OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has concluded hosting a subcouncil meeting and a luncheon for its member CUs.
In Oklahoma, the DCUC joined with cohosts Fort Sill Federal Credit Union and Tinker Federal Credit Union on the 2025 Midwest Subcouncil Conference.
According to DCUC, the three-day event gathered credit union leaders from across the Midwest to “explore key industry challenges and opportunities, foster collaboration, and strengthen the shared commitment to serving the financial needs of their local communities, especially military and veteran members.”
‘Embodies Collaboration’
“Our Midwest Subcouncil embodies the collaboration and innovation that define DCUC and our unique founding,” Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “Our Midwest Subcouncil was the first of our regional gatherings, and continues to serve by sharing strategies, deepening connections, and reinforcing our collective mission to serve in the finest traditions of the credit union philosophy.”
The subcouncil conference opened with an address from Hernandez, followed by a welcome from The Skirvin Hotel’s marketing manager, Claire Boomer, and remarks from Brigadier General (Ret.) Hopper Smith, director of Defense Business Development at the University of Oklahoma.
The day concluded with a special presentation by Michael (Mike) Knopp, Founder of the RIVERSPORT Foundation, DCUC said.
Engaging Sessions
The conference later featured a lineup of several engaging sessions, including an advocacy update by DCUC Advocacy Partner John McKechnie and Hernandez, and discussions with Scott Chance, district director for U.S. Congressman Tom Cole.
DCUC said a notable highlight was a fraud panel, led by Tara Hardin, TRIAD Coordinator, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office; Joshua MacDiarmid, Supervisory Special Agent, CR-3, Fraud/Illicit Finance/Health Care; Fraud, Oklahoma City Field Office; Keili McEwen, VP of Government Affairs, Tinker Federal Credit Union (moderator); and Jennifer Shaw, Executive Director, Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA).
The event presentations concluded with a leading discussion, “Beyond the Balance Sheet: How Fraud Erodes Member Trust and Increases Risk,” featuring Lon Varns, President of Aries Fraud Solutions, according to DCUC.
Additional highlights included a welcome reception hosted by RIVERSPORT, a networking lunch, and a special tour of Fort Sill Army Post, providing attendees with an up-close look at the communities they proudly serve.
Texas Subcouncil Meeting Held
In San Antonio, DCUC held a Texas Subcouncil Luncheon at Soarion Credit Union’s headquarters.
The event, sponsored by Earnest Consulting Group (ECG), a DCUC Premier Circle Partner, brought together Texas credit union leaders for networking, collaboration, and strategic engagement, the organization said.
Registration was complimentary and open to both DCUC members and non-members, with participation limited to credit union executives and board chairs, “ensuring focused dialogue among leaders shaping the credit union movement across Texas,” DCUC said.
“Attendees discovered how DCUC is advancing credit union priorities through advocacy, representation, and collaboration, while gaining insights to help take their institutions to the next level,” the Defense Council stated. “The luncheon offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with peers, discuss shared challenges, and explore future opportunities to better serve members, particularly those tied to our nation’s defense community.”
‘Vital Touchpoints’
“Events like the Texas Subcouncil Luncheon are vital touchpoints for connecting with our members in person, and where service impact can be seen firsthand,” said Hernandez in a statement. “These regional gatherings give us the opportunity to listen, share updates, and exchange ideas that directly enhance the value and strength of the credit union community across Texas and beyond.
“We also want to extend a warm thank you to both our cohost, Soarian Credit Union, and our sponsor, Earnest Consulting Group, for their support of this important and successful event.”
