A one-of-a-kind, small-group experience.

40 Groups is for executives who want to learn from the world’s leading thought leaders and gain practical guidance from their true peers.

Learn More

 

A one-of-a-kind, small-group experience.

CEO 40 Group is for credit union CEOs who want to learn from the world’s leading thought leaders and gain practical guidance from their true peers.

Learn More

 

What We Do

CEOs, CFOs and Board Chairs are referred by their peers to join the nation’s top credit union executives at a series of 2-day retreats to meet with other innovative thought leaders and share best practices in each of their respective Groups.

Meetings are held 2-3 times over a 12-month period in an executive resort-style retreat designed to remove you from everyday distractions and expand your thinking. You will have an opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues with other C-Suite executives and hear from some of the world’s leading authorities on today’s hottest topics who will challenge your thinking. Plus, you can develop trusted relationships with other like-minded credit union leaders who truly understand the challenges you face.

As CEOs, CFOs and Board Chairs continue to experience unprecedented challenges, the need to learn from each other, share ideas, and meet with other creative leaders is more important than ever before.

Some executive leaders in attendance will be some familiar names who always seem to be leading new paths while others are rising stars who you may have never met before. All plan to come together to learn, share and inspire each other in this small, intimate group setting.

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip forward-thinking, growth-minded leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to better serve their employees, their members and their communities as stewards of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a world-class executive leadership resource delivering exceptional value so CEOs can in turn build long-term value for all stakeholders and ultimately create better communities in which they work, live and play.

Our values

Love one another. Treat everyone with love, respect and dignity just as you would want from them.

Make a difference in the lives of others. Seek opportunities to lift-up others.

Be passionate and determined. Pursue goals with zeal and persistence.

Be good stewards. Take care of the resources, time, and talents that have been entrusted to you.

Be humble. Put others before yourself and recognize the contributions of others.

Have fun. Take time to enjoy family, friends, and the life and world we have. Life is short.

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip forward-thinking, growth-minded CEOs with the knowledge and skills they need to better serve their employees, their members and their communities as stewards of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a world-class executive leadership resource delivering exceptional value so CEOs, CFOs and Board Chairs can in turn build long-term value for all stakeholders and ultimately create better communities in which they work, live and play.

Our values

Love one another. Treat everyone with love, respect and dignity just as you would want from them.

Make a difference in the lives of others. Seek opportunities to lift-up others.

Be passionate and determined. Pursue goals with zeal and persistence.

Be good stewards. Take care of the resources, time, and talents that have been entrusted to you.

Be humble. Put others before yourself and recognize the contributions of others.

Have fun. Take time to enjoy family, friends, and the life and world we have. Life is short.

Meet Our Team

Dennis Sullivan, MBA

Founder & CEO

Dennis is an experienced executive, entrepreneur, professor and credit union advocate. He has launched or turned around more than 100 products and businesses and enjoys turning ideas into thriving businesses that create value for business owners and those they serve. He is an associate professor of marketing and entrepreneurship at the Community College of Baltimore where he also serves as Executive Director of CCBC Center for Business helping students and alumni launch new businesses. He also serves on the faculty of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses in Baltimore. He is the recipient of the International Teaching Excellence Award granted to just two professors each year from among more than 1,000 colleges worldwide with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. He also served as Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University. He is chairman of the CU Leadership Convention – a position he has held on and off for more than 20 years. When he is not working, he enjoys playing golf, travelling in his RV, spending time with his family, his dogs, and dreaming up the next big idea!

Maureen Eckman, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Maureen has a robust work history as an experienced accountant with a diverse skill set encompassing accounting reconciliations, financial analysis, tax expertise, controller & advisory services, budget management, and government correspondence. She has worked with start-up companies, as well as large & small for-profit and non-profit organizations, understanding the various stages of accounting operations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated dedication and trustworthiness in handling financial matters. Her strong communications skills have allowed her to build & maintain excellent client relationships, while her data analysis capabilities have facilitated informed decision-making. Additionally, she has a proven track record of effective management, making her a well-rounded and accomplished professional in the field of accounting and finance.

Education: Penn State University Bachelor of Science, Accounting

Andrew Umhoefer

Chief Marketing Officer

Andrew is an accomplished marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading global growth, brand strategy, and marketing for B2B organizations. He has built and led high-performing teams across North America, Europe, and Asia, transforming marketing operations into powerful growth engines that deliver measurable results. Throughout his career, Andrew has guided organizations through change by launching new products, rebranding established ones, and aligning marketing, sales, and product strategies to drive sustained revenue growth. Known for blending strategic insight with creative execution, he has earned more than a dozen international marketing awards for excellence in growth and brand leadership. A passionate mentor and team builder, Andrew is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations connect more deeply with the audiences they serve. When he is not working, he enjoys sailing, vegetable gardening, spending time with his family, his cat and dog, and finding new ways to be creative.

Sandro Pardo

President, Community Banks

Sandro is a strategic B2B marketing and business development leader with over 15 years of experience driving demand generation, brand growth, and marketing operational excellence across SaaS, financial, banking and sustainability sectors. Throughout his career, Sandro has led multinational teams across North America and Latin America, delivering measurable business outcomes through SEO, SEM, content, and automation platforms.  As a life-long New Yorker, Sandro is passionate about where he grew up: trying the latest international cuisines, the arts, as well as being involved in the community with his wife and son. 

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CEO 40 Group members include…