SAVANNAH, GA — Today, The League of Credit Unions successfully concluded INSPIRE, an annual conference designed to empower leaders at every stage of their careers through impactful speakers, authentic conversations, and valuable networking opportunities. Held October 26 – 28, in Savannah, Georgia, in conjunction with the Carolinas Credit Union League and the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), INSPIRE brought together more than 200 attendees.
The conference opened Tuesday with “Powerful and Unstoppable: The Blueprint for Women Leading at Their Highest Level,” led by Penny Ford, Co-Founder and COO of Brilliant Beyond Belief and Founder of Burton Hathow Preparatory School. Her session set the tone for a day centered on leadership, personal growth and the opportunities women have to lead with confidence and purpose.
Attendees also explored the evolving intersection of technology and member service during “Who Will She Trust? Service the Whole Person in the Age of Agentic AI,” presented by Dr. Su Rayburn, Vice President of Information Management and Analytics at Delta Community Credit Union. The session encouraged leaders to consider how emerging technologies can shape the member experience while keeping the human element of service at the forefront.
One of the day’s featured discussions was the executive panel, “The Journey Behind the Leader,” featuring Kara Cardona, COO of Navy Federal Credit Union; Liz Ponder, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union; and Jan Page, CEO of Community South Credit Union. Facilitated by Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, the conversation explored the experiences, decisions and lessons that shape leadership journeys and influence the way executives guide their organizations.
Another powerful conversation took place during “Grace Under Fire: Stories of Survival, Healing and Rising.” Facilitated by Maureen Bock, Senior Vice President of Member Experience and Care at The League, the panel featured Linda Weatherford, CEO of SPC Credit Union; Patty Corkery, President and CEO of Michigan Credit Union League and Navari; and Meredith Harrison, known as Supermom of Carter and founder of Carter’s Tribe. The panel created space for honest conversations about resilience, navigating adversity and finding strength through life’s most challenging experiences.
“One of my favorite moments of being in the credit union space is attending INSPIRE,” shared Jennifer Ramirez-Washington, Senior Assistant Vice President of Member Service at Henrico Federal Credit Union. “I leave feeling motivated by the powerful women at this conference, knowing that everyone here is continuing to pave the way for the next generation of upcoming leaders.”
Wednesday’s program continued with a talk from Nanci Wilson, Executive Vice President of Luminate, on “Reckless Joy,” before Tiffany Greenway, Senior Director of Effectiveness and Operations, Digital Transformation and Technology at Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center, presented “Here to Serve: Leadership Lessons from Chick-fil-A.” Her session explored the role of service in effective leadership and the importance of bringing a people-centered approach to organizational success.
The League would like to thank all attendees, organizers, and sponsors for making 2026 INSPIRE a success. Next year’s INSPIRE will be held on September 18 – 19, 2027, at Heartsong Resort at Dollywood in Tennessee.
For more information about The League and future events, please click here.
###
About The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates
The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates provides a platform for advocacy, collaboration, and innovation, representing 361 credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia and their 34.1 million members, as well as $490 billion in assets. The League serves as an advocate through credit union engagement, advocacy impact, Foundation resources, and LEVERAGE products and services. Join us in supporting credit unions by learning more at www.the-league.coop. Follow The League on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Leave a Reply