CONNECT 2026 begins Monday morning with a lineup of speakers covering the issues credit unions are watching closely, from regulation and advocacy to technology and member expectations.

NCUA Eastern Region Director John Kutchey, who oversees the examination and supervision of federally insured credit unions across 15 states and the District of Columbia, will provide an update on the NCUA’s priorities. His remarks are expected to include insight into the agency’s deregulation project, as well as the anticipated shift in leadership following the nomination of a new Board member.

Later in the morning, Scott Simpson, President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, will offer brief remarks before joining Association CEO John Bratsakis for a fireside chat. Their conversation will focus on key advocacy priorities and the issues most important to credit unions as they navigate a changing policy and regulatory environment.

In the afternoon, Samantha Paxson, Founder and CEO of Power & Light Collaborative, a strategic growth consultancy that helps fintechs and community-centered financial institutions, will take the stage. Paxson will present “Growth by Design,” exploring why credit unions may be approaching a “Netflix moment” as member expectations, money movement, fintech innovation, and artificial intelligence reshape the future of financial services.