VisionBoard 2026: Where Board Leadership Meets Strategic Impact

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on January 7, 2026

As the Credit Union Movement evolves, so too must the leadership that guides it. VisionBoard Powered by GoWest is the new, premier national event designed specifically for forward-thinking credit union boards and their executive partners. On April 9–11 in Scottsdale, Ariz., directors and CEOs will learn to lead with clarity, adapt with confidence, and shape what’s next for their organizations.

More than just a conference, VisionBoard is a dynamic, immersive experience — co-designed with current board chairs, directors, and CEOs — that blends expert-led sessions, collaborative workshops, and peer exchange.

“Without continuing board development, credit unions will not have the foundation of understanding to lead going forward,” said Arick Williams, President and CEO of Columbine Federal Credit Union.

With development in mind, throughout the program, attendees will gain actionable insights to strengthen board effectiveness, deepen alignment between boards and executive teams, stay ahead of key industry trends, and walk away with practical tools to elevate governance impact.

Spotlight on Dr. Amy Hillman

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Amy Hillman to the VisionBoard speaker lineup. Dr. Hillman, Rusty Lyon Chair of Strategy with the ASU Foundation, Professor, and former Dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, brings decades of expertise in board governance, strategy, and succession planning. She leads The New Governance Lab at Arizona State University, a research-meets-practice center designed to advocate for better forms of governance and Filene’s Center of Excellence for Credit Union Leadership, Strategy and Governance.

Her session will offer an interactive exploration of board leadership challenges, frameworks for strengthening talent pipelines, and real-world strategies to help boards navigate leadership continuity with confidence.

Dr. Hillman’s experience and perspective make her an invaluable addition to the VisionBoard agenda, helping attendees confront common governance and succession dilemmas and transforming them into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Why Attend VisionBoard

Whether your board is building foundational governance capacity or advancing toward visionary leadership, VisionBoard equips you for the journey ahead. Designed for current board members, board chairs and vice chairs, supervisory/audit committee members, and CEOs, this event fosters shared learning and strategic alignment.

Participants can expect to:

• Gain insights to govern with confidence and clarity
• Align boards and executives around a unified vision
• Explore emerging governance practices tailored for credit unions of all sizes
• Connect with directors from across the nation
• Return with tools to strengthen strategy and impact at the board level

“I think there is a common theme in our space with the need for boards to continue to advance their skills and expertise as credit unions become more sophisticated and face increasing challenges in the market,” shared Mina Worthington, President and CEO of Solarity Credit Union.

VisionBoard promises an exceptional lineup of thought leaders who will help boards thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. Additional speakers and agenda details will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Early Pricing ends Friday, Jan. 16 – Be sure to register now and save!

Posted in Board of Directors, GoWest Association, Leadership, Public Awareness, Small Credit Unions, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines.