America's Credit Unions

Succession planning is about strategic oversight and ensuring your organization is relevant and future-focused.

In this episode of the podcast, Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell Stankovic and Associates, talks about the importance of having an organization-wide succession plan, why taking a forward-focused approach is critical, how succession planning fits into the credit union’s strategic plan, and more.

Credit unions have a renewed focus on fostering member’s financial health and, increasingly, those efforts are digital and mobile-first, says Nicole Harper, director of corporate strategy at Jack Henry.

In this episode of the podcast, sponsored by Jack Henry, Harper examines credit unions’ role in fostering financial health, financial wellness trends, available mobile-first resources, challenges to promoting financial wellness, success stories, and more.

Brian Fassett, Advantis Credit Union’s director of learning and development joins today’s episode of the America’s Credit Union podcast to share how the $2 billion asset credit union in Portland, Ore., goes about finding and developing prospective leaders within the organization.

Jon Sexton, senior vice president of Culture and Leadership Development at Vibrant Credit Union, will follow with a deep look at identifying potential leaders and training them through the organization.

Join this panel discussion with Meredith Fuchs, General Counsel at Plaid, and Ben Maxim, Chief Digital Strategy and Information Officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, highlighting initial takeaways from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed rulemaking to establish open banking and implement section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act. Fuchs and Maxim cover the benefits and challenges of building APIs to share consumer financial data and how your credit union should be evaluating this transition to open banking as the CFPB works to finalize its rule. 

Key Takeaways: 

Credit unions deliver billions of dollars in financial benefits to both members and nonmembers—and now we can prove it.

The Credit Union Impact Dashboard from America’s Credit Unions provides an easy, interactive way to demonstrate how credit unions outperform their peers. It updates in real time to tell the credit union story, measure their transformative power, and showcase how they outperform other financial institutions.

In this episode, Schenk and America’s Credit Unions Senior Economist Ligia Vado explain the dashboard and what it can do, the importance of quantifying the credit union difference, and more.

Find the first crop of stories from America’s Credit Unions’ 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) on last week’s podcast, where credit union leaders discussed small credit unions, member service, fintech, advocacy, and more.

We’re back at it this week with America’s Credit Unions’ Samira Salem, Northwest Community Credit Union’s Jose Garcia, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions’ Mike Reuter, Defense Credit Union Council’s Tony Hernandez, and Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.

Listen in as America’s Credit Unions Deputy Editor Bill Merrick and Associate Editor Brock Fritz talk with these credit union advocates about diversity, equity, and inclusion; advocacy, servicemember credit unions, and more.

Highlights from the 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)

Conversations with some of the more than 6,000 credit union leaders who attended the year's premier advocacy event.

During March, people celebrate Women’s History Month, reflecting on the courage of women from past generations and celebrating how their efforts molded women into who they are today.

In this episode, Melanie Kennedy, president/CEO at Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union in Farmers Branch, Texas, talks about Women’s History Month, women who have inspired her, her role as a leader, advice for the next generation of leaders, and more.

Following the formation of America’s Credit Unions, the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) has redefined its mission to focus on three pillars, according to Brad Miller, AACUL president, and Pat Conway, AACUL chair and president/CEO at the CrossState Credit Union Association. 

Those pillars are connecting with the new national trade association, serving as a voice for credit unions on legislative and regulatory issues, and collaborating with leagues across the country.

In this episode, Miller and Conway discuss how these pillars will shape AACUL’s advocacy approach and efforts, the need for collaboration, what the formation of America’s Credit Unions means for leagues and AACUL, and more.

The credit union movement is preparing for its annual trip to Washington, D.C.

The 2024 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), scheduled for March 3-7, will look a bit different, however.

What can attendees expect from the first GAC under the banner of America’s Credit Unions? A revamped, reenergized feel, according to America’s Credit Unions’ chief association services officer Todd Spiczenski.

Spiczenski stopped by the podcast to share all the new features and speakers, and describe the familial, collaborative atmosphere that has made GAC the movement’s banner advocacy event.

Community financial institutions are facing stiff competition.

How can they outdo their competitors, navigate the changing financial environment, and bring in new deposits?

America’s Credit Unions Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang welcomed Kasasa CEO Gabe Krajicek on the podcast to answer these questions and more. They discuss challenges facing credit unions, the importance of adapting to change, how to address liquidity issues, and how Kasasa helps community financial institutions grow core deposits.

Filene Research Institute’s Racial Economic Equity Incubator seeks to address economic disparities and deliver resources, support, and capital to communities of color.

Filene Senior Incubation Manager Horacio Garcia-Korosec stops by the podcast to describe the incubator, credit union participants, and the need to address economic disparities.

This Black History Month episode also features two credit union advocates: Michigan Credit Union League Director of State Advocacy DaeSean Ashby and First Harvest Credit Union Board Chair Loretta Winters. Ashby shares how he uses his voice to uplift and advocate, while Winters discusses her role as president of the Gloucester County NAACP and her passion for improving communities.

Fresh off its first-ever economic forecast, America’s Credit Unions’ economics team hopped on the podcast to set the stage for 2024.

What do they expect this year? Will the U.S. face a recession? What’s happening in lending? How are credit unions’ balance sheets?

Dawit Kebede, Curt Long, Ligia Vado, and Mike Schenk answer those questions and more, with their baseline forecast calling for modest economic growth of 1.5% in 2024.

Financial well-being is a hallmark of how credit unions serve their members and communities. In this episode of the podcast, three credit union leaders explain the importance of financial education and how their credit unions improve members’ financial lives.

Our financial well-being roundtable hands the microphone to:

The trio has an open conversation about why credit unions make it their mission to foster financial well-being, why it's an important mission, how their credit unions have made an impact, member stories, and more.

Credit unions are committed to serving the needs of their members.

But what happens when those needs and expectations change?

Evolving with those changes requires modern technology, according to Jack Henry™ President of Credit Union Solutions ShanonMcLachlan, who joined the podcast to discuss how credit unions can reimagine the technology ecosystem.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, associate editor Brock Fritz talks to Colleen Desselle and Rachel Bond about their innovative approaches to marketing and business development.

While Desselle and Bond hold different roles, they have at least one thing in common: the Marketing & Business Development Council recognized both with top honors this year. Desselle received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Bond was named the 2023 Community Impact Professional of the Year. 

Desselle shares her family history of credit union service and explains how she’s grown the credit union’s marketing and business development efforts over the years.

Bond details her approach to financial education, community outreach, and partnerships.

Women are much more likely to hold the top spot at credit unions than they are at banks, according to “Women in Credit Union Leadership,” a report from CUNA.

Two outstanding credit union CEOs join the CUNA News Podcast to talk about women’s leadership:

They speak about their journeys to the CEO chair, challenges they faced, what sets female leaders apart, advice they have for women who aspire to take on leadership roles, and more.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released a report outlining roughly 50 recommendations for the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) System.

One recommendation that’s particularly relevant concerns the types of collateral credit unions can pledge when they borrow from FHLBs, says FHLB Council President/CEO Ryan Donovan, who rejoins the CUNA News Podcast.

In this episode, sponsored by the FHLB Council, Donovan outlines the report’s key findings and recommendations, and potential implications for credit unions.

It’s hard to stay ahead of fraudsters. Credit unions can renew their security measures and fraud education, but fraudsters find a way.

Envisant President/CEO Libby Calderone joined the CUNA News Podcast to share how the credit union service organization (CUSO) is helping credit unions through the fraud arms race. Calderone and CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang discuss trending fraud attacks, how credit unions can combat them, and more.

As social distancing continues, many credit union members are increasingly turning to digital banking options as an alternative to in-branch service. With more members embracing online and mobile tools, credit unions have an opportunity to drive stronger digital engagement.

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast, sponsored by Fiserv, features insights from Colin Murphy, vice president of product marketing for digital channels at Fiserv. Murphy says that meaningful member interactions start with a human-centric approach and proactive communication. He shares strategies for reimagining member relationships in a digital-centric world, strengthening digital engagement through innovative service, and achieving growth in a “new normal” environment. 

"We're at a point now where behavior has changed and things will stick," Murphy says. "We have been seeing consumers visiting the branches less and less for over a decade. The pandemic has really just rapidly accelerated that trend. And it's extended that behavior not just to young consumers, but to older segments."

As technology advances and data becomes increasingly important, protecting member and data privacy is vital. Data breaches occur every day, and consumers are more aware of privacy issues than ever before. But with the right privacy-enhancing technology, credit unions can balance consumer trust and the need to leverage data for better service.

Greg Glawson, chief information officer at UNIFY Financial Credit Union in Torrance, California, discusses the privacy landscape and how his credit union uses solutions like MemberPass, which leverages privacy-enhancing technology, to build digital trust with members. Glawson leads UNIFY Financial’s technology and information security operations, establishing a secure environment that will sustain the credit union for the future of consumer banking.

This podcast is sponsored by CULedger. CULedger is a CUNA Associate Business Member at the premier level.

Bryan Fox and Nate Rupe see a lot of similarities between their time in the U.S. military and credit unions.

The former brigadier general and flight paramedic, respectively, join the CUNA News Podcast to discuss those similarities while sharing stories of their service and how credit unions assist veterans.

Rupe, an eight-year Army veteran who is now Advia Credit Union’s talent acquisition partner, describes the credit union as a “financial hospital.” He says the focus on helping people made his 2022 transition to the civilian workforce smooth.

Rupe and Advia Manager of Talent Acquisition Kilee Gardner share how the $3 billion asset credit union in Kalamazoo, Mich., has made a concerted effort to smooth this transition for other servicemembers.

What is the Federal Home Loan Bank System? What is the Federal Housing Finance Agency looking for in its review of the system? What will the agency suggest in its impending report? And how can credit union advocacy make a difference?

Council of Federal Home Loan Banks President/CEO Ryan Donovan, CUNA’s former chief advocacy officer, rejoins the CUNA News Podcast to answer those questions and more.

What’s the key to successful business development? Forming relationships and “being your most authentic self,” says Bradley Dyer Jr., senior business development officer at $1.4 billion asset Credit Union of America in Wichita, Kan., and a 2023 Credit Union Rock Star.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Dyer Jr. shares his approach to business development and explains his commitment to serving the dedicated teachers and health-care professionals who make up much of the credit union’s membership.

As public relations manager at $2 billion asset Texas Trust Credit Union in Arlington, Texas, Toni Nichols loves highlighting the work the credit union does on behalf of members through storytelling, social media, and creative campaigns that ingrain Texas Trust into people’s consciousness.

Case in point: a credit union space within a 6,000-seat theater that looks like a record shop, complete with credit union-themed t-shirts, album covers, posters, and a jukebox. 

She shares how Vought Records came about, her approach to public relations, how she comes up with new ideas, advice for aspiring PR leaders, and more.

Finding the right fintech partner can allow credit unions to maximize growth and fuel innovation, according to Ben Maxim, chief operating officer at Reseda Group, a credit union service organization formed by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union in East Lansing.

Anatoli Murha’s Ukrainian heritage plays a key role in his life.

Murha is a member of the 11th class of Credit Union Rock Stars, a group of 25 innovative, creative credit union professionals who excel and make the movement a better place. Read Murha’s profile and about the other 2023 Credit Union Rock Stars at news.cuna.org/rockstar.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Murha spoke about his Ukrainian heritage, the credit union’s response to the war with Russia, advocating during war, the power of relationships, and more.

Everyone knows that technology is advancing at a rapid pace. But how can credit unions use this technology and analyze data in a way that improves the member experience and allows them to compete with fintechs?

Hear Maxim and CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang discuss why consumers desire personalized financial solutions, how technology can drive those solutions, how fintechs and credit unions can work together, how artificial intelligence and data analytics can enhance credit unions, and more.

Matt McCombs has no problem experimenting.

The evidence is clear to those walking through the doors of Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen in Moline, Ill. The coffee shop, which opened in late 2022, sits next to the headquarters of $1 billion asset Vibrant Credit Union, where McCombs serves as president/CEO.

It roasts its own coffee and offers breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, ice cream, and more, while also serving as a branding and growth platform for the credit union. McCombs joins this episode of CUNA News Podcast to discuss the unique arm of the business, the importance of engagement, how to turn ideas into action, and his leadership philosophies.

There are countless ways to connect with consumers in 2023. There are also countless competitors seeking to make those connections. 

Co-op Solutions President/CEO Todd Clark joins the CUNA News Podcast to discuss how credit unions can navigate the fintech-heavy landscape by engaging members every day.

Clark and CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang also discuss the payments technology landscape, market research that came out of 2023 Co-op THINK, challenges credit unions face in the technology realm, and more.

Pending legislation, the Credit Card Competition Act of 2023, would not only reduce credit unions’ interchange income, it would threaten consumer data security, privacy, and access to credit. The bill could also harm credit unions’ ability to give back to their communities. Sharing their insights are Jason Stverak, CUNA’s deputy chief advocacy officer; Mike Lee, president/CEO at KCT Credit Union in Elgin, Ill.; Richard Gose, CUNA’s chief political officer; and Keith Sias, senior vice president of governmental affairs at the Illinois Credit Union League.

After helping a formerly incarcerated individual raise his credit score, Marine Credit Union’s Zach Hancock “wanted to find a way to help.”

He joins this episode of the CUNA News Podcast to share how he made it happen by teaching a financial empowerment course at the La Crosse County Jail in Wisconsin.

While they’ve achieved the top leadership spot at their organization, CEOs know they must still take advantage of every opportunity to learn.

Three credit union CEOs—all with varying lengths of time in the top spot—joined the CUNA News Podcast to discuss their career journeys and what they’ve learned along the way.

Joining the podcast are:

They share insights into what it means to be a leader, their leadership styles, advice they have for first-time CEOs, and more.

New voices continue to shape conversations and strategy within the CUNA-League system as several new league presidents have assumed leadership roles within the past several months.

They discuss priorities they’re working toward in their respective leagues and the experiences that prepared them for league leadership. 

When Martin Carter launched the EmpowerMe! financial wellness program at Astera Credit Union, he wanted to improve members’ financial lives. He was also well aware that the program’s participants would qualify for more of the credit union’s products and services.
In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Carter describes why financial well-being is not only about education, but turning knowledge into positive outcomes for both members and the credit union.

As technology continues to drive both innovation and operational efficiency, it’s vital that the best solutions not only improve workflow but also empower as many end users as possible. 

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Andie Dovgan, chief growth officer at Creatio, describes how the company’s no-code platform automates workflows and improves member engagement.  

Jessica Sharon believes credit unions deserve a bigger stage. “We don’t toot our own horn enough,” says the assistant vice president of financial outreach at $677 million asset Pelican State Credit Union in Baton Rouge, La.

Pelican State shares its good news on “Opportunity Knock$,” a PBS reality show that follows six families as they work with financial experts and local credit unions to take control of their finances.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Sharon describes how Pelican State credit counselors do what they do best: improve members’ financial well-being.

“This is our mission. This is our purpose,” says Sharon. “I hope this shines a light on the credit union industry and how we're living our principles.”

The African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) will hold its 25th Anniversary Annual Conference July 16- July 20 at the Atlanta Evergreen Resort. The theme of the silver anniversary event is legacy, which reflects the unique path the organization and its partners have curated over the past quarter century. 

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast features Renee Sattiewhite, AACUC president/CEO, and Maurice Smith, AACUC board chair and retired president/CEO at Local Government Federal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C.  They provide a preview of the conference and share their thoughts on the tremendous progress the organization has made in recent years. 

As traditional phishing attacks become less effective due to organizations’ stronger internal controls, cybercriminals are turning to targeted business email compromise attacks.

For these criminals, it’s all about securing credentials, according to John Moeller and Randy Romes, both cybersecurity principals at CliftonLarsonAllen.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, recorded during the 2023 CUNA Cybersecurity Conference with NASCUS, Romes and Moeller discuss the state of email phishing, how these crimes will evolve in the future, changes in ransomware attacks, and more.

New York University Federal Credit Union CEO Mira Ness takes a hands-on approach to service. 

What’s happening in credit union lending? What do CUNA’s economists forecast for the rest of 2023? How could economic uncertainty and a potential recession change the lending outlook?

As we near the midway point of 2023, CUNA Chief Economist/Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer Mike Schenk shares what he's seeing on this episode of the CUNA News Podcast. 

Be kind, compassionate, and empathetic.

It sounds simple enough, but Andy Reed says a societal effort to be good human beings would go a long way to improve life for minorities.

Reed, president/CEO at $482 million asset Security First Credit Union in Edinburg, Texas, joins associate editor Brock Fritz on this episode of the CUNA News Podcast. He discusses how his career path didn’t have some of the hurdles that other members of the LGBTQ+ community face. 

The economy and pressures on liquidity and noninterest income dominated discussions at the 2023 CUNA Finance Council Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast features conversations from that event. It features:

Christine Messer, chief finance officer (CFO) and senior vice president at $729 million asset Heritage Family Credit Union in Rutland, Vt., and CUNA Finance Council vice chair. She offers insights into a conference session that addressed current economic challenges.

Mira Ness, president/CEO at $71 million asset New York University Federal Credit Union, and Paul Jockisch, CFO at $4 billion asset Stanford Federal Credit in Palo Alto, Calif. They discuss how to provide responsible and transparent courtesy pay programs, as well as creative ways to boost noninterest income.

Billy Guthrie and Joe Kennerson, managing directors at Darling Consulting Group, who address deposit strategies to take in today’s competitive environment.

Charley McQueen, president/CEO at McQueen Financial Advisors on taking a boring approach to investment portfolio management.

Amanda Bardonner, vice president of strategic accounts at LendKey, who examines the power of active listening in leadership.

Before long, remote work won’t exist. It will simply be “work.”

“Virtual-first work,” as remote work expert Laurel Ferrar calls it, will become so normalized that it won’t even require discussion.

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast features Ferrar, who’s head of TeamOps at GitLab and has worked remotely for 17 years.

She explains how virtual-first work arrangements will evolve in the future, new tools that will improve this work style, where organizations struggle with these arrangements, and best practices for making them work.

The founders of National JACL Credit Union, members of the Japanese American Citizens League, felt compelled to help members of their community who were moved to internment camps in 1942 following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Eighty years later, the $39 million asset credit union in Salt Lake City continues to serve. National JACL Credit Union President/CEO Dean Hirabayashijoined the CUNA News Podcast to take listeners through the motivation for and formation of the credit union, which fights for financial well-being and Asian Americans' civil rights.

The CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council Conference is a unique event. It offers an opportunity for human resource and organizational development professionals to gather in person and focus on topics specific to their roles in the credit union industry. 

In this series of interviews, we share some of the many voices that contributed to the 2023 CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council Conference, held recently in San Diego. 

Venmo. PayPal. Zelle. Instant peer-to-peer payments have played a large role in the rapidly changing payment landscape. 

How can credit unions adapt to the current structure and benefit from modernized payment platforms?

PCBB Senior Vice President of Operations Allen Sztukowski answered that question and more on this episode of the CUNA News Podcast. Sztukowski and CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang take a wide lens to the payment landscape, then dive in to explain how credit unions can adapt and thrive as payments continues to evolve.

Consumers’ financial health declined in 2022 for the first time in the five years the Financial Health Network began tracking this measure—making credit unions’ efforts to improve members’ financial well-being especially important.

This episode of the CUNA News Podcast explores how credit unions aim to change that, from credit counseling and financial literacy initiatives to increasing access to affordable housing.

We talk to Carrie Iafrate, president/CEO at $815 million asset Members First Credit Union in Midland, Mich., Susan Espinosa, vice president of member experience at $1.4 billion asset Skyla Credit Union in Charlotte, N.C, and Nicole Harper, director of corporate strategy at Jack Henry.

We continue our conversations from the 2023 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Conference by examining the power of creativity, digital marketing, podcasting, and fintech partnerships with Meow Wolfco-founder Vince Kadlubek, Janelle Herrera, vice president of marketing and business development at On Tap Credit Union in Golden, Colo.,  Tiffany Mutchler, marketing manager at Voyage Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls, S.D., Valerie Simpson, CEO and creative director at The Sampson House, Yeosh Bendayan, founder and partner atPush Button Creative Audio, Tansley Stearns, CEO at Community Financial Credit Union in Plymouth, Mich., and SavvyMoney Senior Vice President of Sales & Partnerships Chris Fraenza,

Thought leaders from across the credit union movement descended on Orlando last month for the 2023 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Conference. 

They had plenty to say, and CUNA News staff was there for it all. This episode of the CUNA News Podcast brings those conversations right to listeners, as the credit union professionals detail the topics that mean the most to them.

What is consumer-permissioned data (CPD)? And how can credit unions leverage it to bring more automation into their lending operations?

MeasureOneChief Revenue Officer Yaron Oren stopped by the CUNA News Podcast to answer these questions and more. He explains how MeasureOne, founded in 2015 to focus on student lending, enables automated verification of income and employment, proof of insurance, and access to data in consumers' online accounts.

The Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award is presented annually by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) honoring a League president and League executive who demonstrate visionary leadership at the state and national levels. 

The 2023 recipients of the Farley Award are Paul Mercer, president/CEO of the Ohio Credit Union League, and Lauren Whaley, president of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Mercer and Whaley offer insight on the leadership qualities that drive their success. 

Credit unions across the U.S. are navigating technological advancements, generational shifts, and an influx of financial options. To Withclutch CEO and co-founder Nicky Hinrichsen, this means providing advanced digital experiences that enable credit unions to better serve their members. Hinrichsen sat down with CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang to discuss topics including the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and what's in store for the credit union movement.

Nearly 6,000 credit union advocates descended upon Washington, D.C., for the 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference, where conversations ranged from advocacy priorities to financial well-being for all to the operational challenges facing credit unions.

CUNA editors took part in many conversations at the CUNA News Podcast booth during the event including Day Matthews, Jason Lindstrom, Deborah Fears, Tom Sakash, and Rachel Pross.

During Women’s History Month, people reflect on the courage of women from past generations and celebrate how their efforts have shaped them into who they are today.

Heather Walter, CEO at Advanz Credit Union in Louisville, Ky, Lily Newfarmer, president/CEO at Tarrant County’s Credit Union in Fort Worth, Texas, and Jan Page, president/CEO at Community South Credit Union in Chipley, Fla., talk about Women’s History Month, women who have inspired them, their role as leaders, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and more.

Credit Union Magazine’s2023 Credit Union Heroes have shaped their credit union spirit and philosophy around their personal outlooks and experiences.

Amanda Merz, Michael Ray, Amanda Swan, and Joanne Todd joined this episode of the CUNA News Podcast to share those values and detail how they advocate for people in their communities.

Financial wellness is at the heart of the credit union service philosophy. Greg Michlig, CUNA’s executive vice president and chief engagement officer, explores why financial well-being for all is a strategic priority for America’s credit unions. 

Sekou Andrews believes in the power of words. Andrews shares how he developed poetic voice speaking to inspire unconventional and innovative thinking. Poetic voice seamlessly fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry. He’ll provide the opening Ed (Filene) Talk at the 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), Feb. 26 through March 2 in Washington D.C.

This episode highlights  Black History Month, recognizing the significance of Black leadership within the credit union movement and sharing the promise of a new credit union formed in Minneapolis. CUNA Senior Editor Ron Jooss opens the episode by speaking with Arise Community Credit Union founders Debra Hurston and Dan Johnson, and Andrea Molnau of the Minnesota Credit Union Network. They explore how a new Black-led credit union will be uniquely positioned to understand the financial challenges facing community members.  . 

As we approach the end of January, the 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) is only a month away. CUNA Executive Vice President and Chief Products and Services Officer Todd Spiczenski offers a preview of  the 2023 CUNA GAC, which will be held Feb. 26 to March 2 in Washington, D.C.  

A lot can happen in a year. For an early look at 2023, three CUNA Council members joined this week's episode of the CUNA News Podcast to give listeners a glance at their mindset heading into the new year. Elevations Credit Union Chief Operating Officer Ray Lindley, Connect Credit Union EVP/Chief Operations Officer Cynthia Ryan, and Vantage West Credit Union Chief Lending Officer Jeremy Pinard joined the podcast to share their credit unions' opportunities and challenges.

CUNA’s three economists joined the CUNA News Podcast this week to discuss all the economic signs they're seeing and what those signs mean for the year ahead. Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Policy Analysis and Chief Economist Mike Schenk, Senior Economist Dawit Kebede, and Senior Economist Ligia Vado examine the chances of a recession, the lending market, signs of economic optimism, and prospects for supply chain issues and inflation.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, technology forecaster, disruptive innovation expert, and bestselling author Daniel Burrus talks about the importance of planning, trends that will impact the future, and steps credit unions can take to position themselves for success.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, CUNA Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak highlights advocacy wins from 2022, looks ahead to priorities in 2023, and shares what he likes most about the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference, which will be held Feb. 26 to March 2nd in Washington, D.C.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Lee Wetherington tells CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang that credit unions have never faced more competition, as the average American consumer uses between 15 and 20 different financial service providers and apps.

With that as a backdrop, Wetherington discusses the effect of payment apps on credit unions, the pros and cons of financial fragmentation, and what credit unions can do to promote financial health in a fragmented environment.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, behavioral economist and author Melina Palmer provides us with a new understanding of behavioral science and economics. More importantly, she explains how we can use behavioral science to improve our organizations and our day-to-day lives. 

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, sponsored by Moody’s Analytics, James Partridge, senior director of risk solutions practice, explores how to navigate climate risk and gauge organizational sustainability using nvironment, social, and governance factors (ESG).

Whether it’s raising money for honor flights or creating supportive employee resource groups, credit unions have a long history of commitment to servicemembers.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, leaders from Black Hills Federal Credit Union, GCS Credit Union, and VyStar Credit Union share how they serve their local military community.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, six veterans share the lessons they learned in the military that have been useful in their credit union careers

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Senior Editor Ron Jooss catches up with 2022 Credit Union Rock Star Raul Cordero, a data architect and integrations lead at $927 million asset Tropical Financial Credit Union in Miramar, Fla. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on how being a good teammate and leader is a fundamental skill for IT people because technology supports every aspect of the organization.

Reseda Group Chief Technology Officer Ben Maxim shares how credit unions can benefit with the right fintech partnerships, how to identify the right partnerships, and current fintech trends.

Credit Union MagazineRock Stars Keith Stone, of Finest Federal Credit Union in New York City, and Wendy Tariff, of Police Credit Union of Connecticut in Hartford, join the podcast to discuss running credit unions for police departments, advocating for small credit unions, and serving people who serve.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, sponsored by Fiserv, Patti Reid, Vice President of Product, walks listeners through the threat of identity fraud, the impact of fraud on consumers, best practices in reducing account takeover, and how credit unions can protect their members.

Credit Union Rock Star Robby Glore, CEO at Combined Employees Credit Union in Warner Robins, Ga., shares how passion and connectivity turned the credit union’s financials around. Listen as Glore tells a small credit union story of serving members, meeting financial challenges head-on, loving what he does, and how credit unions can succeed by coming together.

Lisa Nicholas, Vericast’s vice president of strategy for financial services, discusses today’s top marketing tools, different ways to collect member data, and how to use that data to improve marketing and member service.

Fortalice Solutions’ Theresa Payton discusses cybersecurity threats, how credit unions can protect themselves, and her vast experience in the field.

DePaul professor Lamont Black offers insights into the hottest topic in payments.

3SI's Scott Kaplan talks to CUNA Digital Media Design Specialist Yeekeng Yang about the five-zone branch security plan, changes in the typical branch environment, the need to invest in security technology, and more.

Credit Card Competition Act would harm members and credit unions

Pandemic, consumer demands hasten shift to digital services.

Culture, collaboration, and people are the keys to engagement success, says Tony Budet.

SEI Sphere’s Steve Bomberger offers the latest insight on cybersecurity.

Brooks Hoffman, Principal at Iron Mountain, breaks down the disposal of outdated hardware and data.

New league presidents Samantha Beeler, Carol Marx, and Matt Rookard discuss priorities they’re working toward in their respective states and the experiences that prepared them for league leadership.

Fiserv’s David Cencula says debit and credit cards still dominate the payments world.

Jason Stverak, CUNA’s deputy chief advocacy officer for federal government affairs, and Emily Leite, chief advocacy officer for the Ohio Credit Union League, discuss the importance of allowing credit unions to change and adapt as an industry to meet members’ evolving needs.

Zogo founder Bolun Li describes how the financial literacy app provides opportunities for credit unions.

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union’s new headquarters emphasizes staff’s health and wellness, and provides a safe, welcoming place for employees to return to the office.

Mark Majeske of Alacriti explains the keys to faster international transactions.

CUNA Chief Economist Mike Schenk discusses the economic update, the lending outlook, inflation, supply chains, recession, and everything else going on with the U.S. economy.

Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union CEO/Treasurer Suzette Cowell shares how the $12.3 million asset credit union formed out of faith and a desire to serve an underserved community in crisis.

CU Pride offers the LBGTQ+ community identity, support and inspiration.

Moody’s Analytics’ Scott Dietz breaks explains how FASB rule changes provide new accounting options for credit unions.

CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council award winners Dawn Bartell and Nicole Gaby share their thoughts on employee development, recognition, and leadership.

Kaulana Park and Gretchen Hudacek discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, culture, and community.

DocuSign’s Andy Ambrose discusses the transformation of online digital agreements and its significance for credit unions.

Conference conversations center on consumer preferences and behavior, cryptocurrency, payments, financial well-being, and more.

Seven marketing and business development professionals share their thoughts on marketing, leadership, membership growth, technology, and collaboration during conversations from the 2022 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Conference, which was held March 9-11 in Los Angeles.

Fiserv’s Brendan Watkins discusses how branch automation can help credit unions balance member preferences.