AACUC Going International!

AACUC's strategic partnership with ACCOSCA (African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Association) creates powerful opportunities to strengthen financial cooperatives across Africa. Together, we develop programs and projects that address the socio-economic needs of African communities—from rural villages to urban centers—through the transformative power of SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperatives). Join our Commitment to Change call on August 15 to learn how connecting directly with credit union leaders fosters cross-cultural exchange that will energize your passion for the credit union movement. Past participants in our international learning journeys consistently report transformational experiences that reshape their leadership approach and deepen their commitment to cooperative principles. When credit union leaders expand their global perspective, they return equipped to deliver exceptional service to their local communities. Join us in this international mission and discover how global connections can strengthen your local impact.

Our esteemed panelists are:

• George Ombado, Executive Director, African Confederation of Co-operative Savings and Credit Association (ACCOSCA)
• Steven Stapp, President/CEO, Unitus Community Credit Union
• Caroline Willard, President/CEO, Cornerstone League

Randall Smith, Co-Founder of CUInsight.com will moderate this conversation. 

Keep reading to learn more about our panelists and moderator.

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George Ombado
Executive Director
ACCOSCA

George Ombado is the Executive Director of the African Confederation of Co-operative Saving and Credit Association (ACCOSCA). 

A development economist, Ombado currently serves as Project Director for the Africa Development Educators Program. His board service includes the World Council of Credit Unions, the Cadasta Foundation, and the Proxfin Network, established by Desjardins International Development in Canada. 

An alumnus of Harvard Business School with a certificate in Strategic Leadership, Ombado holds a Master of Arts in Economics of Development from Erasmus University, a Master of Science in Management from Strathclyde Business School, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Daystar University. 

Steven Stapp
President/CEO
Unitus Community Credit Union

With a financial services professional career spanning over 30 years, Steve has held numerous executive positions, provided strategic planning services, and consulted on state, national, and international advocacy issues. As the past Board Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions and Director of the Worldwide Foundation, Steve has traveled extensively throughout the world meeting with credit union leaders on best practices for governance, financial performance, empathetic leadership, and advocacy.

Steve joined Unitus Community Credit Union as President/CEO in September 2016. In 2024, Unitus received the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) John Pembroke Catalyst for Change Award.

Caroline Willard
President/CEO
Cornerstone League

Caroline Willard is president and CEO of Cornerstone League, one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the United States. She took the helm of the association – which represents credit unions in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas – and its subsidiaries, Cornerstone Resources and Cornerstone Foundation in April 2017. As president and CEO of Cornerstone, she is responsible for growing both the for-profit and not-for-profit sides of the organization and strengthening its value proposition through relevant services and support at the state level and in Washington, D.C.

Willard serves on the Credit Unions for Kids, Credit Union House, and American Association of Credit Union Leagues boards of directors. Previously, she has served as chair of Credit Union National Association’s Advocacy committee and on the CUNA board of directors, most recently as vice chair before the CUNA-NAFCU merger.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Willard worked for CO-OP Financial Services (now PSCU/Co-op Solutions) as executive vice president, markets and strategy. During her tenure, she also handled mergers and acquisitions, relationship management, marketing, product development, and strategic planning. Willard has worked at financial institutions, as well: Downey Savings in Newport Beach, Calif., and American First Credit Union in La Habra, Calif.

Willard earned a Bachelor of Arts at California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration at Pepperdine University.

Randall Smith
Co-Founder
CUInsight.com

Randall Smith is the co-founder of CUInsight.com, the host of The CUInsight Experience podcast, and a bit of a wanderlust with a passion for people and purpose. With a deep belief in the credit union movement, Randy is constantly exploring new and innovative ways to share its story, spark meaningful conversations, and build connections that drive the industry forward—no matter where in the world he may be.

Since launching CUInsight, Randy has helped grow it into a trusted hub for credit union news, thought leadership, and collaboration. Whether he’s behind the mic on the podcast or brainstorming with system partners, his focus is always on supporting growth, challenging the status quo, and shining a light on the leaders and ideas shaping the future of the movement. A CUDE (2015), ADE (2023) and ICUDE (2025), Randy collaborates with credit unions, associations, and system partners on projects rooted in entrepreneurship, digital media, communication strategy, and big-picture thinking. He’s energized by creativity, community, and the chance to turn new ideas into action.