Discussion Join the Roundtable Discussion for an open, engaging conversation on leadership, career growth, and the future of the credit union movement. |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Keynote Session |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Networking Reception |
YP SUMMIT | DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026
| 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Registration |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Breakfast & Networking |
| 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Four River Ballroom Foyer | CEO Ask Me Anything Panel This panel will feature audience interaction, so come prepared with questions and be ready to join the conversation! |
| 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Vendor Hall |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Keynote Session Jimmy Duverseau, Vice President, Practice Director of Robert Half The employment landscape is evolving faster than ever, constantly reshaped by persistent talent shortages, changing candidate expectations, and the accelerating impact of AI. Drawing on the latest Robert Half research and real-world insights, recruiting expert Jimmy Duverseau will unpack what emerging credit union leaders and professionals need to understand about today’s workplace and how to turn those realities into opportunity. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Keynote Session Kasie Nitzel, Supervisor of Fraud Strategy of Velera Fraud is evolving faster than ever, driven by new technologies, sophisticated social engineering tactics and increasingly organized criminal networks. In this presentation, explore the latest fraud trends impacting credit unions and their members, including account takeover fraud, synthetic identity fraud, consumer-engaged fraud, real-time payment scams and the growing role of artificial intelligence in both fraud attacks and prevention. Discover practical insights into how fraudsters operate, the red flags to watch for and the strategies financial institutions are using to strengthen detection and mitigation efforts. Gain a deeper understanding of the current threat landscape, emerging risks on the horizon and the critical role every credit union employee plays in protecting members and maintaining trust. |
| 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Closing Keynote Session Tamara Laine, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Fintech Founder AI isn't coming to credit unions. It's already here. From fraud detection to member onboarding to loan decisioning, AI is quietly reshaping how credit unions operate, compete, and serve their communities. But what does that actually look like in practice? In this session, we'll break down the real AI trends transforming the credit union industry right now. You'll learn how AI is being used to streamline lending, personalize member experiences, and help credit unions punch above their weight against the big banks. We'll also look at what's on the horizon, from agentic AI that can handle complex workflows to tools that can read messy, real-world financial data like gig income and bank transactions. Whether your credit union is just getting started with AI or already experimenting, you'll walk away with a clear picture of where the industry is headed and how to position yourself and your credit union at the front of it. |
| 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Four River Ballroom Foyer | Closing Remarks |
Kiah Haslett
Fintech Journalist at Workweek
Opening Keynote Session
Monday, August 10th at 1:00 pm
Kiah Lau Haslett is the creator of Fintech Takes Banking, where she nerds out about all things banking and financial services. Her special areas of focus include accounting, transactions, balance sheet management and how technology is changing financial institutions. She spent six years at Bank Director, first as managing editor and then as their banking & fintech editor overseeing the FinXTech platform, and was a financial institutions reporter at S&P Global Market Intelligence for eight years. Kiah has a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Nebraska.
Derek Peng
Marketing Associate at Carolina Students' Financial
Keynote Session
Monday, August 10th at 4:00 pm
Derek Peng is a senior at the University of North Carolina and a founding leader of Carolina Students’ Financial, formerly the Carolina Credit Union Initiative. He has helped lead the effort to build the student-run de novo credit union and bring its vision to life.
Mark Hettinger
President and CEO at GFA Federal Credit Union
Panel Session
CEO Ask me Anything Panel
Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00 am
Mark Hettinger is the President and CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union, where he leads with a focus on innovation, culture, and delivering a truly remarkable member experience.
His journey to CEO has been shaped by a commitment to continuously learn, challenge assumptions, and follow through in meaningful ways. He brings a thoughtful, forward-looking approach, guiding the organization through change while staying grounded in its purpose. At GFA, he has helped build a people-first culture that prioritizes both members and employees. He focuses on creating an environment where teams feel empowered to think differently, adapt, and grow. His approach emphasizes curiosity, accountability, and the development of people at every level. He has also guided the organization in embracing change in a meaningful way, driving the thoughtful integration of fintech partnerships, not as a trend, but as a deliberate approach to better serve members by expanding access, simplifying experiences, and delivering responsible financial solutions in a faster, more modern way.
Outside of his professional role, Mark is a father of six, an experience that shapes his perspective on leadership, responsibility, and balance. He brings a practical, real-world lens to his work, grounded in an understanding of the financial realities and priorities individuals and families face every day.
Danielle Milner
President and Chief Executive Officer at First Responders Credit Union
Panel Session
CEO Ask me Anything Panel
Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00 am
Danielle Milner is the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Responders Credit Union, one of the nation’s most recognized firefighter-focused financial cooperatives. With over two decades of experience in financial services leadership, Danielle is known for fostering organizational transformation rooted in strategy, culture, and care. Her leadership philosophy balances disciplined growth with a deep commitment to people—ensuring that performance, purpose, and partnership move forward together.
Prior to joining BFCU, Danielle served as Chief Experience Officer at Community Financial Credit Union in Michigan, where she led strategy, marketing, payments, CUSOs, and member experience through a period of significant modernization and expansion. Recognized for her ability to connect vision to execution, she has built strong reputations for trust, collaboration, and long-term strategic alignment with boards, executive teams, and community partners alike.
At BFCU, Danielle is guiding a focused growth strategy that strengthens value for members and enhances the cooperative’s reach across Massachusetts’ first responder community. She was named to Forbes’ “Next 1000” list for entrepreneurial leadership, holds an MBA, and serves on the Board of Directors for two national industry boards. Danielle and her husband, Jon, live in Quincy, where they enjoy an active family life with their three daughters—Gabby, Joselyn, and Oona—and remain committed to creating meaningful impact through both work and community.
Nathan Saller
President and Chief Executive Officer at Bellwether Community Credit Union
Panel Session
CEO Ask me Anything Panel
Tuesday, August 11th at 9:00 am
Nathan Saller has dedicated more than 28 years to Bellwether Community Credit Union, serving in leadership roles across marketing, operations, strategy, and retail banking before becoming President & CEO in 2019. Under his leadership, the $670 million credit union launched its “Banking with Heart” strategy, implemented EOS, and introduced an enterprise-wide AI initiative to enhance operations and member service.
Nathan has helped elevate Bellwether’s Return to Member Score to the 89th percentile while strengthening workplace culture, earning the organization a place in BusinessNH Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For Hall of Fame. He also led efforts to expand the credit union’s field of membership into Massachusetts and supported major digital banking initiatives.
Beyond Bellwether, Nathan serves as Immediate Past Chairman of America's Credit Union Museum and is active with several community organizations. He has been recognized as one of New Hampshire’s 200 Most Influential Leaders by NH Business Review.
Jimmy Duverseau
Vice President, Practice Director at Robert Half
Keynote Session
Banking on You: Standing Out in the Age of AI
Tuesday, August 11th at 11:00 am
The employment landscape is evolving faster than ever, constantly reshaped by persistent talent shortages, changing candidate expectations, and the accelerating impact of AI. Drawing on the latest Robert Half research and real-world insights, recruiting expert Jimmy Duverseau will unpack what emerging credit union leaders and professionals need to understand about today’s workplace and how to turn those realities into opportunity.
Attendees will explore:
- The current state of employment—where demand for skilled talent remains high and why competition for top candidates continues to intensify
- The realities of recruiting today—what organizations are up against, from longer hiring timelines to shifting priorities among job seekers
- Personal branding in a digital-first world—how to stand out, build credibility, and position yourself for growth in a crowded market
- AI’s impact on careers and hiring—how automation and emerging tools are changing roles, expectations, and the skills needed to stay relevant
Jimmy will bring these themes to life through compelling stories, data-driven insights from Robert Half research, and practical strategies tailored to professionals early in their banking careers. The session will translate current market realities—like evolving hiring expectations, heightened competition for talent, and the growing influence of AI—into clear, actionable steps attendees can use to strengthen their personal brand and career trajectory.
Kasie Nitzel
Supervisor of Fraud Strategy at Velera
Keynote Session
Current Fraud Trends and Emerging Threats
Tuesday, August 11th at 1:00 pm
Kasie Nitzel is a Supervisor of Fraud Strategy at Velera with more than a decade of experience in fraud prevention, risk management, and operational leadership. Throughout her career, she has focused on helping financial institutions protect members, navigate emerging fraud threats, and leverage data-driven strategies to improve outcomes. Passionate about developing people and fostering collaboration, Kasie is committed to empowering teams to adapt and thrive in an evolving financial services landscape. As a leader, she enjoys sharing practical insights on growth, innovation, and leading with purpose in service of members and communities.
Tamara Laine
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Fintech Founder
Closing Keynote Session
AI in Credit Unions: What's Here, What's Next, and What It Means for You
Tuesday, August 11th at 2:00 pm
Tamara Laine, Emmy Award-winning journalist and fintech founder, is the CEO of MPWR. She is redefining access to credit for gig workers and underserved communities using AI and alternative data, bringing real-world experience in financial inclusion, ethical tech, and startup growth.
Register Now for the Young Professionals Summit! With sold-out attendance the past two years, early ticket purchase is encouraged to secure a spot at this highly anticipated event.
- Credit Union Registration: $250 per person
Be sure to note any special dietary needs, health requirements, and mobility concerns when registering.
Tickets include access to all YP Summit-related conference materials, general sessions, lunches, receptions, and meals for the attendee.
Registration Deadline
All tickets must be secured by Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Please indicate any dietary, health, or mobility accommodations when completing registration.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be emailed to Aimee Morin at amorin@ccua.org and Amanda Milani at amilani@ccua.org. Full refunds are available if received by Thursday, July 30, 2026. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after this date. Substitute attendees are welcome anytime.
CCUA Credit Union Registration
Thank you to our sponsors investing in the credit union leaders of tomorrow!
Title Sponsor
Conference Sponsor
Event Sponsor
DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel
Guest Room Rate: $159/night plus taxes and fees
- Rooms will be at our rate for the night of 8/9, 8/10, & 8/11
- Parking garage available at a reduced fee of $15 upon validation
Reservation Details:
Book your stay online through our exclusive link for the Young Professionals Summit 2026.
* If no rooms appear available, please contact amilani@ccua.org and we will do our best to secure additional inventory.
Where to Eat Near DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown Manchester, the DoubleTree by Hilton is within walking distance of many local favorites, from upscale dining to casual restaurants and breweries.
Upscale Dining
- Hanover Street Chophouse (5-minute walk) – One of Manchester's premier steakhouses, offering premium steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting.
- Cotton (7-minute walk) – A local favorite featuring contemporary American cuisine, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Local Favorites
- Campo Enoteca (7-minute walk) – Known for handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian-inspired dishes.
- Hooked Seafood Restaurant (5-minute walk) – Serving fresh New England seafood, lobster rolls, chowder, and oysters in a casual setting.
Casual Eats
- The Crown Tavern (5-minute walk) – A neighborhood favorite offering burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and local craft beer.
- Red Arrow Diner (10-minute walk) – An iconic New Hampshire diner serving breakfast all day, comfort food, and homemade desserts.
Breweries & Casual Drinks
- Republic Brewing Company (3-minute walk) – A popular downtown brewery serving handcrafted beers, pub fare, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Great North Aleworks (10-minute drive) – An award-winning local brewery with a rotating selection of craft beers and a welcoming taproom.
The Young Professionals Summit brings together credit union professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Hosted by CCUA, last year’s event welcomed participants from seven states in partnership with credit union leagues across the Northeast.
After three consecutive sellouts, the 2026 YP Summit will take place August 10–11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. This event attracts attendees from across all areas of a credit union—including Lending, Marketing, IT, HR, and Branch Operations—with participants ranging from CEOs and C-suite executives to front-line staff and core branch operation leads.
Sponsorships are now available—don’t miss out.
View YP Summit 2026 Sponsorships
Exclusive Sponsorships
- Giveaway Sponsor $2,000: One complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, company logo on event sponsorship displays and website, and logo on attendee giveaway
Registration Sponsor $1,800: Logo on conference lanyards & badges, digital ad on agenda website, event sponsorship displays, and event website.Coffee Sponsor $1,000: One complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, logo on coffee collars served during breaks and meals, event sponsorship displays, and event website.
Event Sponsorships
- General Sponsor $2,500: Two complimentary registrations for a company representative to attend the event, event table for networking with attendees, logo on event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Lunch Sponsor $2,100: One complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, signage on serving tables, opportunity to address attendees during lunch for up to ten minutes, logo on event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Breakfast Sponsor $1,900: One complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, signage on serving tables, opportunity to address attendees during breakfast for up to seven minutes, logo on event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Audio Visual Sponsor $800 (Add-on): Logo on event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Keynote Sponsor $500 (Add-on): Introduce a keynote session or roundtable including three minutes of speaking time, logo on event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Break Sponsor $450 (Add-on): Announcement before breaks. Logo on break tables, event sponsorship displays and event website.
- Reception Sponsor $1,250: One complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, logo on signage at the reception as well as event sponsorship displays and event website.
