2025 UCC CONFERENCE
AUGUST 4ᵗʰ – AUGUST 6ᵗʰ, 2025
2025 UCC Conference
Summary & Conclusion
The 2025 United Creditors Connect (UCC) Conference, held August 4–6 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, brought together credit union leaders, collections professionals, and industry innovators for three days of high-impact networking, learning, and collaboration. The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers including Chris Hilliard (AI-driven strategies in modern collections), Saahil Kamath (AI in lending), Mark Price (virtual collections transformation), James E. Sorenson (collections & bankruptcy), Sheila Tedesco (arbitrage), Michael Ray (positive mindset), Robert Jones (economic landscape), Ed Schilling (team spirit in business), Farhad M. Limonadi, MD (disease, aging & self-discovery), surprise guest “Don” (next-gen cybersecurity), and emcee Milton Hunt. Attendees also enjoyed a vendor showcase, expert panels, and free professional headshots sponsored by Eltropy.
From energizing breakfasts and networking receptions to targeted general sessions and vendor insight hours, the 2025 conference delivered actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and tools to navigate the evolving credit union landscape. The agenda blended technical expertise, legal insight, economic analysis, and motivational inspiration—culminating in a collaborative, forward-thinking atmosphere that underscored UCC’s mission to unite and elevate the collections community.
2025 conference
2025 Speakers
Scroll down for 2025 UCC Speaker List
UCC LEAD sponsors
UCC sponsors
2025 UCC speakers
Chris Hilliard
CEO, Founder @ Winnow
Chris Hilliard, CEO, Founder of Winnow, leads a team of legal, compliance, and tech pros in transforming how financial institutions navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With 20+ years in mortgage lending & banking, his expertise spans compliance, risk management, and product innovation. A industry leader and 2024 HousingWire Tech 100 Trendsetter, Chris is both a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager & Compliance and Ethics Professional.
Saahil Kamath
Head of AI, Eltropy
Saahil Kamath, Head of AI at Eltropy, pioneers product strategy and innovation with a proven track record in founding transformative AI ventures. He launched Marsview.ai startup acquired by Eltropy and previously led Visio.ai, a top provider of AI-powered video surveillance in India. With research credentials from IISc-Bangalore, Boeing projects and multiple AI patents, Saahil also advises early-stage startups.
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Mark Price
CTO @ AKUVO
Mark Price, Chief Technology Officer at AKUVO, drives fintech innovation with a rich career spanning over 25 years. Since joining in July 2020, he has led cutting-edge technology initiatives, building on his prior CTO roles at QuantaVerse, Temenos USA, and Akcelerant Software. His strategic vision and deep expertise in financial technology continue to set industry benchmarks.
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James E. Sorenson
Attorney & Author
Jim Sorenson, a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in collections, bankruptcy, and consumer protection, earned his BS magna cum laude from Liberty University and his JD with high honors from Florida State University. Licensed in FL & GA, he advises CUs on building successful collections departments and leads seminars on industry issues. He’s also the author of Collections is Not a Dirty Word.
Milton Hunt
Trainer and Coach
Milton Hunt, Lumbee tribe member and dynamic ‘edu-tainer,’ offers impactful Employee Training and Motivational Speaking with a blend of cultural wisdom and professional expertise. Adept at bridging cultural divides, his sessions energize and unify. Recognized leader with numerous civic awards.
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Sheila Tedesco
Co-Founder & Chair @ GROW
Sheila Tedesco, a vehicle remarketing veteran with 35+ years of leadership, built Lobel Financial’s Remarketing department from the ground up, establishing the processes and partnerships that drive nationwide success. Now managing both the Remarketing and Transportation departments, she also co-founded GROW-Global Remarketing Opportunities for Women and serves on the ARA Board.
Michael Ray
Founder of Smile Project
Michael Ray, founder of Smile Project Louisville, inspires change through simple acts of kindness. A father of four and eldest of seven, he transformed personal challenges—from a 20+ year mortgage career and profound family losses—into a movement that spreads positivity. Now, his daily encounters with strangers resonate globally via social media, podcasts, and public speaking.
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Robert Jones
Director @ FICO
Robert Jones, director of Global Partner Consulting at FICO, empowers leading financial institutions across the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with innovative customer management strategies. A former VP of Loss Containment at RBS/Citizens Bank with 20+ years in analytics, risk management, collections, and fraud—his expertise drives breakthrough results.
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Don
Senior Tech Exec & Cyber Security Expert
Surprise Guest: Senior Tech Executive with 20+ years in the industry, an expert in digital transformation and IT solutions. Renowned for leading innovative strategies, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and a mentor in executive business strategy. With a history in significant tech advancements and a commitment to philanthropy, his insights are invaluable.
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Farhad M. Limonadi, MD
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon
Farhad Limonadi, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon, Director of Neurosurgery at Lucent Neuroscience Institute, and President of Desert Neurosurgical Associates. Practicing at Eisenhower Med-Center—where he also served as Chairman of the Tumor Board—Dr. Limonadi blends engineering, AI, and neurosurgery. A UCLA-trained electrical engineer and former IBM scientist, he earned his MD from Dartmouth and completed neurosurgical training at OHSU. A patent-holding innovator and published researcher, he developed an AI that outperforms 85% of doctors in diagnosing facial pain. An active member of AANS, CNS, and other leading medical associations, his nonprofit channel Microneurosurgery.ORG has inspired millions with over 59M views worldwide.
Ed Schilling
Head Coach
Ed Schilling, Head Coach of Pepperdine Men’s Basketball, brings over two decades of elite coaching and player development experience from programs including UCLA, Indiana, and Grand Canyon University. A former assistant under John Calipari and a three-time NCAA Sweet 16 coach, Schilling helped send 9 players to the NBA while at UCLA. At GCU, he led the program to its first conference title and three NCAA Tournament appearances. A former record-setting point guard at Miami University, Schilling is also a published author and nationally recognized leader in athlete development.
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2025 conference TOPICS
Chris Hilliard |
AI-Driven Strategies in Modern Collections |
Saahil Kamath |
Banking on Brilliance: When AI Meets the Human Touch in Lending |
Mark Price |
The Transformation Possibilities of Virtual Collections |
James Sorenson |
Collections and Bankruptcy |
Sheila Tedesco |
Arbitrage |
Michael Ray |
Positive Mindset (Motivational) |
Don |
Next-Gen Cybersecurity Threats & The Tech To Survive |
Milton Hunt |
MC |
Robert Jones |
The Economic Landscape |
Ed Schilling |
Translating Team Spirit to Business |
Farhad M. Limonadi, MD |
Disease, Aging, and Self Discovery |