Association’s 2025 Tech Summit Highlights Member-Center Innovation as Key Driver of Growth

More than 100 credit unions came together September 9 -10 for the MD|DC Credit Union Association's 2025 Tech Summit. A dynamic lineup of speakers explored this year's theme, Activating Technology for Growth, highlighting how innovation that strengthens member relationships is the foundation of effective growth strategies.

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. Hauptman emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, noting that "Not innovating is a risk."

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. She 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.

Personal finance journalist and CEO of HerMoney, Jean Chatzky, reminded attendees that financial wellness isn't just a service, it's a growth strategy. She described how innovative financial wellness programs can inspire behavioral change, deepen trust, and cement long-term relationships. By using technology to meet members where they are, credit unions can help people build healthier financial futures while also strengthening engagement.

A dynamic panel on growth strategy focused on the operational side of innovation. Panelists highlighted 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 key takeaway from this year's Tech Summit is that the most successful growth strategies fuse innovation with credit unions' core mission of serving members," said John Bratsakis, President/CEO of the MD|DC Credit Union Association. "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 speakers and panelists included:

• 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, Jr., President & CEO, Johns Hopkins FCU
• Jill Sammons, SVP, Marketing, Well-being & Wealth Advisory, Baxter Credit Union