Meet the Experts Bringing Fresh Perspectives to New Ideas

Get to know the leaders, innovators, and industry experts bringing their experience and insights to DakCU New Ideas 2026. Meet the speakers shaping this year’s event.

​The countdown to DakCU’s New Ideas Conference is underway! Join us September 23-24 at The 701 Venue in Mandan, N.D., as industry leaders share practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and real-world experiences designed to help credit unions navigate change, strengthen member relationships, and position themselves for future success.

This year’s speaker lineup features nationally recognized leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who bring decades of experience, unique perspectives, and a passion for helping organizations grow and succeed.

Whether your focus is leadership, marketing, operations, lending, compliance, technology, advocacy, or member service, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts who have led transformational initiatives, built successful organizations, guided teams, and helped shape the future of financial services and business strategy.

Christopher Lorence - Consultant & CMO, Fractional Edge Marketing
Christopher Lorence is a nationally recognized financial services leader, digital marketer, and speaker with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience. Throughout his career, he has built expertise in marketing, strategic communications, brand development, and market growth. Christopher is known for his authentic leadership style, creative approach, and ability to help organizations navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. As the former executive director of a national credit union awareness initiative, he helped drive significant growth in consumer engagement and brand recognition for credit unions nationwide.
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Melissa Pomeroy - EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Cooperative Credit Union Association
Melissa Pomeroy is a senior executive with extensive experience in data, technology, operations, and financial services strategy. In her role with the Cooperative Credit Union Association, she works with credit unions and industry partners to advance collaboration, innovation, and performance. Previously, Melissa held leadership roles at St. Mary’s Bank, where she led the development of the organization’s first enterprise data warehouse, along with consulting roles focused on business transformation and technology initiatives. She brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and operational leadership to her work.
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Matt Oakley - Chief Operating Officer, Iowa Credit Union League
Matt Oakley serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Iowa Credit Union League and Affiliates Management Company, providing enterprise leadership across strategy, operations, and growth initiatives. His career includes executive leadership roles focused on marketing, innovation, business development, and organizational transformation. Matt has helped organizations strengthen their brands, expand market opportunities, and build sustainable strategies. A frequent speaker at state and national credit union conferences, he is recognized for his practical approach to leadership and growth.
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Samantha Cherney - Senior Director, Brand & Marketing, Mission Brands Consulting
Samantha Cherney is a strategic marketing leader dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their brands, deepen relationships, and create meaningful connections with those they serve. Her experience spans brand strategy, digital marketing, member acquisition, go-to-market planning, and experience design. Samantha is known for bringing together strategy, storytelling, and operational execution to help teams achieve measurable results while staying focused on the needs of their audiences.
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Deb Schuelke - Senior Consultant, Rose Group International
Deb Schuelke is a communication and leadership expert with extensive experience helping individuals and organizations improve how they connect, collaborate, and lead. With a background teaching communication topics including interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication, Deb brings a deep understanding of how effective communication shapes successful teams. She is passionate about helping leaders recognize their potential and build stronger relationships through intentional communication.
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​Harrison Hochman - Co-Founder & CEO, Sparrow
Harrison Hochman is a young entrepreneur and innovator who co-founded Sparrow, a student lending infrastructure platform, at just 20 years old. His work has earned national recognition, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education and recognized as a young global leader by the Straubel Foundation. With a background from Stanford University and a passion for improving access, simplicity, and transparency in lending, Harrison brings a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and building solutions for the next generation.

Note for 2026 attendees: Wednesday, September 23 will be the full conference day, while Thursday, September 24 will be a half-day schedule. Please keep this updated format in mind when making travel and hotel arrangements.

A room block is available at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck Northwest for conference attendees.

​Early bird pricing ends August 21, so register today and save $50, and don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, hear from exceptional leaders, and bring new ideas back to your credit union!

Attendees can also take advantage of two free optional pre-conference experiences on the afternoon of September 22 in Bismarck, including DakCU’s Leadership Exchange featuring America’s Credit Unions President & CEO Scott Simpson and an afternoon advocacy workshop. These opportunities provide additional time to connect with industry leaders, strengthen advocacy knowledge, and engage with peers before the conference officially begins.​

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