FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Mike Lawson
michael@dmlcommunications.com
760.845.8146
SAN DIEGO – October 28, 2026: Corelation, Inc. welcomed 245 attendees, including credit union executives, technology leaders, and industry partners from across the country, to its 2026 Executive Forum, held October 21–23 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, California. Marking a new location for the annual event, this year’s Forum brought industry leaders together to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping credit unions, with a focus on emerging technologies, strategic leadership, and delivering value to members.
Designed to foster open dialogue and peer-to-peer learning, the Executive Forum featured expert presentations, interactive discussions, and dedicated learning tracks. The program explored practical strategies for navigating an evolving financial services landscape and underscored the value of collaboration as credit unions adapt to changing member needs.
The Forum opened with a keynote presentation, “Making AI Real Inside Your Credit Union,” led by Trent Gillespie, CEO of Stellis AI and former Amazon AI leader. Gillespie challenged credit union leaders to look beyond AI experimentation and explore how it can support daily operations and strategic decisions while protecting member trust and sensitive data.
“This is my first Executive Forum, and having attended two very valuable Corelation Client Conferences, I’m thrilled to be here to represent our credit union,” shared Erik Lubbock, AVP of Core & Ancillary Solutions of Oregon State Credit Union. “As our organization has grown, the Executive Forum provides strategic insights and deeper discussions, while allowing more of our team to attend the Client Conference. Developing strong relationships with vendors and peers is so valuable, and the smaller setting creates more opportunities to connect, share ideas and best practices, and have meaningful interactions.”
Economist Mike Schenk examined economic pressures facing credit unions, including inflation, interest-rate uncertainty, and market disruptions, offering insights to help financial institutions navigate planning, investment, and risk management.
Jon Ungerland, Chief Information Officer of DaLand CUSO, presented “The Mission Isn’t Changing. The Money Is.” His session addressed emerging trends in digital assets, regulatory developments, and the role core processing systems may play in the future of banking. The day concluded with Vendor Speed Rounds, giving participants the opportunity to connect with Corelation’s vendor partners through brief introductions to their solutions and services for credit unions.
On the second day, two learning tracks covered executive and technology priorities, with sessions covering board governance, cloud migration, AI-powered member growth, fraud prevention, Credit Unions for Kids, and crisis communications. Presenters shared practical approaches to help attendees navigate industry challenges and identify new opportunities.
The event’s educational program concluded with executive roundtables led by Corelation CEO Rob Landis and Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Dent. Discussions on “What Keeps You Up at Night?” and “Data as a Competitive Advantage” gave attendees a chance to discuss pressing concerns, compare experiences, and consider how data and technology can support business goals.
“While we didn’t set out with a specific theme for this year’s Executive Forum, a clear message emerged: our industry is in motion and looking toward the future,” said Corelation CEO Rob Landis. “I’m confident the credit union industry will not only navigate this time of change but thrive, thanks to the innovative minds and strong community that make us better equipped to adapt. I’m optimistic about what lies ahead and deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to join us, share their perspectives, and be part of this community.”
About Corelation, Inc.
Based in San Diego, CA, Corelation is the innovative core processor for today’s credit union. This solution is a person-centric system that empowers credit unions to offer the best member service possible, enhancing their value for member attraction and retention. In terms of industry experience, Corelation’s staff has dedicated their careers to creating core systems and providing unparalleled client service. For more information, visit www.corelationinc.com.
