Lighthouse Credit Union welcomed industry leaders, financial experts, and peer institutions at its Dover, NH headquarters for Beacon Forum, a thought leadership series focused on the future of financial services. This full-day program was designed to foster forward-thinking dialogue and equip credit unions with practical strategies to navigate an increasingly complex and evolving financial landscape.
Attended by CEOs and CFOs from credit unions across New England, participants engaged with subject-matter experts from across the industry who focused on key challenges and opportunities shaping credit unions today – from balancing mission and margin to preparing for the rise of artificial intelligence and digital currencies.
Chris Parker, President and CEO of Lighthouse Credit Union, opened the event by reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation within the credit union movement. “Beacon Forum is about creating space for open conversations and shared learning,” said Parker. “As our industry continues to evolve, it’s critical that we come together to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas, and identify actionable paths forward.”
The agenda featured a series of in-depth sessions led by respected voices in finance and regulation. Bruce Bonga, Managing Director at Performance Trust Capital Partners, and Neil Gordon, CFO of Lighthouse Credit Union, led a discussion on earnings and performance, addressing the ongoing challenge of balancing purpose-driven missions with financial sustainability.
Sarah Stevenson, Director of Credit Union Risk and Regulatory Strategy at Performance Trust, provided attendees with timely regulatory updates and insights into National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) priorities, helping institutions better anticipate and manage compliance risks.
A standout session on the industrialization of artificial intelligence, led by Adam Schlesinger, Founder and CEO of LeapFi.ai offered a practical roadmap for credit unions looking to move beyond pilot programs and embed AI into their operations. Schlesinger also led a comprehensive discussion on stablecoins and the broader digital currency ecosystem, demystifying the technology and outlining its growing relevance to financial institutions.
Member growth strategies were another key focus of the day. Karl Brorson, Director at Performance Trust Capital Partners, guided attendees through proven approaches to attracting and retaining members, followed by interactive breakout sessions facilitated by Melissa Pomeroy, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA), and Neil Gordon.
The forum concluded with a panel discussion on mergers and acquisitions, featuring Rob Tammero, Partner at K&L Gates LLP, and Melissa Pomeroy. The session explored strategic considerations, regulatory factors, and practical approaches for credit unions evaluating M&A opportunities.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in open dialogue, shared real-world experiences, and walked away with actionable insights to strengthen their organizations.
“As the financial services landscape continues to shift, forums like this play an important role in helping credit unions stay informed, adaptable, and member-focused,” Parker added.
Lighthouse Credit Union plans to continue building on the momentum of the Beacon Forum, further establishing it as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and industry leadership.