Nook, a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) and pioneer of niche experiences, announces the appointment of Tiffany Niederwerfer as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This strategic addition to Nook's leadership team reinforces the company’s dedication to innovation and growth within the credit union industry. 

In her role as CSO, Niederwerfer will be instrumental in shaping Nook’s strategic vision and advancing its mission to bring relationship banking back. She will also serve as an extension to credit union executive teams, offering expertise in strategy, brand and content planning, resource assessment, and marcom technology utilization.  

“Tiffany’s superpower is being able to quickly understand organizational pain points, “said Austin Wentzlaff, Nook Co-Founder & CEO. “Her blend of strategic foresight and actionable insights will undoubtedly enhance Nook's positive influence in the credit union sector, helping us deepen member loyalty through tailored experiences.” 

Niederwerfer brings over 20 years of experience in developing and executing growth-driven strategies. Before joining Nook, she held leadership roles at prominent organizations such as America’s Credit Unions, Filene Research Institute, and TruStage, where she led teams and initiatives that significantly boosted growth and market presence. Her expertise in brand elevation, campaign development, and stakeholder engagement positions her perfectly to enhance Nook's offerings and adapt to the evolving needs of its customers. 

“Rapid technological advancements and the challenge of hiring specialized talent make it tough for credit union leaders to effectively meet customer needs”, Niederwerfer said. “I’m excited to join Nook and tackle these pressing challenges in an industry I’m passionate about supporting.”

​Q2 Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial services, today announced its partnership with Envisant, a NACUSO award-winning credit union service organization. Envisant will utilize Q2 Fabric to deliver prepaid card services to its credit union clients. Q2 Fabric is a full-stack solution that weaves together a best-in-class digital banking experience, a modern core (Helix), and a robust, pre-integrated fintech ecosystem to enable innovative financial institutions to offer unique and differentiated products.
 
Serving nearly 2,000 credit unions across all 50 states, Envisant’s forward-thinking product strategy features credit and debit programs, prepaid debit cards, portfolio development consulting, agent credit card programs, collection services, ATM services, marketing and more.
 
Envisant has partnered with Q2 to utilize Q2 Fabric, enabling Envisant to evolve and grow its prepaid, gift card, and travel card portfolio across its credit union clients while streamlining its back-office operations. Envisant plans to migrate existing cards from its previous prepaid provider to Q2 Fabric, upgrading the customer experience with minimal impact to cardholders. Once migrated, Q2 Fabric provides the foundation to drive future product growth and expansion.
 
“At Envisant, we’re committed to providing our credit union partners with innovative and efficient solutions that enhance the member experience,” said Libby Calderone, president and COO at Envisant. “Q2 Fabric’s integrated platform allows us to streamline our back-office operations and deliver a wider range of prepaid card options to our credit unions. This partnership empowers Envisant to evolve our prepaid portfolio while ensuring a smooth transition for our existing cardholders.”
 
Envisant fulfills the roles of both the program manager and the issuer of the program, bringing holistic, low-risk, product offerings, such as prepaid cards, that can be added to other core services.
 
“Historically, prepaid card programs have been offered in siloed systems that limit adoption and create friction in designing products and meeting the customers’ growing needs,” said Ahon Sarkar, general manager and senior vice president of Helix by Q2. “With Q2 Fabric, we’re bringing prepaid services into Helix’s modern cloud-native core, bringing personalization and innovation back to the world of prepaid services. We’re thrilled to partner with Envisant to help them evolve and grow their unique prepaid portfolio.”
 
Q2 Fabric launched in the fall of 2023 and is designed to empower banks and credit unions to deploy digital brands to profitably grow deposits. Weaving together a best-in-class digital banking experience, modern core, and robust, pre-integrated fintech ecosystem, Q2 Fabric is a leading full stack platform for digital retail banking, enabling innovative financial institutions to launch high-yield savings accounts, checking accounts, revenue-generating debit cards, prepaid card services, and more to grow their deposit footprint. Q2 Fabric runs alongside a financial institution’s core, complementing existing core functionality. With Q2 Fabric, any size bank or credit union can launch a differentiated direct bank, expand their product offering, or drive efficiency across their existing portfolio.

​Q2 Holdings Inc., a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial services, today announced an expanded strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), to continue driving innovation for its bank, credit union, and fintech customers. As part of this collaboration, AWS and Presidio, a leading technology services and solutions provider and a premier consulting partner within the Amazon Partner Network, will help Q2 expand the use of the AWS platform to power its digital banking product, including Q2 Innovation Studio solutions. Q2 will leverage AWS innovation, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, for its solution suite to help financial institutions automate critical and repetitive processes and better serve their consumer and business customers.
 
"Q2 is making it easy and efficient for regional and community banks to use technology like AI to help make more informed, data-driven decisions and tailor banking experiences," said Scott Mullins, General Manager of Financial Services at AWS. "AWS's generative AI capabilities are backed by the highest levels of security and privacy, giving financial services organizations the ability to automate clerical tasks and provide the information bankers need to spend more time on client-facing services. We're excited to see Q2 continue to drive innovation for these financial institutions that help our local economies thrive."
 
Q2 is using advanced technologies to help financial institutions capture the full potential of their data to drive insights for fraud detection, audience segmentation, and personalized user experiences. For example, Q2 Sentinel, a fraud detection tool, was built on Amazon SageMaker, using machine learning, endpoint interrogation, and other security technology to monitor user behavior on its digital banking platform. To date, the tool has helped identify instances of fraudulent behavior, saving customers time and money. Additionally, Q2's Andi Copilot, an AI solution suite purpose-built for bankers, uses Amazon Bedrock to power agents that are designed to automate workflows for Q2’s commercial banking customers.
 
"Cloud and AI technologies are transforming banking, but they must have the working knowledge of the industry to provide the right recommendations to have real-world impact," said Jordan Hager, Senior Vice President, Global Technology at Q2. "AWS has the financial services pedigree we need to provide the right security, privacy, and performance that our customers depend on. AWS also allows us to accelerate innovation for customers in areas like generative AI to help our customers make internal workflows simpler and less tedious, while delivering robust, personalized banking solutions. By leveraging AWS technology, we are not only enhancing the security of our platform but also positioning our architecture to meet the evolving needs of our customers, both now and in the years to come."
 
Q2 has been an AWS customer for more than six years, leveraging AWS compute, storage, database, analytics, machine learning, and AI services. With this expanded partnership, Q2 will migrate and modernize more than 50,000 services on AWS, including its Q2 Innovation Studio and Partner Marketplace platform, which provides access to comprehensive financial data and open banking services.

​In response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Tampa Bay area, Achieva Credit Union is partnering with the Pinellas County School Board (PCSB) to launch the Educational System Relief Loans. This program is designed to provide financial support to all full-time school system employees who have been impacted by the recent natural disasters.  

“Teachers and school staff are the heart of our community, and these hurricanes have deeply impacted their lives. We’re committed to doing everything possible to lighten their load and stand by them as they recover," said Jennifer Galley, COO of Achieva Credit Union. "This loan program is one way we’re showing our unwavering support, offering financial relief so they can focus on rebuilding not just their homes, but their sense of stability and hope." 

Full-time staff members in the PCSB school system, including all educators, are eligible to apply for low-interest loans ranging from $500 to $3,000. The program officially launched on October 4th, following Hurricane Helene, and more than one hundred thousand dollars in relief aid has already been disbursed.  

The Educational System Relief Loan program will run through November 30, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to visit the PCSB website, pcsb.org, to learn more about how to qualify and apply. In addition to financial relief, Achieva Credit Union is offering free school supply kits for Partner in Education (PIE) account holders in good standing whose schools were adversely impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These bank accounts are set up especially for members of our community in public service professions including educators, first responders, healthcare workers and the military. 

For more information on Achieva Credit Union and its programs, please visit Achievacu.com. 

​In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton’s devastating impact on communities across the region, Achieva Credit Union is stepping up to support its own with a hurricane relief fund that will go directly towards helping employees who suffered severe losses to their homes, cars and other personal belongings. Achieva employees and members can donate an amount of their choice which will be matched by the Board of Directors of the Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the credit union, up to a maximum of $15,000. 

The Achieva Foundation’s commitment to matching donations underscores its ongoing efforts to provide assistance during times of crisis. Future relief funds will be considered on a case-by-case basis for matching purposes, reinforcing Achieva’s dedication to helping its employees and the community during difficult times. 

"We are deeply saddened by the damage that Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused to so many of our communities, including several of our own Achieva team members," said Gary Regoli, CEO of Achieva Credit Union. "By coming together to support each other, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the recovery process for our employees. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide relief to those in need." 

Employees and members who wish to contribute to the Hurricane Helene and Milton Employee Relief Fund can do so using their member numbers or directly in-branch by donating to the Hurricane Relief Employees account. Internal transfers are also available in the Achieva mobile banking app or by visiting a local branch. 

Achieva Credit Union is also partnering with The League of Southeastern Credit Unions to provide Emergency Disaster Relief Grants for its employees. These grants of up to $2,500 are available to all credit union employees impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton to assist with immediate disaster relief needs, including the cost of evacuating, damages caused by power outages and home repairs. Employees have up to 90 days to apply for assistance. 

"Achieva has always been about family, and when one of us is in need, we all come together. Our goal is to provide not just financial support, but hope, comfort and the assurance that no one faces this hardship alone,” added Regoli. 

For more information, please visit Achievacu.com. 

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) is thrilled to announce another successful CU Kind Day®, its signature initiative dedicated to spreading kindness throughout the state. Held on October 14, the event saw an outstanding number of participants, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of credit union community engagement.

A Commitment to Giving Back
This year, 80 Illinois credit unions and partners joined forces with ICUL, demonstrating the unwavering
commitment of the credit union movement to giving back. Over 900 dedicated volunteers generously donated their time, logging an impressive 5,400+ hours to support their local communities. Their efforts resulted in a record-breaking $112,000+ worth of goods and donations distributed among 183 community organizations across Illinois.

Kindness in Action
The spirit of CU Kind Day manifested in countless acts of generosity. Volunteers participated in a variety of activities, including:

• Monetary donations to support vital programs and services.
• Food and clothing drives to assist families in need.
• Volunteer time at local shelters, food banks, and community centers.
• Donating school supplies to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
• Delivering care packages to brighten the day of those facing hardship.

“We are humbled by the outpouring of support,” stated Staci Hering, ICUL’s Director of Culture and Engagement, and the driving force behind CU Kind Day. “Witnessing the dedication of our credit union volunteers in serving their communities is truly inspiring. These acts of kindness not only leave a lasting impact on those who receive them, but also embody the core credit union principle of ‘people helping people.’”

Spreading Kindness Beyond State Lines
CU Kind Day is not just an Illinois phenomenon. Inspired by the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MCUN) and ICUL’s initiatives, leagues and credit unions from across the country are embracing “kindness days” of their own. This year, credit unions in seven states, including Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, joined forces to spread kindness in their communities.

​Jerry Mora, vice president of business banking for RIZE Credit Union, won first-place and $10,000 in “The Pitch” — the third annual industry contest during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ REACH 2024 conference on Tuesday!
 
“I want to give our credit union experience to our youth,” Mora said as he received a check on stage from Amanda Merz, vice president of impact and development for the Leagues, and Scott Simpson, president and CEO of the Leagues. “This younger generation is looking for something to dig into, something to fight for, a cause in this world. What better cause than our movement’s cause? Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
 
Mora will also receive $5,000 in advisory services from Papilio Collective, and The Pitch runner-up (Mark Martella of Sacramento Credit Union) will receive $1,500 in consulting services.
 
Similar to the past two years during REACH, contestants from four credit unions pitched their mission-driven ideas to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Contestants and pitch-concepts included:
 

• RIZE Credit Union Vice President of Business Banking Jerry Mora (Summer Credit Union Experience Program).
• Sacramento Credit Union Lending Manager Mark Martella (Give Borrowers Control of Rewriting Mortgage Insurance Policies).
• Arrowhead Credit Union Vice President of Administration Chris Wright and Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact Stefanie Villalobos (“On the Money” Financial Reality Educational Game for Students).
• First City Credit Union Chief Marketing Officer Royce Ngiam (Weekly Web/Podcast Consumer Friendly Finance Show).

 
Each contestant also received $1,000 contributed to their unique concept for participating in The Pitch. All pre-submissions were reviewed to pick the top contestants who traveled to REACH to make their case in front of a live audience and a panel of four judges.
 
Each judge had critical questions, constructive comments, and positive responses as they dissected each pitch, just like a live-reality TV show. Jerry Mora won votes from four of five voting-member ballots (four judges and one collective audience vote), while one judge voted for Mark Martella.
 
Mora’s pitch is a Summer Credit Union Experience Program, a one-week experience for local high school students to learn about personal leadership, design thinking, and social impact through the lens of their local credit union. Generation Z, or “Gen Zers,” would likely be attracted since they enjoy this type of experience. Any sized credit union in any geographic footprint can participate, as well as partner-up with community partners. The program would provide a unique, relevant, engaging and fun high school experience that could eventually become a larger network of student and young adult voices who advocate for credit unions (Mora has already created “CUtalk” as a networking component). His newfound $10,000 will go toward making this concept a reality.
 
Judges (or Champions) included Terri Slosser, director of sales for TruStage; Brian Hendricks, chief product officer for Origence; Tiffany Doty, senior vice president for Velera; and Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF). Each judge had critical questions, constructive comments, and positive responses as they dissected the pitches presented to them, just like a live-reality TV show. Emcees included Chris Hokom, principal trainer for Papilio Collective, and Jason Fonseca, learning experience designer for Papilio Collective.
 
The Leagues would like to thank both the judges and the National Credit Union Foundation for donating their time and the $10,000 (from NCUF) so The Pitch can be successful. In the months leading into this inspirational hour-and-a-half live production, credit unions small, medium, and large were asked to encourage dedicated credit union movement employees to submit their “pitches.” All submissions were reviewed to pick the top contestants who would travel to REACH to make their case. Pitches consisted of contestants’ unique ideas for making a meaningful impact on credit unions, credit union members, or their communities. They were about building stronger communities and changing peoples’ lives for the better through financial education, wellness, social responsibility, mentorship, and inclusion.
 
Applicants submitted pre-pitch videos with their submission form, summarizing why they should be selected to be on the main stage during REACH. Industry professionals who understand credit unions’ mission and commitment to improving the lives of members and communities submitted forms, as they were eager to turn a great idea into reality.
 
While all four pitch presentations served as an invaluable experience for REACH attendees, each stakeholder respected each other’s ideas and comments as they sought to encourage the audience in front of them.
 
“We’d like to thank each contestant, judge, and our live audience once again for another successful year of ‘The Pitch’,” said Larry Palochik, executive vice president of the Leagues. “We know the winner, as well as all contestants, will continue doing great things through their concepts, ideas, and dedication to their credit unions and their members.”