What Members Say

“40 Groups continues to deliver meaningful value every time we meet. The latest retreat combined high-impact speakers with honest peer discussions that immediately translated into ideas I can apply at my credit union. The conversations around branding and differentiation were especially impactful as we prepare for our own rebrand initiative. What continues to set 40 Groups apart is the relevance of the discussions and the caliber of the peer interaction.”

—  James Chang  |  CEO, Pasadena Federal Credit Union

($390M AUM), Pasadena, CA

“Attending the CEO 40 Group was a highlight this year. The opportunity to connect with other CEOs facing similar challenges and opportunities in their organizations was invaluable. It’s rare to find a space where leaders can openly share insights, strategies, and solutions without the pressure of competition. The peer interactions sparked new ideas, offered fresh perspectives, and reminded me of the power of collaboration. If you’re looking to expand your network, gain insights from others in the CEO community, and leave with tangible strategies to apply, these sessions are a must-attend.”

—  Becky Smith  |  President & CEO, APG FCU 

($2.5B AUM), Aberdeen, MD

“The CEO 40 Group provides a space to explore ideas and learn from other CEOs in a format I haven’t seen at other conferences or in different groups. This allows everyone to think differently to approach challenges and opportunities in their credit union.”

— Tyler Valentine  |  President & CEO, StagePoint FCU & Board Director for the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions 

($120M AUM), Laramie, WY

“I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the CEO40 retreat. The experience was incredibly valuable—bringing together a diverse group of credit union CEOs from varying asset sizes and regions made for thoughtful, well-rounded conversations. It was refreshing to be part of a group where everyone was fully engaged, open, and focused on tackling the real challenges we’re all navigating. 

What made the experience stand out was how relevant and timely every topic felt—from growth and margin pressure to culture, talent, and innovation. It was especially helpful to gain perspective on the current economic and geopolitical environment, and to reflect on how credit unions should be preparing for what’s ahead. The discussion around AI and its growing importance to our future was a highlight—it’s clear that embracing it thoughtfully will be essential to remaining competitive and delivering meaningful member value. 

The environment you created fostered true collaboration and peer learning, where ideas flowed freely and feedback was genuine and constructive. I left feeling energized, challenged, and more committed than ever to advancing the future of our credit union. Thanks again for the opportunity to be part of something this impactful. I’m already looking forward to what’s ahead.”

—  Cam Minges  |  CEO, Financial Center First CU

($952M AUM), Indianapolis, IN

“CEO 40 Group continues to deliver meaningful value every time we meet. The latest retreat combined high-impact speakers with honest peer discussions that translated into practical ideas I can apply immediately. The conversations are real, collaborative, and focused on solving the challenges leaders face every day.” 

—  Gary Swindler |  CEO, WSECU

($5.5B AUM), Olympia, WA

“The CEO40 Group has been an excellent experience. It’s incredibly valuable to have a space where you can openly share challenges and hear proven strategies from peers who are facing the same issues around growth, asset quality, and efficiency. The conversations sparked fresh ideas I could take back and use right away. What truly makes it special is the collaboration and peer networking. It’s genuine, engaging, and immediately valuable.”  

— Jenee Rawlings  |  President and CEO,  YOLO Federal Credit Union

($406M AUM), Woodland, CA

"The CEO 40 Group delivers exactly what I need as a credit union CEO, a confidential space to collaborate with peers facing the same challenges and opportunities. The discussions are candid, practical, and immediately useful, and the small-group format of similar-sized credit unions keeps every conversation relevant and high-value. The networking dinners set the tone for open dialogue, so by the next morning’s meeting, everyone is ready to dive right in. What stands out most are the genuine peer connections, real relationships with leaders I can call anytime. This group isn’t about theory or presentations; it’s about actionable insights and lasting professional bonds."  

— Brian Waldron  |  Chief Executive Officer, Dort Financial Credit Union

($2.3B AUM), Grand Blanc, MI

"The CEO 40 Group meetings are unlike any other events I attend. The open, peer-to-peer discussions spark immediate ideas, ideas I’ve already implemented at my credit union. The format was perfect: informal networking over dinner to break the ice and get to know who is in the room, followed by a day of focused, high-impact conversations that went straight into the real challenges we face as credit union CEOs. I valued hearing from both similar-sized and larger credit unions, gaining practical insights I can act on right away. This isn’t a conference, it’s a think tank of trusted peers who truly help you move the needle."

— Robb Scott  |  President/CEO, Copper State Credit Union

($610M AUM), Phoenix, AS

"Joining the CEO 40 Group was eye-opening. The small-group setting, and asset-based discussions made every conversation relevant to what we’re working through day-to-day. I valued the honest peer exchange, especially the financial benchmarking and idea sharing that sparked new approaches for me to bring back to my team. It’s rare to find a setting where every moment feels useful and genuine, but this one does. The CEO 40 Group delivers exactly what a CEO needs: perspective, connection, and practical insights that make an immediate impact."

— Todd Swims  |  Chief Executive Officer, Leaders Credit Union

($1.2B AUM), Jackson, TN

“What stood out most about the CFO 40 Group was the quality of the conversations. We openly discussed real balance sheet strategies, liquidity decisions, and operational challenges with peers who truly understand today’s environment. I left with actionable ideas, valuable peer connections, and conversations that are already continuing beyond the meeting itself.”

— Matt Birkelien  |  CFO, First Financial of MD FCU

($1.4B AUM), Sparks, MD