Feb 4-6, 2026 Meeting, San Diego

Introducing our keynote speaker…

The Obstacle is the Way

Speaker: Ryan Holiday, Best-Selling Author & Philosopher

As one of the world’s best-selling living philosophers, Ryan Holiday delves into the wisdom of history’s greatest figures and how they used obstacles as the stepping stones to success. From ancient philosophers to modern-day business leaders, he shares examples of how embracing the challenges that stand in our way can help us achieve our goals. He’ll show how to turn setbacks into opportunities, how to use adversity to your advantage, and how to find hidden opportunities in every obstacle. By the end of this talk, CEOs will have a new perspective on the challenges they face and be equipped with practical strategies to overcome them, using adversity as a strategic advantage in today's competitive landscape. It’s time to stop seeing obstacles as roadblocks and start seeing them as the path to success.

About Your Keynote Speaker

Since best-selling author Ryan Holiday introduced Stoicism to the world with The Obstacle Is the Way, this simple but powerful philosophy for life has taken the world by storm. This brilliant and engaging book is an invaluable source of wisdom for anyone who wants to become more successful at what they do. The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks invited Ryan to visit their headquarters to talk about the ideas in the book. NBA all-star Chris Bosh listed the book as an item “he couldn’t live without.” In addition, other books like Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic, and the #1 New York Times bestseller Stillness Is the Key appear in more than 40 languages and have sold more than 5 million copies. Together, they've spent over 300 weeks on the bestseller lists. Ryan lives outside Austin with his wife and two boys...and a small herd of cows and donkeys and goats. His bookstore, The Painted Porch, sits on historic Main St in Bastrop, Texas.

About Your Meeting Facilitators

Jeff Disterhoft, MBA

Retired CEO, GreenState Credit Union

Jeffrey Disterhoft, former CEO of GreenState Credit Union, served from October 1999 to September 2023, transforming it into Iowa’s largest independent financial entity. Under his leadership, GreenState grew from $200 million to $11 billion+ in assets, serving over 450,000 members across Iowa and Illinois with 30 locations. He introduced new services including Wealth Management, Trust, Brokerage, Insurance, and Commercial Services. A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Disterhoft holds a Bachelor of Arts from Buena Vista College (1990) and an MBA from the University of Iowa (2003). His career included financial auditing roles at KPMG Peat Marwick and RSM before joining GreenState in 1995 as VP of Finance. In retirement, he founded cu20, a consulting firm, and two nonprofits: Fields of Faith, addressing food insecurity, and cornerstone100, promoting affordable housing solutions. Jeff resides in North Liberty, Iowa, with his wife Missy, and their two children.

Dennis Sullivan

Founder & CEO, CEO 40 Group, Inc.

Dennis is an experienced executive, entrepreneur, professor, and credit union advocate. He has launched or turned around more than 100 products and businesses and serves as Chairman of CU Leadership Convention, a position he has held for more than 20 years. He has also served as a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, recently named one of the world’s top business professors, and serves on the faculty of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. He is currently a professor at the Community College of Baltimore where he also serves as Executive Director of CCBC Center for Business and is founder of a consulting business.

Agenda

THURSDAY

February 5, 2026 • 6:00 - 8:00 pm

(Members and plus 1 are welcome to attend the evening’s events.)

6:00 – 6:45 pm
Cocktail Reception

6:45 – 8:00 pm
Dinner

FRIDAY

February 6, 2026 • 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

7:00 - 8:30 am
Breakfast

8:00 - 8:30 am
Registration

8:30 - 9:45 am
Introductory remarks
Dennis Sullivan

Opening Keynote - Obstacle is the Way
Ryan Holiday, Best-selling author and philosopher (Presentation & Q&A)

9:45 – 10:30 am
Applying Stoicism to Your Daily Living
Lead Facilitator: Dennis Sullivan, Founder, CEO 40 Group

10:30 – 10:45 am
BREAK

10:45 am – Noon
Roundtable Discussion on the Top 3 Topics Facing CUs Today

Noon – 1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 pm
Deep Strategic Thinking on the #1 Challenge Facing Your CU
Lead Facilitator: Jeff Disterhoft, CEO (ret.), GreenState CU

2:15 – 3:15 pm
Roundtable Discussion on Current Challenges & Solutions

3:15 – 4:00 pm
Turning Ideas into Action: Practical Steps for Implementing Your Take — Home Plans

Experience the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

A Southern California Resort Destination

Embark on the ultimate Southern California getaway at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Our AAA Five-Diamond, Forbes Four Star rated luxury resort is nestled within 250 acres of lush greenery and panoramic views, embodying the pinnacle of luxury. Revel in breathtaking beauty when playing year-round golf at Aviara Golf Club or enjoy a variety of unique amenities at Aviara Racquet Club, featuring five tennis and four pickleball courts.

The resort boasts five exceptional restaurants, adult and family pool experiences, spacious cabanas and Topgolf Swing Suites. For those seeking rejuvenation and holistic wellness, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara stands as an oasis of mindful intention. Renowned for its transformative experiences, offering an array of therapeutic treatments, mindful practices, and personalized wellness programs. From the meticulously appointed guestrooms and suites to the attentive service that anticipates every need, Park Hyatt Aviara designs every aspect to elevate your experience, making your stay a celebration of luxury and leisure.

Members receive the following benefits with their stay:

Daily Fitness Classes
Premium Illy In room coffee & assorted tea selection
Access to 24 Hour Fitness Center
Premium Internet Service
Discounted Spa Access at $60 per day (Normally $120),
Overnight shoe shine service
Daily Newspaper
Machine Wash & Machine Dry only for workout gear (Up to 6 items with a 24-hour turnaround)
Preferred treatment of Tee Time, Spa Treatment, Restaurant and Tennis Court
Reservations. Business Center & Boarding Pass printing, Local & Toll Free calls, faxes & scans
Access to Hotel Pool & Hot Tub
Access to Driving Range and Putting Greens with range balls provided
Use of Golf Bag Storage
Use of Tennis Center, complete with tennis racket and tennis balls
Access to Sand Volley Ball Courts with volleyballs
Recreational Center activities including croquet, horseshoes, badminton, bocce ball and respective equipment
Beach Amenities; including towels, beach chairs, umbrellas and sand toys
Shuttle service to Carlsbad Premium Outlets.

Price: CEO Group Discounted rate: $400/night + $45 daily resort fee.

Cut-off date: January 15, 2026

Next Meeting

October 2-3, 2025
ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Scottsdale, AZ

OUR SPONSORS

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A one-of-a-kind, small-group experience.

CEO 40 Group is for credit union CEOs who want to learn from the world’s leading thought leaders and gain practical guidance from their true peers.