Annual Conference
Welcome to the 2025 AACUC Annual Conference!
Meet Our 2025 Keynote Speaker
Dr. DeRetta Rhodes
Get ready to be inspired! AACUC is proud to welcome Dr. DeRetta Rhodes as the keynote speaker for the 2025 AACUC Annual Conference.
A powerhouse in leadership and culture, Dr. Rhodes is a visionary executive with decades of experience in strategic planning and human resources, having shaped high-performing teams across industries, from financial services to media, nonprofits, and professional sports.
As the Executive Vice President and Chief Culture Officer of the Atlanta Braves, Dr. Rhodes leads the charge on communications, community affairs, and people capital across the organization’s Major League operations and The Battery Atlanta. Her journey includes senior leadership roles at iconic institutions like Turner Broadcasting, First Data, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and more.
Join us for the 2025 Maurice R. Smith Leadership Award Honorees
The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has named its 2025 Maurice R. Smith Leadership Award recipients, who will be honored during the 2025 AACUC Annual Conference on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. The Honorees include:
- Carlos Calderon, President and CEO, OAS Federal Credit Union
- Ronaldo Hardy, President/CEO, Balance
- Susan Mitchell, CEO, Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates
- Jim Morrell, CEO, Peninsula Credit Union
- George Ombado, Executive Director/CEO, ACCOSCA
- Joe Thomas, Executive President, Apple Federal Credit Union
Agenda
What you can expect this year:
Monday, July 21
- Local Impact Event
- AACUC Welcome
- Regional Chapter Activities
- Showtime at the Avalon - Karaoke Extravaganza
Tuesday, July 22
- Conference Opening Day
- Exhibitor's Cocktail Reception
- Late Night with Kevin
Wednesday, July 23
- Conference Day 2
- Maurice R. Smith Leadership Awards Dinner
- Conference Closing Party
Thursday, July 24
- Special Conference Wrap-Up with Renée Sattiewhite
Be sure to check this event page for everything related to the conference.
Whether you're planning your sessions or preparing for the event, this agenda has everything you need to get started.
Be sure to check out the agenda, though please note it is subject to change. Download your copies now and make the most of this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow at this year’s conference!
Hotel Information
While our room block at The Hotel at Avalon has sold out, we’ve secured room blocks with discounted rates at two nearby hotels: Hilton Alpharetta Atlanta , Home2 Suites by Hilton Alpharetta and Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Alpharetta. All conveniently located.
We’ve also identified two additional nearby hotels: EVEN Hotel Alpharetta and Hyatt Place Atlanta Alpharetta as great alternatives for accommodations. While we do not have room blocks at these properties, they are close by and may have availability.
Don’t wait! Availability is limited, and rooms are expected to fill quickly. Click on the hotel name below to reserve your room and be part of the movement.
Hotels with Special Room Rate Block
5775 Windward Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Phone: 678 240-9222
Guests may also make their reservations by calling Hilton Reservations at 1-800-445-8667 or by contacting the hotel directly at 678-240-9222. To ensure access to the group rate, please reference the group name “African American Credit Union Coalition” at the time of booking.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Alpharetta
12075 Morris Road
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Courtyard Atlanta Alpharetta/Avalon Area
11700 Amber Park Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770 475-9955
Other Area Hotels
EVEN Hotel Alpharetta – Avalon Area by IHG
2715 Old Milton Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-869-2546
Hyatt Place Atlanta/Alpharetta/North Point
7500 N Point Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30022
770 594-8788
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Sponsors and Exhibitors—get ready for an exceptional opportunity to elevate your brand and connect with credit union leaders from across the nation!
At this year’s conference, you’ll have the chance to gain powerful visibility and make meaningful connections through a variety of engagement options, including:
• Event Sponsorships
• Session Sponsorships
• Representation in our vibrant Exhibit Hall
• NEW in 2025: Exclusive sponsorship opportunities for our inaugural Young Professional Summit—a dynamic gathering of the next generation of industry leaders!
Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness or engage with decision-makers, the annual conference is the place to be. Click the button below to learn more about sponsorship and exhibitor packages today!
Calling All Volunteers!
Our incredible volunteers are the heartbeat of the AACUC Annual Conference. From registration to session support, it’s their dedication that brings our vision to life. We’re currently seeking passionate volunteers to join us in making the 2025 conference unforgettable. If you’re ready to contribute your time and talent, we’d love to have you on board!
Conference Title Sponsor and Maurice R. Smith Leadership Awards Title Sponsor
Conference Breakfast Sponsor
Karaoke Social Sponsor
Breakout Session Sponsor
Community Impact Experience Sponsor
Closing Party Sponsor
CEO Breakfast Sponsor
CEO Breakfast Sponsor
Exhibitors
