California’s Credit Unions’ newly formed Central California Network is bringing credit unions together across Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties — and its gathering earlier this week demonstrated exactly what League Networks are designed to accomplish.
Forty-five attendees representing 11 area credit unions came together in Fresno for an opportunity to learn, connect, and discuss issues shaping the future of the credit union movement. The Central California Network is building new momentum around professional development, collaboration, and advocacy.
California’s Credit Unions President and CEO Jeremy Empol welcomed attendees and shared his thoughts on the new group. “Networks create opportunities for credit union professionals to come together, collaborate, and build the advocates our movement needs,” Empol said.
He also discussed how executive support of these opportunities is critical. “When we invest in engagement and professional development, we strengthen not only our people, but the entire credit union system,” Empol added.
That spirit of learning and collaboration continued with Clark Dumas of Visa Consulting & Analytics, who presented The Emergence of Stablecoin & Agentic Commerce. Dumas framed the rapidly changing payments landscape around a deceptively simple challenge: “How can we make money move safer, faster, and easier?”
The conversation explored where the industry is today, why emerging technologies matter to credit unions, and where money movement may be headed next. As Dumas reminded attendees more than once regarding stablecoin, “If you are not slightly confused, you are not paying attention.”
He also challenged participants to recognize that “how” organizations adjust to new technology in the coming years could be one of the factors separating great teams from the rest of the pack. Among his recommendations: read the first 10 pages of the GENIUS Act, the federal legislation establishing a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins.
“Relaunching as the Central California Network is all about creating a dedicated space for regional credit union leaders and staff to connect, exchange ideas, and grow together,” said Educational Employees Credit Union’s Miranda Heintz-Stelfox, who chairs the Central California Network. “Credit unions are the financial heartbeat of the Central Valley, and by investing in our collective knowledge and navigating the evolving industry landscape as a united community, we strengthen our leadership, better serve our members, and create lasting positive impact across our valley communities.”
For the Central California Network, this gathering represents a beginning rather than a one-time event. Its next session will bring together CEOs and executives from the region to discuss how they can support employees in becoming stronger local advocates for the credit union movement while continuing to grow professionally.
That work directly reflects the mission of the Local Networks: strengthening the credit union movement through professional development, while developing advocates to create greater alignment, purpose, and inclusion.
To learn more about Local Networks or get involved with your local Network, contact Elise Schexnayder, director of professional development for California’s and Nevada’s Credit Unions.
