COLUMBIA, Md.–The MD|DC Credit Union Association has wrapped up its 2025 Tech Summit.
The Summit opened with NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman, who delivered remarks and answered questions from attendees on key issues, including the agency’s reorganization, exam cycles, the GENIUS Act and the potential role of stablecoin, according to the organization.
“Not innovating is a risk,” he told the meeting.
Samantha Paxson, founder and CEO of Power & Light Collaborative, urged credit unions to move beyond traditional life stages and instead design services around members’ lifestyles.
The MDDCCUA said Paxson explained how a human-centered approach to innovation unlocks new business models, accelerates digital transformation and drives meaningful growth by ensuring members remain at the heart of technological change.
Not Just a Service
Also addressing the meeting was personal finance journalist and CEO of HerMoney, Jean Chatzky, who reminded attendees that financial wellness isn’t just a service, it’s a growth strategy, according to the association.
“She described how innovative financial wellness programs can inspire behavioral change, deepen trust, and cement long-term relationships,” the MDDCCUA said. “By using technology to meet members where they are, credit unions can help people build healthier financial futures while also strengthening engagement.”
Panel Discussion
According to the MDDCCUA, a dynamic panel on growth strategy focused on the operational side of innovation, with panelists highlighting the need for agility, adaptability and readiness to adopt new tools and processes. They stressed that growth depends on an organization’s ability to integrate innovation quickly and effectively, the association added.
‘Key Takeaway’
“The key takeaway from this year’s Tech Summit is that the most successful growth strategies fuse innovation with our core mission of serving members,” MDDCCUA President and CEO John Bratsakis said. “When credit unions use technology to anticipate member needs and deliver meaningful value, they not only strengthen relationships but also position themselves for sustainable growth.”
Additional Presenters
• John Ainsworth, general manager, Metallicus
• Issac Halperin, partner, EY-Parthenon
• Omar Jordan, founder & CEO, Coviance
• Nav Khanna, president & CEO, First City Credit Union
• Saeid Kian, co-founder & CEO, Ribbon
• Kris Kovacs, founder & CEO, Constellation Digital Partners
• Bob Nealon, VP, Enterprise Solution Sales, Origence
• Keith O’Neill, president & CEO, Johns Hopkins FCU
• Jill Sammons, SVP, marketing, well-being & wealth advisory, Baxter Credit Union
