SAVANNAH, Ga. — More than 200 people attended the 2026 INSPIRE leadership conference, which brought credit union professionals together for discussions on executive leadership, artificial intelligence, member service and resilience, according to The League of Credit Unions, which co-hosted the event.
The event was held in partnership with the Carolinas Credit Union League and the Global Women’s Leadership Network. The annual gathering is intended to support leaders at different stages of their careers, the league said.
Leadership and Technology
According to the organizations, Tuesday’s program featured Penny Ford, co-founder and chief operating officer of Brilliant Beyond Belief and founder of Burton Hathow Preparatory School, who delivered a session on women leading with confidence and purpose.
Su Rayburn, vice president of information management and analytics at Delta Community Credit Union, discussed how agentic AI could change member service while preserving personal relationships.
An executive panel titled “The Journey Behind the Leader” examined the experiences and decisions that shape credit union executives. Participants included:
- Kara Cardona, chief operating officer of Navy Federal Credit Union.
- Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union.
- Jan Page, CEO of Community South Credit Union.
Samantha A.M. Beeler, president of the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, moderated the discussion.
Resilience and Service
The organizations said another panel, “Grace Under Fire: Stories of Survival, Healing and Rising,” addressed adversity and recovery. Moderated by Maureen Bock, the league’s senior vice president of member experience and care, it featured Linda Weatherford, CEO of SPC Credit Union; Patty Corkery, president and CEO of the Michigan Credit Union League and Navari; and Meredith Harrison, founder of Carter’s Tribe.
“I leave feeling motivated by the powerful women at this conference, knowing that everyone here is continuing to pave the way for the next generation of upcoming leaders,” Jennifer Ramirez-Washington, senior assistant vice president of member service at Henrico Federal Credit Union, said in remarks provided by the league.
Wednesday’s sessions included “Reckless Joy,” presented by Nanci Wilson, executive vice president of Luminate, and a presentation on service-centered leadership by Tiffany Greenway, senior director of effectiveness and operations, digital transformation and technology at Chick-fil-A’s corporate support center.
2027 Conference Scheduled
The league said next year’s INSPIRE conference is scheduled for Sept. 18-19, 2027, at HeartSong Resort at Dollywood in Tennessee.
