Cornerstone League

08/25/2026

We've officially SHIFTed into gear! 😉🔥

Yesterday brought big ideas from keynote speaker Rick Olson, meaningful conversations around collections and lending, and plenty of networking with exhibitors at the welcome reception.

We’re grateful to our SHIFT Committee for their support and to our events team for making it all come together.

08/25/2026

Insights from our President/CEO Caroline Willard!

Explore how stablecoins are reshaping financial services and impacting payments and deposits for credit unions.

08/24/2026

Saddle up! The trail is leading us to a new location for Bourbon, BBQ & Bands. Bourbon: The Midland Theatre in Kansas City.🤠

Dave Willis (Tinker Federal Credit Union), Stephen Lark (Communication Federal Credit Union), and legend Larry "The Pit Master" Shropshire invite you to a night of delicious BBQ, smooth bourbon, live music, and plenty of good company. All for a great cause, Children's Miracle Network.

📅 Nov. 5 | 5–10 p.m.
🎸 Featuring Dylan Gossett

🔗 https://cornerstone.swoogo.com/26bbb

Consider this your official invitation to mosey on over. And while we’re raising a glass, cheers to our partners at Children's Miracle Network and Credit Unions for Kids for helping make this night possible! ❤️

08/22/2026

Two longtime Cornerstone colleagues are getting ready for their next chapters! ❤️

We’re celebrating Janine McBee, director of Southwest Credit Union Management School, and Doug Foister, director of research, as they head into retirement.

💟Janine's final day with Cornerstone will be Aug. 28, concluding a career spanning nearly 45 years.

Known by many SCMS students as “Momma J,” her connection to SCMS dates to 1986, when students arrived with typewriters, completed financial analysis on calculators, and saved their work on floppy disks. While technology and education have transformed dramatically, she told graduates at this year’s commencement that one thing has remained constant: the value of lifelong learning and the relationships formed through SCMS.

At the 53rd SCMS commencement, McBee was recognized for 44 years of service. The Cornerstone Foundation also established the Janine McBee Honorary SCMS Scholarship, extending her legacy by supporting future credit union professionals.

📊Doug has spent 41 years with Cornerstone, beginning as a research analyst before becoming director of research. Among his most meaningful experiences were focus groups with credit union members.

“These groups always reminded me that we’re ultimately serving real people with real hopes and needs in life,” Doug said. “More than once I’ve seen focus group participants weep when recounting how their credit union helped them through difficult times.”

His advice to those earlier in their careers reflects that same people-first perspective: “I would encourage them to seek to develop a servant’s spirit at work.”

We’re so grateful for all they’ve brought to Cornerstone and the credit union movement. Here’s to Janine and Doug, and whatever comes next! 🥂

08/18/2026

A career built on service. A legacy built on relationships.🕊️ We’re remembering Pat McDonald, former president/CEO of AMOCO Federal Credit Union.

Pat joined AMOCO in September 1976 as a loan officer and steadily advanced through the organization. In 1998, she became the credit union’s second president/CEO.

During her tenure, she guided AMOCO through significant growth, helping the credit union surpass $86 million in assets while strengthening a culture rooted in caring, integrity, and service. She retired in June 2004 after 28 years with the organization.

Current AMOCO President/CEO Shawn Bailey credited McDonald with helping shape both his career and the organization’s future.

He also reflected on her broader impact on members and the community.

“Her unwavering commitment to AMOCO’s mission positively impacted the lives of so many members and strengthened our community in immeasurable ways,” he said.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Pat was remembered as a trusted mentor and valued member of the AMOCO family who built lasting relationships and encouraged those around her.

We extend our condolences to McDonald’s family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by her leadership and service.

08/18/2026

What happens when advocacy goes beyond the conversation? It can turn into real action for the community. 💙

We joined area credit union leaders, America's Credit Unions, and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez at Rally Credit Union in Corpus Christi for a nearly 90-minute conversation about issues affecting credit union members—including the growing threat of financial fraud.

The discussion highlighted how increasingly sophisticated scams, AI-powered fraud, and elder financial abuse are making it harder for consumers to protect themselves.

But the conversation didn’t stop there.

Local credit unions are now working with the chapter and Rep. Gonzalez’s office to plan a financial literacy event for seniors and, ideally, a trusted family member or caregiver. Targeted for October during Financial Planning Month, the event will focus on recognizing scams, understanding how fraud tactics are evolving, and taking practical steps to protect your finances.

That’s the power of credit union advocacy: bringing the member perspective to the table, building relationships with policymakers, and turning those conversations into solutions that can make a difference in people’s lives.

Because sometimes the most meaningful advocacy happens after the meeting ends.

08/14/2026

Congratulations, Lily! 👏🎉

We’re thrilled to celebrate Tarrant County's Credit Union President & CEO Lily Newfarmer for her upcoming recognition as the 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Outstanding Individual Achievement Honoree.

Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy have helped strengthen countless leaders and credit unions.

Three remarkable legacies. One of the credit union movement’s highest honors.

Meet the 2027 Herb Wegner Memorial Award recipients:

💠Lily Newfarmer, President & CEO, Tarrant County's Credit Union — Outstanding Individual Achievement

💠Cathie Tierney, President & CEO, Community First Credit Union — Outstanding Individual Achievement

💠National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP) — Outstanding Organization

On March 1, we’ll come together in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the tremendous impact of our movement and the lasting change these Herb Wegner Award recipients have created for millions of people and their communities.

Individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 National Credit Union Foundation Gala are available now: https://hubs.ly/Q04sZsJj0

08/13/2026

Ready to put AI and emerging technology to work for your credit union?

Our new Innovation Bootcamp gives you practical tools to do just that. Led by innovation expert Brett Wooden (Buildable Custom Software + Web Design), this three-part virtual series will help you:

💡 Use AI to strengthen your marketing
🧭 Build an AI roadmap that fits your goals
🎮 Explore gaming and immersive technology in financial education
📅 Sept. 24 | Oct. 1 | Oct. 8

Registration closes Sept. 23. Save your spot! https://ow.ly/nqkW50Zz5Ew

08/12/2026

*****UPDATE: Deadline to apply extended to Aug. 21!****

Consider this your sign to hit “apply” for Crash ELEVATE applications!

Ten young professionals will get the opportunity to attend ELEVATE 2026 in St. Louis, connect with industry leaders, meet fellow YPs, and experience the conference—all with complimentary registration.

Selected crashers can also apply for a $500 travel grant through the Cornerstone Foundation.

Last chance. Don’t wait! https://ow.ly/Voof50Zz5g7

08/10/2026

What does your credit union's difference look like?

Across the Cornerstone region, credit unions are making a meaningful and sometimes creative impact in their communities. ❤️

Here are three recent examples:

🥫 RBFCU helped fight summer hunger through a food drive benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank. For every pound donated at its 64 branches, it contributed $4.

🏠 Credit Union of America donated $50,000 to Second Light in Wichita, and doubled that impact through a United Way matching grant to support residents experiencing homelessness.

🗳️ GECU and the GECU Foundation put giving in the hands of the community through their Community Vote for Impact, directing $32,000 to eight Lubbock nonprofits chosen by residents.

Different communities. Different needs. One common thread: credit unions are listening, investing, and finding ways to make a difference where it matters most.

That’s your CU difference.

What is your credit union doing in your community? Share your story with us!