Credit Union of Colorado is proud to announce the promotion of Phil Smith to chief executive officer upon the retirement of Terry Leis, Credit Union of Colorado’s CEO for more than 20 years, on April 1, 2024. Smith joined Credit Union of Colorado as chief operating officer in 2010 and has held the role of president since January 2023. In Smith’s role as president, his responsibilities included lending, marketing, digital and member experience, payments, consumer lending, mortgage lending, business lending, branch operations and strategic operations. “Phil has served as an invaluable member of the Credit Union of Colorado team for nearly 15 years. It is my honor to congratulate him as he moves into the position of CEO,” says Dr. Will Fleckenstein, Credit Union of Colorado’s board chairperson. “Phil has been extremely impactful during his tenure and has developed relationships across all branches and departments and with our Board Committees and Board of Directors. He has a strong focus on doing what is right for our members, employees and the community. His commitment to the credit union’s “here to help” mission is proven and unwavering. We look forward to his continued leadership in the years to come.” Prior to joining Credit Union of Colorado, Smith was the vice president of the Public Service Credit Union. He also served as the vice president of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union for nearly five years. Smith volunteers for the Community College of Aurora Foundation Board and is currently serving as the Foundation’s Board President. “I’m proud to have the opportunity to lead the credit union and continue to foster Credit Union of Colorado’s culture and commitment to actively supporting our members, employees, and the communities we serve,” says Smith. “I had the privilege of working alongside long-time CEO Terry Leis for more than a decade. Terry served the credit union with honor, humility and distinction. We are grateful for his many years of service.”
0 Comments
Origence, the leading lending technology solutions provider for credit unions, announces breakout session speakers for its Lending Tech Live ’24 conference will include Microsoft, Experian, Catalyst, Messick Lauer & Smith and NADA leaders during its event held June 25-27, 2024 at the Marriot Marquis in San Diego, California. These industry leaders will include:
“As we prepare our agenda for Lending Tech Live, we always look for leaders who can spur collaboration and drive innovation among participants. We’re thrilled to welcome these amazing business leaders to our roster of experts to share valuable insights on topics essential for credit unions to grow and thrive,” said Erika Hill, vp of marketing for Origence. Lending Tech Live ’24 includes interactive workshops to improve credit union lending programs, build borrower journeys that enhance member relationships, and highlight crucial regulations for 2024, along with other key discussions. Attendees will learn about the state-of-the-art tools and technologies shaping the lending landscape, lending strategies, emerging trends, research, and more. To learn more about the conference, visit the Lending Tech Live website. Callahan & Associates and CU Strategic Planning proudly announce their strategic alliance, driven by a shared vision to empower credit unions to make a meaningful impact on their members and communities. This union combines the strengths of both organizations, bringing together a wealth of expertise, innovative solutions, and a shared dedication to transforming the credit union movement. Together, Callahan & Associates and CU Strategic Planning will provide their award-winning offerings with even greater value, more dynamic capabilities, and increased innovation to help more credit unions thrive. Jon Jeffreys, currently CEO at Callahan & Associates, will serve as CEO of the new combined organization. Stacy Augustine will become President of CU Strategic Planning, a Callahan Company. "Joining forces with CU Strategic Planning just feels right." said Jon Jeffreys, “I’m so excited to see the impact we can have on the industry together. Moving forward as one organization, we are even better positioned to serve our credit unions, while driving growth and positive change within the movement." "This announcement represents a new chapter in our journey to support the long-term relevancy and impact of credit unions across America," said Stacy Augustine, President of CU Strategic Planning. "Callahan’s products and services have been transformational for us and our clients. We are beyond excited about the opportunities this alliance brings and look forward to delivering even greater value to our credit unions, together.” Moving forward, CU Strategic Planning will operate as a Callahan & Associates company. Both organizations will retain all staff to maintain seamless operations. This transition signifies a new chapter in their shared journey to drive positive change and support the growth and long-term relevancy of credit unions across the movement. Origence, the leading lending software technology provider, has partnered with First Harvest Credit Union (over 46,000 members, $460 million in assets) to provide indirect lending solutions at local franchise dealerships. The New Jersey-based credit union implemented Origence’s indirect lending platform, CUDL, and the company’s SmartFund solution, which provides fast dealer funding. First Harvest is also leveraging outsourced loan processing and underwriting services from Origence Lending Services, a subsidiary of Origence. The credit union will utilize these services to expand its digital presence with members, cultivate lending efficiency, and strengthen its position as a regional market leader. “As the largest credit union in Southern New Jersey, we’re committed to the financial well-being of our communities. Partnering with Origence gives us the ability to provide valuable credit union benefits and partnerships to local franchise dealerships and an affordable and simplified auto financing experience for families and individuals in the communities we serve,” said Mike Dinneen, president and CEO of First Harvest Credit Union. As the nation’s largest credit union auto lending network, CUDL connects credit unions to its nearly 20,000 auto dealerships nationwide. As an aggregate, the 1,100 credit union partners within the CUDL network are the nation’s number one auto lender. Origence Lending Services provides credit unions with scalable outsourced solutions to streamline their lending operations. Core services include full-service indirect lending, after-hours staffing, overflow support, document services, and underwriting support. “We are pleased to welcome First Harvest to the Origence family of credit unions,” said Brit Barker, senior vice president of sales at Origence. We’re looking forward to continued collaboration to optimize the CUDL network and our advanced lending solutions for a successful growth strategy that ensures an exceptional lending experience for members.” PSCU/Co-op Solutions Announces New Partnership with Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union4/22/2024 PSCU/Co-op Solutions, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, has announced a new partnership with Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, providing the credit union with debit and in-house credit processing, as well as ATM Terminal Driving services. “We needed a debit and credit processing partner that could offer our members the best possible suite of services, while allowing us to consolidate multiple services under one provider,” said Caylee Smith, vice president, marketing and business development for Gulf Coast Educators FCU. “We wanted to partner with a processor that had an excellent reputation among credit unions. Since PSCU/Co-op Solutions specializes in providing card solutions tailored specifically for credit unions, it is the perfect fit. With their expertise and understanding of our unique needs, we believe this partnership will result in more customized and efficient debit and credit offerings for our membership.” Based in Pasadena, Texas, Gulf Coast Educators FCU has more than 56,000 members and assets of $1.2 billion. The credit union was founded in 1948 and is dedicated to serving the financial needs of school employees and their families throughout Texas. “Member experience is a top priority for our credit union,” said Smith. “We strive to lessen the burden of financial stress for our members and make handling their finances as easy as possible. With the latest advancements from PSCU/Co-op Solutions, we can provide our members with enhanced self-service tools that empower them to handle their finances when it is most convenient for them. We now have the opportunity to create a seamless shopping experience for our members in-person and online, provide self-serve card management tools and offer real-time digital card issuance.” With in-house credit, credit unions maintain control of their back-office operations, while PSCU/Co-op Solutions provides card fulfillment, cardholder benefits, security, loyalty programs and data analytics tools. Debit includes the most comprehensive array of member loyalty, security and efficiency benefits available to credit unions. ATM Terminal Driving provides fleet management to help reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and engage users. “We are honored to be partnering with Gulf Coast Educators FCU,” said Brian Scott, EVP, chief growth officer for PSCU/Co-op Solutions. “We look forward to working with them to enhance their members’ overall card experience now, enable continuous improvements in the future and help ensure their debit and credit cards remain top of wallet for members.” Alkami Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKT) (“Alkami”), a leading cloud-based digital banking solutions provider for financial institutions in the U.S., announced at its annual 2024 Alkami Co:lab conference, the launch of its latest innovation for clients, the SDK Wizard, “Merlin.” This strategic tool is revolutionary in the financial services industry, allowing the developer environment to set up and ramp up in minutes compared to days. Built with a developer-first mindset, “Merlin” is a part of Alkami’s ongoing commitment to being the leading “TechFin” in the market, providing developments and inventive technical capabilities for financial institutions nationwide. Deep Varma, chief technology officer (CTO) at Alkami, laid out the vision, speaking to the fundamental mindset of offering the best platform technology in the market, built with a developer lens. He stressed Alkami’s charge to double down on investments in platform capabilities for community and regional financial institutions to win in this industry against megabanks. Varma continued with the four critical platform capabilities that Alkami is actively investing in for financial institutions to stay relevant and innovative:
Alkami’s development team designed the software so developers and third parties can quickly create custom digital banking functionality on the platform that suits their specific business and account holder needs. “Our industry is at a pivotal point in its history, and as financial institutions of all sizes are grappling with meeting the demand for digital products and services, we are constantly working to provide solutions that can have an immediate impact. Building and unveiling an efficient, effective, and accessible solution like Merlin is a proud moment for our team, and we are excited to see the platform in action across the industry,” said Varma. Financial institutions that invest in these pillars and add data platform capabilities can transform into the “data-informed digital banker” for end-users, providing a sophisticated and exceptional account holder experience through the digital banking sales and service channel. To learn more about this year’s Alkami Co:lab programming and event, please visit 2024 Alkami Co:lab. Leila Fong is joining the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) in a newly developed position, Manager of Engagement and Events, effective May 6th. Fong is currently a Project Coordinator at the Illinois Credit Union League where she has been supporting Illinois credit unions since 2018. AACUL recently announced three evolved strategic pillars to support their updated mission and vision. “Leila will have a key role in implementing our second strategic pillar which focuses on supporting League staff through intentional collaboration and enhanced professional development opportunities,” AACUL President Brad Miller shared. “Leila is passionate about creating valuable content for events and has already fostered meaningful connections within our Credit Union League community in her current role” continued Miller. “She has a proven track record of being a creative thinker with strong organizational skills who can plan, execute, and evaluate a wide range of events and engagement initiatives.” Illinois Credit Union League President Tom Kane is sad about losing Fong but happy for her and AACUL. “Leila did a wonderful job managing a broad range of responsibilities, from training and events to engagement and member resources in Illinois. I’m excited that she will be able to share her skills and experience on a national level,” said Kane. Scienaptic AI, a leading global provider of an AI-powered credit underwriting platform, announced today that Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) has implemented its AI-based underwriting platform and is now live. This deployment is significantly streamlining the credit union’s underwriting process, leading to an increase in approval rates and a notable enhancement in the member experience. Importantly, all these advancements have been realized while ensuring adherence to the principles of fairness and inclusivity, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, which are integral to Scienaptic’s AI platform. In 1936, during the Great Depression, ten coffee farmers who were being denied loans and services by banks united to establish what is now known as the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU). What began as a modest one-room operation has since blossomed into a trusted institution for local communities. HCFCU is more than just a credit union; it embodies the spirit of ‘ohana’, a Hawaiian term for family. The credit union is committed to providing valuable financial solutions, personalized service, low fees, and higher rates, all while focusing on the unique needs of its members. Headquartered in Kailua Kona, HCFCU now manages over $750 million in assets and serves a member base of over 47,000. While HCFCU has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings, it continues to uphold its foundational philosophy - a collective of individuals coming together to help each other succeed. “Grounded in the rich legacy of Kona farmers, Hawaiian Community Federal Credit Union’s mission is to provide world-class financial services while staying deeply connected to our roots,” said Mel Ventura, EVP of Member Services at HCFCU. “Going live with Scienaptic’s fair and compliant AI platform is helping us to better serve our growing community by delivering faster, more personalized loan decisions. We are automating and streamlining our loan processes, financially empowering our members, and creating a memorable credit experience for our community.” Commenting on the deployment, Scienaptic's Cofounder and President, Pankaj Jain said, "We are excited to have Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union go live on our AI-powered underwriting platform. Using the platform’s intelligent, fair, explainable AI decisions is empowering the credit union and its members alike. The deployment is enabling the credit union to increase credit offering to a more diverse membership base, providing an enhanced member experience while managing risk effectively.” The California Credit Union League is proud to announce an important leadership transition within the organization. On April 23, 2024, the current League Board of Directors Chair Geri LaChance will be stepping down as Chair, pending her retirement from SESLOC Credit Union in June. This change has allowed for the appointment of a new Chair by the board, ensuring continuity of leadership at a crucial time as the League continues to build an alliance with Utah’s Credit Unions. The League would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Geri for her exceptional service on the Board, including her dedicated 1.5 years as Chair. Her leadership and commitment have been invaluable to the organization, and the League wishes her all the best in her well-deserved retirement. “I want to express our deepest gratitude to Geri for her unwavering commitment to serving our credit unions and guiding the California Credit Union League forward,” said Diana Dykstra, President and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “During the past year-and-a-half, she has made an indelible mark on our success, demonstrating a level of dedication, expertise, and strategic vision that has benefited our member credit unions and the leaders who serve them. She has navigated our industry’s challenges and opportunities, enabling us to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Her unwavering commitment to credit unions’ wellbeing and the success of our organization is truly inspiring.” The League is also pleased to announce that Donna Bland, Golden 1 Credit Union President and CEO, will be stepping into the role of Board Chair for the California Credit Union League. Donna's appointment comes with full support from the Board, and the League is confident that her experience and vision will guide the League through this transition period and into the future. “I am honored to deepen my involvement with the California Credit Union League and to continue to collaborate with our accomplished board members,” Bland said. “I also look forward to advancing the League’s mission and further amplifying the credit union difference for members and communities statewide, as well as supporting the recently announced alliance between Utah’s Credit Unions and the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues.” "Donna’s exceptional leadership qualities and strategic acumen make her the ideal choice for this important role," stated Diana. "I am confident that under her guidance, we will continue to thrive and strengthen our partnership with credit unions in California, Nevada, and Utah." “Donna Bland’s visionary leadership and commitment to advancing the credit union movement make her an excellent choice for this role,” said incoming President and CEO Scott Simpson. “Donna understands the power of collaboration and will help us build resilience while ensuring California, Nevada, and Utah stay true to the unique needs of local credit unions.” Bland has more than 30 years of financial services experience. Adding to her vast leadership roles in the industry and community organizations, her appointment marks a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the credit union movement. Please join the League in congratulating Geri on her retirement and welcoming Donna as the new Chair. The League is excited about the future and the continued growth of the organization under Donna's leadership. The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is proud to announce Jason Stverak has been appointed to the new position of Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO). In this role, Jason will be responsible for ensuring DCUC’s overall advocacy efforts continue to exclusively support the interest of credit unions serving our armed forces and veterans worldwide. DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer is a new position at DCUC and reflects DCUC’s growth in the advocacy sphere over the last seven years. The CAO will serve as a direct link between membership and regulators, analyzing current and emerging regulations and legislation, fostering DCUC’s working relationships with Congressional staff members, and ensuring DCUC’s members remain informed, heard, and represented. Jason has served as the Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Federal Government Affairs for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), now America’s Credit Unions since October 2021. He also performed the duties as Interim Chief Advocacy Officer for CUNA in 2022 and 2023. Before his time with CUNA, Jason worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). Additionally, Jason has served as the Legislative Director and Lobbyist for Christians United for Israel Action Fund, and as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Congressman Cramer in the U.S. House of Representatives. A respected voice on Capitol Hill, Jason is a sought-after voice on important issues facing credit unions and the financial services industry. Known for his influential voice for credit unions, Jason has appeared as a guest on nationally syndicated radio shows and the Fox News Channel on several occasions. His articles and press releases have appeared in USA Today, National Review Online, Roll Call, The Hill, Politico, Fox News, Forbes, the Washington Examiner, American Banker, CU Times, and numerous other publications. Jason was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in 2022 and 2023, as well as a Top Lobbyist by The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) in 2022. “DCUC is incredibly proud to have Jason join us as our Chief Advocacy Officer. We’ve always valued our joint trade communications with Jason and hearing his take on legislative matters coming in and out of Washington,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO. “We’re confident Jason will not only be a great addition to our team but will take DCUC’s advocacy to the next level on behalf of our members.” “I am deeply honored and excited to be named DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer. Every credit union across the country has members who are active-duty military, veterans, or members of their families and I look forward to fighting for their interests and the interests of all credit unions at DCUC,” said Stverak. “America’s service members, veterans, and their families give so much to our country, and I am proud to represent the credit unions that work for them each and every day.” To learn more about DCUC’s advocacy, please visit www.dcuc.org/advocacy. |
Author: Mike LawsonMarried to a most gorgeous and wonderful wife, raising 5 kiddos (including twins!), enjoy helping others tell their stories, and love surfing SoCal waves. Keep it simple. Archives
April 2024
Categories |