Board and Committee Leadership Conference
November 18 – 20, 2026
Make plans to join your peers for an education conference designed just for credit union volunteers. The Board & Committee Leadership Conference is set for November 18 – 20, 2026, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It features a full range of informative sessions on critical, timely issues with first-rate speakers.
We welcome credit unions associated with the Tennessee League or their respective leagues to participate in this informative educational event. If you are a vendor or third party and would like more information about this event, please contact the Events Team.
Schedule – All times EST
Wednesday, November 18
3:00 pm
Registration
5:00 pm
Networking Reception
5:30 pm
Welcome Dinner and Entertainment!
Thursday, November 19
7:30 am
Registration Open
7:45 am – 9:00 am
Networking Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am
Welcome
9:00 am
Panel Discussion – Debbie Jones, Facilitator
9:00 am
Board and Leadership Traits to Succeed – Kathy Robinson
Bank Secrecy Act Updates for Volunteers – Laura Parrish
12:00 pm
Networking Lunch Buffet
1:15 pm
The Top 10 Things Supervisory Committee Members Need to Know – Supervisory Committee Breakout Session
1:15 pm
Emerging Risk Outlook – Board of Directors Breakout Session
1:15 pm
Trends Affecting Credit Unions
3:30 pm
Evening on Your Own to Explore Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg!
Friday, November 20
8:00 am
Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am
Leadership Principles that Build Strong Teams – Jed Collins
10:00 am
Conference Closing Remarks & Door Prizes!
Speaker Sessions
Jed Collins
From Undrafted to Unstoppable: Leadership, Money & the Mindset of a 7‑Year NFL Pro
What does it take to build a career when no one drafts you?
Former NFL fullback Jed Collins shares the story of going from undrafted free agent to seven-season NFL veteran — a journey defined not by talent alone, but by grit, discipline, adaptability, and relentless commitment to improvement.
But this isn’t just a football story.
Today, Jed works closely with young athletes who are suddenly earning extraordinary sums through NIL agreements — or signing life-changing professional contracts overnight. He’ll offer a candid look at what happens when talent meets money before maturity, and what separates those who build lasting success from those who flame out.
For credit union board leaders charged with stewardship, culture, and long-term sustainability, Jed will connect the dots between:
- The mindset required to win consistently
- The discipline behind sustained high performance
- And the leadership principles that build strong teams — on and off the field
This session will challenge you to think differently about resilience, financial literacy, and what it truly takes to build something that lasts.
Kathy Robinson
Strong leadership is the foundation of every successful credit union. Join us for an engaging session on Board and Leadership Topics to Succeed, where volunteers and senior management will gain practical insights into effective governance, strategic leadership, board-management collaboration, and navigating today’s evolving financial services landscape. Whether you’re shaping long-term strategy or supporting day-to-day operations, this session will provide valuable tools and best practices to strengthen leadership, enhance decision-making, and position your credit union for continued success.
Jim Bullard, Trustage
Emerging Risk Outlook
Keeping ahead of the complex array of ever-changing risks, compliance issues, and industry regulations impacting credit unions requires keen awareness, effective preparation, and loss-control scrutiny. When risk management is effective, typically nothing bad happens. But if you’re blindsided by a problem, your credit union’s reputation takes the hit. Don’t let not knowing which emerging risks are around the corner take the blame. While each credit union has its own unique risk footprint, this Emerging Risks Outlook introduces risks and trends that should be on your radar.
Dollywood Heartsong Resort
ROOM RATE: Starting at $304 per night plus tax
Reservation Deadline: October 20, 2026
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary Nightly Marshmallow “Roasties”
- Exclusive Dollywood Benefits for Resort Guests with Valid Admission Tickets or Season Passes
- Complimentary Self-Parking
- Valet Parking – $25 per night
Please register to attend the event at the same time you book your hotel room.
Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis and will sell out quickly, so book soon!
Book by Phone
Book Online
Reservation Deadline: October 20, 2026
Book early. The room block will likely sell out.
If You Need to Cancel
Cancellations received more than 14 days before the event are eligible for a refund, minus a $100 administrative fee. This fee is waived for events priced at $100 or less.
Cancellations received 14 days or less before the event are not eligible for a refund, as catering and venue commitments have already been finalized.
Refunds are not available for no-shows. However, you’re welcome to send a colleague in your place at no additional cost—just let us know ahead of time.
To cancel, please email events@yourleague.org.
We welcome credit unions associated with the association or their respective leagues to participate in this informative educational event.
If you are a vendor or third party and would like more information about this event, please contact the Events Team.
