Credit unions today are experiencing a CEO exodus like never before. With this mass retirement occurring right before our eyes, it's time for the next generation of leadership to take the industry's helm. One contest that is virtually expediting this evolution is CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec. In its fourth year, the competition is hotter than ever, as we are down to the final five contestants.

To provide a clear perspective on this important competition and guiding the next generation of CU leaders, we invited Allegacy FCU Chief Experience Officer and 2012 NTCUE winner Ashley Kohlrus on the show. Ashley was kind enough to escape the credit union paparazzi and join us for an in-depth conversation on how last year's contest has affected her professional life, how the competition benefits the industry, and how credit unions are going to find those future leaders. Many thanks for Ashley being on the show. Enjoy!

Also, check out Ashley's interview this time last year when she was part of the 2012 NTCUE final five contestants -- #149: CUES 2012 Next Top Credit Union Executive Finalist Series: Allegacy FCU's Ashley Kohlrus.

Visit:
allegacyfcu.org
nexttopcreditunionexec.com

Everyday we are bombarded with "gurus" discussing the pros and cons of social media. It seems to rain down on us perpetually until we're so saturated we just can't take it anymore. Much of the information, however, is quite useful, but there's just as much that's either outdated, too technical, or just misses the mark for credit unions.

So what about hearing from the people that actually use it and can provide results? Well, we have a couple of those folks on CUbroadcast -- Actors Federal Credit Union's Steven Sobotta and Max Weinstein. Steven and Max joined us to discuss their social media experiences from the credit union perspective. They are by no means vaunted experts in this field -- who is? But they are using many social media networks effectively and are here to provide you with their take on how it has impacted their credit union. After all, their credit union is knee deep in the entertainment industry -- which is also well-entrenched in social media. So they might know a thing or two. You'll be surprised by a few of their answers; I know I was. Many thanks for Steven and Max for being on the show and providing some practical and candid content for credit unions out there looking for some first-hand info and advice. Enjoy the show!

Visit:
actorsfcu.com

Now that Apple has rolled out the red carpet of credibility for biometric security technology with its Touch ID on the iPhone 5s, I'm sure many financial IT and security folks now are taking another look at how biometrics can greatly enhance a credit union member's account security -- while easing the hurdles it takes to access one's account. Focusing on voice biometrics in this interview, we invited ValidSoft's CEO Pat Carroll on the program to provide us with an intriguing inside peek on the advent of biometrics and how credit unions can take advantage of it to mitigate fraudsters.

Specifically, Pat discussed items such as securing mobile, punting passwords, the real cost of fraud (more than $200 billion in the US each year), how security affects the consumer experience, an ideal solution's parameters, and more. Again, a truly fascinating conversation with Pat as he guided us down a path of where this security technology is headed and how credit unions and their members can ultimately benefit. Check it out!

P.S. Skype wasn't working too well -- or at all -- from Pat's end in the UK, so we are treating this episode as an audio podcast. There are still screens to view, but mostly this is a good one to kick back and listen to while you work or travel.

Visit:
validsoft.com
Finovate Spring 2013 presentation

It's no secret that credit unions today are experiencing a myriad of issues that in many cases keep them from innovating operations and focusing on serving their members like they would want to. One of the biggest thorns in their side is the revolving door of regulations running rampant throughout the industry, curbing a good number of CUs' operations and member services. Credit unions are clamoring for relief -- and no place was that message heard louder than last week's NAFCU 2013 Congressional Caucus event in Washington, D.C., at the opulent and historic Mayflower Renaissance Hotel.

During the three-day gathering, credit union attendees heard from NAFCU's President/CEO Dan Berger, CNN's Political Analyst Paul Begala, NCUA Board Members Michael Fryzel and Rick Metsger, Fannie Mae President/CEO Tim Mayopoulos, and an assembly line of who's who politicians stopping by the conference to let attendees know they have their back when it comes to today's financial issues. Some of those congressional speakers included Sen. Tim Scott (South Carolina), Sen. Mark Warner (Virginia), Rep. Robert Hurt (Virginia), Rep. Maxine Waters (California), and plenty more.

After listening to all the speakers, CUbroadcast set up a makeshift studio upstairs from the main ballroom to interview several of the credit union attendees and NAFCU officials, getting their take on the conference and impact it has on the industry. Here's a list in order of appearance...

-- Gail DeBoer, President/CEO of SAC Federal Credit Union
-- Chris Rutledge, President/CEO of Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union
-- Lynette Smith, President/CEO of Washington Gas Light Federal Credit Union
-- Donna LoStocco, Senior Vice President of Affinity Federal Credit Union
-- Robert Suarez, Assistant Vice President of Bethpage Federal Credit Union
-- Dawn Donovan, CEO Price Chopper Employees Federal Credit Union
-- Mark Hudzik, Chief Sales Officer of Member One Federal Credit Union
-- Glenn Strebe, President/CEO of Air Academy Federal Credit Union
-- David Wright, CEO of Services Center Federal Credit Union
-- Katie Marisic, Vice President of Political Affairs for NAFCU
-- Carrie Hunt, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs/General Counsel for NAFCU
-- Dan Berger, President/CEO of NAFCU

Unfortunately, we could only show excerpts of their interviews in this comprehensive coverage. If you want to hear their entire interviews, let us know and we will send you the production link. In the meantime, enjoy the NAFCU 2013 Congressional Caucus recap. And many thanks to Transamerica and NAFCU for making this coverage possible.

Visit:
nafcu.org

Does the tune of $10K get your creative juices flowing? Well, it should, as it's already time to think about CO-OP Financial Services 2014 THINK Prize competition. CO-OP recently announced its call for entries for this always intriguing contest that has already touted some impressive ideas the last few years -- along with those $10,000 winners. CO-OP's VP of Marketing Samantha Paxson reveals contest requirements, what they look for in top entries, and examples of years past winners. We also discuss plans for the 2014 THINK Conference in New Orleans, May 19-22, 2014. So if you think you have a good idea that will propel the industry forward and $10,000 kind of interests you, then you might think about entering this annual contest. Check it out!

Visit:
co-opfs.org
co-opthink.org