The Cooperative Leadership
Exchange
Exclusive. Transformative. Built for the Future of Credit Unions.
This is invite-only. Not everyone gets a seat at this table—because not everyone is ready. This cohort is designed for CEOs and their second-in-command who are serious about growth, leadership, and accountability.
Purpose & Impact Leadership Retreat
Three days on purpose, impact, and the future of the movement.
- CEOs + Executive Leaders
- October 28–30, 2026
- St. Paul, Minnesota
A collaborative gathering focused on purpose-driven leadership, social impact, community development, and the future of the credit union movement.
Hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown and at Farm Credit Credit Union.
Wednesday, October 28
Arrival, connection & shared purposeReconvene & Agenda Setting
Facilitator: Bo
As we continue building a community of credit union leaders committed to growth, independence, and learning from one another, we begin by reflecting on what has changed since our last conversation. We'll recap progress, identify challenges, and uncover opportunities where this group can help one another.
Happy Hour
Informal connection and conversation.
Purposeful Pints
Facilitator: Brent · Guest: TBD
A pub-style conversation featuring one retreat participant sharing their leadership journey, purpose, impact, and lessons learned.
Dinner & Informal Conversation
Unstructured time to deepen relationships and continue conversations organically.
Thursday, October 29
Learning, reflection & leadership in actionMinneapolis Justice & Community Immersion
A grounded learning experience exploring the Twin Cities' ongoing justice journey following the 2020 racial uprising after the murder of George Floyd. The morning includes visits to social justice memorials connected to George Floyd, Renee Good, and Alex Pirroti, alongside reflection on community trust, public safety, and Operation Metro Surge.
Participants will also visit Twin Cities de novo credit unions, including Tribe and Arise, to learn how emerging institutions are expanding access, inclusion, and community-rooted finance.
Guest Speaker
A conversation with Dave Larson, CEO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.
Leadership Breakout Sessions
Two rooms, running at the same time
CEO Discussion
Facilitated by Bo
Since our last Collaborative Exchange, what is one thing that has changed in your organization that matters?
- Growth
- Leadership
- Talent
- Member behavior
- Lending
- Strategy
- Market conditions
What challenge are you spending more time on today than you expected to six months ago?
- Staffing
- Culture
- Growth
- Technology
- Board dynamics
- Regulatory burden
- Execution
What opportunity do you believe credit unions are underestimating right now?
- AI
- Financial wellness
- Small business
- Community partnerships
- Local market positioning
- Member experience
- Data utilization
If you could put one challenge on the table and ask this group for advice, what would it be?
Executive Leadership Team
Facilitated by Robb · Turning strategy into results
What strategic initiative is getting the most attention in your organization right now?
Where does execution consistently break down?
- Accountability
- Prioritization
- Communication
- Staffing
- Capacity
- Decision making
What process, meeting structure, tool, or habit has improved your team's effectiveness?
What is one leadership challenge you wish more executives talked openly about?
Combined Group Debrief
Facilitated by Bo and Robb
Both rooms come back together to compare what surfaced and agree on what the group carries into Day Three.
Friday, October 30
Working sessionsWorking Groups
Facilitated by Bo · Hosted by CEOs
One host per table per topic, with topics drawn from the conversations across Day One and Day Two.
Volunteer Opportunity Optional
A community service experience with local partners.
Zoo Lights Gathering Optional
An informal social outing and continued connection at Zoo Lights.
Why now
Credit unions under $500M in assets are facing the most significant challenges in decades:
- Industry consolidation is accelerating.
- The leadership pipeline is thinning.
- Member expectations are shifting at a record pace.
The future belongs to the leaders who can adapt, grow, and build resilient teams—now.
What makes this different
This isn’t another conference where you collect ideas and leave unchanged. It’s a working group with a clear purpose: sharpen CEOs, develop second-in-command leaders, and drive measurable growth for your credit union.
Four Meetings Annually: Two in-person, two virtual. In-person sessions include dedicated breakout discussions for CEOs and #2s.
Shared Investment: Each participating credit union makes a financial commitment (approx. $1K per participant annually, plus travel/food/lodging) to cover facilitation and event costs.
Kickoff Gathering: The first meeting will be offered at no cost (beyond your travel) to co-design the Exchange and shape its future direction.
Facilitated Dialogue: Meetings are professionally facilitated, keeping the focus on mission, measurable impact, and actionable solutions.
You’ll leave with more than ideas —you’ll leave with:
Growth Playbooks: Practical, tested strategies for membership, loan, and income growth.
Next-Gen Leadership: CEOs gain fresh perspective, while #2s gain the skills and confidence to step into future CEO roles.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Connections across credit unions, nonprofits, and partners to uncover scalable solutions and shared services.
Outcome Tracking: Key takeaways and progress documented after each session to ensure accountability and measurable results.
Clarity & Confidence: To make bold moves knowing you’re not leading alone.
outcomes you CAN Expect
- A 12-month growth plan tailored to your credit union.
- A #2 who is a stronger, future-ready leader.
- A trusted network of peers who challenge and support you.
- Documented progress in growth, leadership, and alignment across the year.
the Commitment
This cohort requires presence, transparency, and accountability. With four annual meetings, shared investment, and peer accountability, this is a commitment to action and outcomes—not theory. Seats are limited and invite-only. Invest in your leadership.
Invest in your #2. Invest in your credit union’s future.
take the next step
1. Fill out the form below to confirm your spot
2. Book your room using this link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ceo-leadership-exchange/
1. Fill out the form below to confirm your spot
2. Book your room using this link: https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1763573023393&key=GRP&app=resvlink