Powerhouse Sessions Coming to MAXX 2025 in Portland

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 4, 2025

As we gear up for MAXX in Portland, we’re excited to offer a preview of some of the dynamic sessions on the agenda that are designed to inspire, inform, and equip credit union professionals for the road ahead. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your security posture, develop future leaders, or grow your own resilience as an executive, MAXX has something for you.

Check out the full agenda after having a glimpse at some of these sessions that you won’t want to miss:

Securing the Future: Defending Credit Unions Against Cyber, Physical, Fraud, and AI-Driven Threats
Speaker: Brian Hinze, President & CEO, NCU-ISAO

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, credit unions face a perfect storm of risks — from AI-driven scams and insider threats to ATM attacks and sophisticated fraud. In this critical, forward-looking session, Brian Hinze brings real-world intelligence and practical strategies to help you fortify your credit union against both digital and physical threats. Learn how to foster cross-functional security collaboration, navigate regulatory challenges, and build a resilient culture of protection that earns and keeps member trust.

Small Credit Union Roundtable
Strengthening Leadership Pipelines: Succession Planning and Development Strategies for Small Credit Unions
Speaker: Corlinda Wooden, President, Wooden Consulting, LLC

Leadership succession is more than planning for the future — it’s developing it. In this intimate roundtable tailored for leaders of small credit unions, Corlinda Wooden will share actionable approaches to succession planning, talent development, and leadership self-awareness. Learn how to identify mission-critical roles, align growth with strategy, and cultivate a culture of empowerment that inspires your team from the inside out.

More Than a Logo: The Strategy Behind Branding
Speakers: Brian Rohrbacher, Alyssa Tallman and Tara Roether

Branding is more than just a color palette and a logo — it’s a statement about who you are, who you serve, and where you’re headed. In a market crowded with financial options and rising member expectations, a strong and relevant brand can be your credit union’s most valuable asset. In a panel discussion, credit union marketing leaders will share their credit unions’ journeys when rebranding, offering unique perspectives on what drives a successful transformation, how to align brand identity with evolving member needs, navigating internal buy-in and external rollout, and more.

Hard Truths about Change: Why Resiliency is the New Currency of Leadership
Speaker: Cynthia Campbell, MBA, MEd., Founder, Soul Path Leadership

Managing deliverables is one thing. Leading people through complexity is another. Cynthia Campbell will guide you through five essential mindset shifts that redefine leadership for today’s challenges. Based in neuroscience and real-life application, this session will help you build emotional agility, coach with empathy, and create a culture that thrives on clarity and connection — not control.

Flipping the Script: Putting Financial Wellness at the Heart of Member Engagement
Speakers: Kerala Goodkin and Dave Drouin

In this uncertain day and age, the financial wellness of your members is increasingly at risk. Financial products can help, but they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. That’s why credit union marketers need to start thinking beyond product-driven marketing and engagement efforts. What if credit unions were first and foremost financial wellness promoters who also happen to sell financial products? Flipping the script offers an opportunity to not only reimagine your financial education and community engagement efforts but also to turn passive members into passionate brand ambassadors and credit union advocates.

Digital Transformation Through Conversations: Maximizing AI Impact for Credit Unions
Speakers: Ashish Garg and Saahil Kamath, Eltropy

Eltropy’s popular AI series returns as Ashish Garg and Saahil Kamath offer a framework for turning AI into real results. This session will reveal how credit unions can use AI Agents, AI Assistants, and AI Intelligence to transform member interactions, boost service efficiency, and gain deeper insights — all without losing the human touch. If you’re looking to cut through the buzz and implement AI that actually works, this is the roadmap you need.

These sessions are just a taste of what’s in store at MAXX 2025. From leadership development and security to strategic planning and innovation, you’ll find the ideas, tools, and community to elevate your impact. Check out the full agenda HERE.

MAXX registration is open now — don’t wait to secure your spot!

Let’s make this October unforgettable.

Posted in Events, MAXX.