RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.— As America’s Credit Unions, the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) and league leaders wrapped three days of concentrated strategy at the AACUL Winter Conference, one message rose above all according to the Illinois Credit Union League: CUs’ strength is—and continues to be—the trust built between leagues and ACU.
ICUL leadership attended the conference with a clear purpose: deepen national alignment, share strategy with counterparts, and bring back insights that directly support Illinois credit unions.
ICUL President/CEO Libby Calderone noted that the biggest takeaway was witnessing the collective resolve of leagues nationwide and ACU united around a singular mission—to protect, elevate, and advance credit unions.
“It is powerful to be part of a system that not only collaborates but truly functions as one voice for one movement. The strength of leagues working together is how advocacy wins are secured—and how future challenges will be met,” she said.
Patrick Smith, ICUL EVP chief advocacy officer, added that the regulatory perspective gained during the NCUA Western Region discussion will directly inform and sharpen Illinois’ approach heading into 2026.
“The dialogue with NCUA provided clarity and context that will help shape our regulatory posture this year,” he stated. “That level of access and candor is what sets this gathering apart.”
The ICUL team echoed that sense of alignment from multiple vantage points. Jamie Conrad, SVP of credit and debit, and Melanie Murphy, executive director of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation, noted that connecting with peer leagues who understand identical legislative pressures and member needs remains one of the most energizing and validating aspects of the conference.
Doug Williams, VP product development and strategy, appreciated how candid exchanges and unexpected perspectives push league work to stay adaptive and innovative. Melissa Vidito, director of marketing and communications, reflected on how closely the experience mirrors ICUL’s own Peer Networking Symposium—where true peer-to-peer exchange creates clarity, efficiency, and operational cohesion unique to this industry.
Keith Sias, SVP of Governmental Affairs, emphasized the strategic value of those conversations, noting that league-to-league exchange is where shared priorities solidify and challenges become collective solutions rather than isolated hurdles.
Ashley Sharp, SVP State Advocacy & Legislative Counsel, appreciated candid insight into ACU’s vision under new leadership, and found value in strategizing on the alignment of state and federal priorities to strengthen the industry.