Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Leadership for Sustainable Credit Unions

Melissa Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at the Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT) on Tuesday delivered a timely and inspiring breakout session on the importance of preparing the next generation to lead the credit union movement into the future.

With the average age of today’s credit union leaders on the rise, the need to engage, empower and elevate young professionals has never been more urgent. Robinson emphasized that this generation—driven by empathy, innovation and a strong sense of purpose—holds the potential to reinvigorate the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.

By creating opportunities for young leaders to take meaningful roles, credit unions can build a leadership pipeline rooted in cooperative values and forward-thinking strategy.

Robinson encouraged attendees to not just invite young professionals to the table, but to equip them to lead, ensuring their perspectives shape the future of the movement.

“When young professionals can see their value, and they see a future within an organization, they feel supported and they'll stay, and they'll thrive,” said Robinson.