CONNECT 2026: Connecting People, Purpose, and Progress

The MD|DC Credit Union Association's CONNECT 2026 brought together more than 500 credit union leaders and industry partners at the Ocean City Convention Center for the Association's Annual Meeting and Convention. The event explored the forces reshaping financial services and how credit unions can meet the moment by connecting people, purpose, and progress.

Two industry leaders helped open the convention. America's Credit Unions President and CEO Scott Simpson told attendees that the movement's strongest advocacy tool is not only its size, but also the personal stories of the members credit unions serve every day.

Simpson emphasized the need for credit unions to continue making their case to policymakers by connecting national policy issues to real people in local communities.

NCUA Eastern Region Director John Kutchey shared the agency's current priorities and offered insights into what credit unions can expect in the year ahead.

Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group examined trends in employment, housing, commercial real estate, and financial markets to provide perspective on where the economy may be headed through the balance of 2026 and beyond.

Samantha Paxson, Founder and CEO of Power & Light Collaborative, explored why credit unions are approaching a "Netflix moment" as member expectations, money movement, fintech, and AI reshape financial services.

Awards Recognition

The Annual awards program honors individuals and credit unions for their excellence, leadership, and commitment to the movement.

Kaytlin Wack from Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union was selected the 2026 Miriam Rivera Lieb Emerging Leader Award recipient. This honor recognizes standout young professionals who display exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to the core values of the credit union community. The program is sponsored by TruStage.

Rick Wieczorek, President and CEO of NIH Federal Credit Union was named 2026 CEO of the Year for successfully guiding the credit union through a period of growth operational change, and industry disruption, while keeping the credit union focused on its mission of serving members. Wieczorek is on the Association's board and previously served as Chair.

Nancy J. Shevock, Board Chair Emeritus of Del-One Federal Credit Union, was honored as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year, recognizing her decades of leadership, service, and dedication to the credit union movement.

The Marketing Trailblazer Awards celebrate innovation, strategy, and campaigns that make an impact in a variety of categories. Point Breeze Credit Union earned top honors taking home the Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing. Point Breeze stood out for its strategic, creative and results-driven approach across multiple campaigns.

Rocker Program

13 Rockers were selected to attend CONNECT 2026 thanks to the generous support of the Baltimore, Suburban, and DC Chapters, along with the Credit Union Foundation MD|DC. Rockers participated in exclusive programming designed specifically for them, as well as some fun activities, including a scavenger hunt. It was an opportunity to learn, connect with one another, and engage with credit union leaders, and industry partners. Plus, they all got cool 2026 Rocker t-shirts!