Iowa Credit Union Leaders Gather for Annual Convention in Des Moines
POSTED on September 23, 2026 IN ICUL
More than 600 credit union leaders, board members, young professionals and industry partners gathered in Des Moines September 16-18 for the Iowa Credit Union Convention. Read the full press release below
IOWA- More than 600 credit union leaders, board members, young professionals and industry partners gathered in Des Moines September 16–18 for the Iowa Credit Union Convention. The event featured educational sessions designed to provide credit unions with insights and tools to strengthen the financial well-being of Iowans and Iowa communities.
Throughout the convention, attendees heard from a variety of industry experts and thought leaders on topics ranging from leadership and professional development to innovation and member service. Among the featured keynote speakers were Ryan Lavarnway, former MLB player and World Series champion, and Elizabeth McCormick, former U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Their messages on resilience, leadership, purpose and accountability reinforced the values that continue to guide the credit union movement and those who serve Iowa's credit union members.
During the 2026 Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) Annual Meeting, Iowa credit union awards were presented to individuals recognized for their leadership, innovation and service.
- Tami Lichtenberg (MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, Director) and Nick Waters (Veridian Credit Union, Director) received the Cooperative Spirit Volunteer Award in acknowledgment to their commitment and leadership to the credit union movement.
- Jami Weems (Serve Credit Union, CEO) was honored with the Cooperative Spirit Professional Award in recognition of her outstanding service to credit unions and advocacy for the credit union movement.
- Pat Drennen (1st Gateway Credit Union, CEO) was presented the Heritage Award, which recognizes the lifetime achievements of individuals who have been passionate ambassadors of credit unions throughout their career.
- Samantha Eaton (Members Community Credit Union, VP) and Jordyn Schmitt (GreenState Credit Union, Senior Paralegal) received the Young Professional Award which highlights young up-and-comers who are making a difference in their credit union and community.
- Marian Holmes (Community 1st Credit Union, VP of Consumer Lending and Government Affairs) and Crystal Pluth (Citizens Community Credit Union, VP of Development ) were awarded ICUL Champions of the Year, which acknowledges champions whose outstanding commitment has made a significant impact within their credit union and the broader movement.
“These prestigious Iowa credit union awards highlight industry leaders who make a significant difference throughout our movement,” said Murray Williams, ICUL president and CEO. “From dedicated volunteers to emerging professionals to seasoned leaders, this year’s recipients demonstrate their incredible impact and shared commitment to the people-helping-people philosophy of our credit union movement.”
During the annual meeting, ICUL Board Members were sworn in to serve as strategic leaders for Iowa’s credit unions. The board members include:
- Jeff Hayes, Chair, North Star Community Credit Union
- Jordan Hensley, Vice Chair, Peoples Credit Union
- Renee Christoffer, Veridian Credit Union
- Greg Hanshaw, Community 1st Credit Union
- Dave Klavitter, Dupaco Community Credit Union
- Brad Mertens, Metco Credit Union
- Mike Moroney, AIM Credit Union
- John Parks, Sioux Valley Community Credit Union
- Mark Peters, Employees Credit Union
- Julie Pingel, Fort Dodge Family Credit Union
The three-day event provided an opportunity for Iowa's credit union community to connect, exchange ideas and recognize the people making an impact across the industry. From professional development and industry discussions to recognizing outstanding leaders and volunteers, the convention highlighted the collaborative spirit and commitment to service that define Iowa's credit union movement.
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The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their more than 1.6 million members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL, visit iowacreditunions.com.