2026 South Texas Conference & Expo - Sept. 17-18
2026 South Texas Conference & Expo - Sept. 17-18
6:00 PM - Welcome Reception - Holiday Inn Shoreline Blvd Network with STX Conference attendees with hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment!
8:00 PM - Offsite Networking
Riviera Ballroom (Main Ballroom)

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Troy Hall
Five Layers of Infusing Cohesion
Build team cohesion, strengthen organizational culture, and enhance leadership effectiveness.
Dr. Troy Hall is an award-winning talent retention consultant, international speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author with more than 40 years of leadership experience. As the founder of Cohesion Culture™, he helps organizations strengthen workplace culture, develop leaders, and retain top talent by fostering belonging, value, and shared commitment. With a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Troy has worked with leaders and organizations around the world and is a recognized expert in culture, leadership, strategy, and change.

Speaker: Virginia Whitham
Rally Credit Union Chief Human Resources Officer

Speaker: Maria Martinez - President/CEO of Border FCU
Dare to Do More
Leadership isn't always about doing your job exceptionally well. Sometimes, leadership means recognizing what isn't being done, stepping outside your comfort zone, and having the courage to build something that didn't exist before.
Maria J. Martinez is President and CEO of Border Federal Credit Union and Chairwoman of the National Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP). With a background in accounting and a CUDE designation, she brings extensive leadership experience in the credit union industry and is passionate about financial wellness, financial inclusion, and serving underserved communities. Maria serves on numerous national boards and committees, including NLCUP, CUWLA, CUNA Strategic Services, Inclusiv’s Juntos Avanzamos Advisory Committee, and Velera’s Board. Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including the Herb Wegner Memorial Award, the Anne Vamper Helping Hands Award, and recognition in the “Credit Union Women Making History” exhibit. A strong advocate for the Hispanic community, Maria continues to champion financial inclusion and strengthen communities through her leadership and service.

Lunch: Get To Know Your Young Professionals
The Cornerstone Young Professionals (YP) program is designed to engage and develop emerging leaders in the credit union movement. It provides young professionals with opportunities for professional development, networking, leadership growth, advocacy, and community involvement, helping them build meaningful connections while preparing for future leadership roles within the credit union industry.

Speakers: Cornerstone League April Mobley, Texas Grassroots & PAC Director, and Cynthia Gonzales, Director of Solutions
Credit Union Advocacy Update
Join April Mobley for a timely federal and state advocacy update focused on the key issues impacting credit unions and the members they serve. This session will cover current priorities including protecting the electronic payments system, financial fraud prevention, CFPB reform, and the importance of telling the credit union story. April will also provide insight into the upcoming Texas legislative session. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the policy landscape and how advocacy efforts can help protect and advance the credit union difference.
Cynthia will provide an update on current Cornerstone League initiatives and strategic activities. She will also share insights into the products and services offered by Cornerstone Resources and how they support credit unions across the region.
Cornerstone is dedicated to advancing the success of credit unions through growth, advocacy, education, collaboration, and innovative resources. It supports member credit unions with regulatory and compliance guidance, professional development, networking opportunities, industry advocacy, and specialized services designed to help credit unions thrive in an evolving financial environment. Cornerstone’s mission is to strengthen credit unions and empower them to fulfill their mission of serving their members and communities.

Speaker: NetCov - Cybersecurity
NetCov Cybersecurity provides tailored, around-the-clock cybersecurity solutions designed to protect organizations from evolving digital threats. Its services include security assessments, email and endpoint protection, threat monitoring, vulnerability management, and zero-trust controls. Combining advanced technology, real-time monitoring, and expert analysis, NetCov helps organizations identify vulnerabilities, reduce risk, respond to threats, and maintain a resilient security environment.

Recap with Dr. Troy Hall
Closing Leadership Session
A closing recap for all-day attendees that incorporates observations, feedback, trends, and key themes gathered from each session. This will provide attendees with practical insights and recommendations for developing stronger teams, improving performance, and fostering organizational growth.

Michelle Coward w/Rally CU presents: Elder Financial Exploitation
Elder financial exploitation is increasing in both frequency and sophistication. Explore today's most common scams, the tactics criminals use to manipulate victims, warning signs credit union staff should recognize, and strategies to help members prevent fraud, respond effectively, and reduce financial losses.

NetCov presents: Cybersecurity

Five Layers of Infusing Cohesion
Build team cohesion, strengthen organizational culture, and enhance leadership effectiveness.

Five Layers of Infusing Cohesion
Build team cohesion, strengthen organizational culture, and enhance leadership effectiveness.

Michelle Coward w/Rally CU presents: Elder Financial Exploitation
Elder financial exploitation is increasing in both frequency and sophistication. Explore today's most common scams, the tactics criminals use to manipulate victims, warning signs credit union staff should recognize, and strategies to help members prevent fraud, respond effectively, and reduce financial losses.

NetCov presents: Cybersecurity
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