Lighthouse Credit Union Launches Beacon Forum
Leaders Gathered to Explore How AI is Shaping the Future of Credit Unions
Dover, NH – June 17, 2025 — Lighthouse Credit Union is proud to announce the launch of Beacon Forum, a new thought leadership series created to spotlight the transformative ideas shaping the future of financial services and community well-being.
The inaugural Beacon Forum was held at Lighthouse Credit Union’s headquarters in Dover, NH. The event brought together credit union executives and technology leaders to explore one of the industry’s most urgent topics: the integration of AI into financial services. The forum featured keynote remarks from Dr. Lamont Black, former Federal Reserve economist and Associate Professor of Finance at DePaul University, and Karan Kashyap, co-founder and CEO of Posh, an AI platform built to modernize member engagement in credit unions.
“Beacon Forum is a launchpad for transformative action,” said Chris Parker, President and CEO of Lighthouse Credit Union. “The insights shared by Dr. Black and Karan Kashyap exemplify the kind of forward-thinking leadership we need—rooted in expertise, in how credit unions should embed AI into every facet of its business model. This approach will not only enhance efficiencies and improve operations, it will also strengthen the member experience in line with the credit union’s commitment to community service.”
The forum was designed with a mission: to bring together visionaries, changemakers, and community leaders for candid conversations on the intersection of finance, impact, and innovation. With an emphasis on emerging trends, inclusive practices, and responsible banking, the series serves as a compass for navigating today’s dynamic financial landscape—while staying rooted in member service and empowering communities.
With a theme centered on “The Impact of AI in the Credit Union Industry,” the inaugural forum focused on strategies to remain competitive, improve efficiencies and productivity, with the goal of creating a more purposeful and personal member experience.
Dr. Lamont Black shared insights and tools to improve enterprise-wide productivity with AI. His keynote explored the responsibilities and opportunities financial institutions face in a time of rapid disruption and how AI can level the playing field for credit unions. Black emphasized how AI has the potential to help credit unions redefine their role in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Karan Kashyap, a fintech strategist and advocate for economic equity, shared how AI can enhance the member experience through personalization and increased efficiencies.
This event marked the beginning of a broader initiative by Lighthouse Credit Union to amplify the ideas shaping the future of financial services and community well-being. Upcoming Beacon Forum events will expand into varied formats—keynotes, panels, and podcasts—featuring thought leaders across multiple disciplines including economics, social impact, technology, and policy. Each event will serve as a platform for learning, development, and inspiration—advancing Lighthouse’s commitment to positive impact and member-focused innovation.
About Beacon Forum
Lighthouse Credit Union is proud to introduce Beacon Forum, a new thought leadership series designed to shine a light on the ideas shaping the future of financial services and community well-being. This forum brings together influential voices, leaders, financial innovators, and changemakers—to share insights on emerging trends, responsible banking, and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Through candid conversations and expert panels, Beacon Forum will explore the intersection of finance and impact, offering guidance and inspiration for building a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking financial future.