Community Financial Credit Union Appoints Visionaries in Economic Development to Board of Directors4/9/2024 Community Financial Credit Union has appointed two esteemed economic development leaders to its board of directors, Ned Staebler and Johnnie Turnage. Ned Staebler is the vice president of economic development at Wayne State University and CEO of TechTown, and Johnnie Turnage is the co-founder of Black Tech Saturdays and founder and CEO of Evenscore. These professionals were selected by the board based on their impressive commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity for individuals and small businesses in Michigan. Community Financial has thoughtfully curated a board of directors that reflects its values and is deeply rooted in Michigan. The outcome is a dynamic group of individuals, each bringing a passion for servitude and a proven track record of community elevation. The credit union proudly celebrates the wide range of perspectives within its leadership, which includes both a female CEO and female board chair. By continuously seeking and embracing new, diverse voices like those of Staebler and Turnage, Community Financial’s leadership evolves to meet the needs of its members. “At Community Financial, we believe in the power of community-driven leadership,” said Tansley Stearns, president and CEO of Community Financial. “Staebler and Turnange’s respective expertise in economic development, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship will propel us toward our vision for the future, enriching our strategic initiatives and benefiting not only the credit union but the communities we proudly serve.” Staebler brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the board. As the vice president of economic development at Wayne State University and president and CEO of TechTown, Detroit’s most established business incubator and accelerator, Staebler has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering small business growth. His dedication to equitable economic practices has earned him national recognition as a pioneer in the field. “Joining the board of Community Financial was a natural decision for me,” said Staebler. “Their commitment to community advocacy is directly in line with my own values, and I am eager to apply my background in economic development to contribute to Community Financial’s meaningful, lasting impact in Michigan.” Turnage, an award-winning grassroots activist and tech entrepreneur, brings an innovative perspective to the board. He is CEO of Evenscore and has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion to Michigan’s business community through initiatives like Black Tech Saturdays, an organization that fosters the growth of Black tech. “When we create an environment that supports innovation and growth, everyone in the community benefits,” said Turnage. “I’m looking forward to leveraging my position on Community Financial’s board to celebrate and continue promoting diversity in our communities.” Community Financial’s leadership reflects its Michigan’s values and priorities. Members have a direct say in the appointment of board members, ensuring that its leadership actively represents their voices. The credit union is proud to welcome Staebler and Turnage as leaders, strengthening its bonds with the community to better serve the needs of all members. The appointments of Staebler and Turnage underscore Community Financial’s commitment to building a brighter future for its members and the community at large. With a strong leadership in place, Community Financial is poised to continue providing inclusive and innovative financial experiences for all.
0 Comments
PSCU/Co-op Solutions, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, is pleased to announce it has expanded its partnership with Virginia Credit Union (VACU) to include contact center member services and support, alongside continued debit and credit card processing. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, VACU was founded in 1928 with a goal of providing members with the accounts, tools, education and resources they need to make confident financial decisions and maintain peace of mind that their future is financially secure. The credit union currently holds more than $5.3 billion in assets and serves over 327,000 members. VACU was seeking a partner to quickly and seamlessly assist with its online banking conversion taking place in the first quarter of 2024, requiring a provider that could access its core while still maintaining efficacy. It found its fit in the combined PSCU/Co-op Solutions, as Co-op had access to VACU’s core while PSCU had the tools and staffing resources required to support the new line of contact center services. Together, PSCU/Co-op is authenticating VACU members using the MemberView tool – connecting through the Shared Branch network – and successfully meeting VACU’s requirements for this project. “Our expanded partnership with VACU is just one of many examples of why PSCU and Co-op Solutions made the decision to combine, showcasing the true value of the combined organization,” said Rini Fredette, senior vice president, Contact Center Services & Solutions, PSCU/Co-op Solutions. “Separately, neither PSCU nor Co-op would have been able to support the VACU team as swiftly or easily, but together, we have the tools, technologies and expertise to offer credit unions new opportunities and solutions, ultimately helping credit unions meet ever-evolving member needs and expectations.” PSCU/Co-op Solutions began providing contact center support to VACU in March 2024. “As a PSCU Owner credit union for 40 years, we knew we had a trusted partner with a proven track record to aid us in the successful launch of our next-generation mobile and online banking solution,” said Chris Shockley, president and CEO of VACU and secretary of the PSCU board of managers. “The support we received from the PSCU/Co-op Solutions team speaks to what the organization has already achieved in integrating its operations following a successful combination. We’re excited to see how PSCU/Co-op Solutions will continue to leverage its products and services, industry knowledge, and people to help credit unions better serve their members.” First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech), the financial partner for the people in tech, through its partnership with Tyfone, the preeminent force in digital transformation, account holder engagement and back-office efficiency for community financial institutions (CFIs), today announced it is now providing Java4Kids coffee in its Hillsboro corporate headquarters. All proceeds generated will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). Headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, First Tech has nearly $17 billion in assets and more than 660,000 members. The credit union is one of the founders of CU4Kids, which brings together credit unions and business partners from across the country to raise funds for CMN Hospitals. First Tech has raised millions of dollars throughout the years to support children’s healthcare. By adding the Java4Kids program at its headquarters, the credit union is enabling employees, as well as members, to actively participate in the fundraising efforts by simply enjoying a cup of coffee. The credit union operates a coffee shop, Ground Up, that is completely run by local high school students. Ground Up now serves Java4Kids coffee drinks to customers and bags of Java4Kids coffee beans can be purchased in store or online – generating a $5 donation to CU4Kids per bag sold. Proceeds from drink purchases are donated to a scholarship fund for Hillsboro School District students. Monique Little, Chief People and Administrative Officer, First Tech, said, “Part of First Tech’s DNA and part of the DNA of our friends at Tyfone is giving back to the community. Our partnership with Tyfone and our existing student operated Hillsboro School District coffee shop, Ground Up, provides an incredible opportunity for us to blend forces to make a very meaningful impact in supporting Credit Unions for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We are so excited about being the first credit union retailer of Java4Kids and for continuing this work to make an even deeper impact in the lives of children and their families." Corelation, Inc. proudly announces a remarkable start to the year, having secured partnerships with eight credit unions (cumulative total of $9.4 billion in assets 630,654 members) in the first quarter of 2024. These notable credit unions range in assets from $143 million to $4.8 billion, and include Affinity Credit Union, Genisys Credit Union, Niagara’s Choice Federal Credit Union, Rockland Federal Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Sun Federal Credit Union, United Consumers Credit Union, and Valley Credit Union. This significant milestone underscores Corelation's commitment to empowering credit unions with cutting-edge technology and personalized service, driving growth and success within the industry. Some of Corelation’s newly signed clients shared their thoughts on choosing KeyStone: “For United Consumers Credit Union, it’s always about our members. KeyStone provides more opportunities to see the members’ whole relationship which enables us to provide an elevated service experience,” said United Consumers Credit Union President Jay Neathery. “We chose to partner with Corelation because they get us and get our members, and they work to ensure the best possible experience for us both.” In addition to enhancing the member experience, KeyStone’s innovation and ease-of-use coupled with its seamless integration capabilities confirmed Corelation as the core processor of choice for these credit unions. “We determined that our new core had to be Easy, Reliable and Agile – internally, we call this our ‘Dawn of a New E.R.A.’ KeyStone not only delivers on all those requirements for our team members, but it was also their #1 pick after extensive testing,” expressed Brian Kelbley, President & CEO of Sun Federal Credit Union. “Further, Corelation’s focused business model and dedication to service aligned with our mission, and KeyStone’s uptime met our reliability needs. Finally, we’re excited about the integration capabilities with third-party solutions and the ability to offer tools that meet our members’ evolving needs.” Sun Federal Credit Union heard great things about Corelation’s culture and commitment to the credit union movement, a sentiment shared by other credit unions. “Summit Credit Union looks forward to moving into the future with a new partner who shares our belief that culture matters!” shared Krista Ragsdale-Byrd, VP of IT of Summit Credit Union. “KeyStone's modern and robust technology, as well as leading-edge capabilities are impressive and ultimately helped us solidify our decision to choose it as our new core processor. The system will provide us with the flexibility we need to quickly adapt to industry changes and will enable us to utilize best-of-breed partners in order to provide the best products, services, and experience to our members,” said Jackie Buchanan, President & CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “We also feel the culture at Corelation aligns well with ours, and we are looking forward to our future collaboration. We value the contributions of our current provider and thank them for the long partnership we have had.” “With my background as CIO and now in my role as CEO, I know how important the right core system is for the future of an organization,” noted Kris VanBeek, CEO of Rockland Federal Credit Union. “Through an exhaustive search, we found KeyStone to be the best fit and our conversations with peers in the Corelation community confirmed our decision.” All 8 credit unions are scheduled to convert to KeyStone in 2025. “We extend a warm welcome to all the new credit unions who have chosen to partner with Corelation this year. Your trust in our solution and services is truly appreciated as we continue to grow and innovate,” expressed Corelation President Rob Landis. “Together, we look forward to achieving remarkable success and advancing the future of the credit union industry.” Pulsate, provider of mobile-first engagement solutions that deepen digital banking relationships and cut through noise in consumers’ moments of need, announced today that its member engagement platform was named a finalist in the “Tech of the Future – Personalization” category for the 2024 Banking Tech Awards USA, powered by FinTech Futures. The Banking Tech Awards USA acknowledges the achievements and successes of the banking and financial technology market in the United States. Pulsate was selected as a finalist for “Tech of the Future – Personalization,” which is awarded to a technology and services provider demonstrating genuine innovation with solutions that will define the future of banking and finance. Pulsate provides digital consumer engagement solutions to community banks and credit unions, helping them build lasting, profitable relationships in a mobile-first world. Their intuitive, easy-to-use platform lets FIs create personalized, targeted campaigns to drive product sales and activation, encourage financial wellness and more, all delivered through a variety of channels embedded within existing mobile banking apps and online banking environments. “Pulsate is honored to be recognized as a Banking Tech finalist alongside other such innovative fintechs helping to shape the future of the industry,” said Sarah Martin, CEO of Pulsate. “This acknowledgment is a testament to our platform’s ability to maintain and enhance personalized relationships in the era of digital banking dominance. It was built exclusively with community banking needs in mind, and we will continue to empower these institutions to stay connected with their customers and members by making mobile solutions core to their success.” The platform's data-driven approach to digital consumer engagement helps community banks and credit unions boost loyalty, retention and most importantly, drive meaningful deposit growth. By reaching the right consumers at the right time, regardless of location or channel, Pulsate empowers these institutions to stand out in today’s competitive banking landscape and reach their account holders wherever they are in their moment of need, driving both revenue growth and cost savings. To see the full list of this year’s finalists and for more information about the awards, visit FinTech Futures. The Credit Union Trends Report is a monthly "pulse check" on the state of the credit union marketplace, often placed in a historical context. The report includes data from two months prior and is published and distributed by Steven Rick from TruStage™. March 2024
View Trends Report Executive Summary On Thursday, April 4, MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) proudly revealed its latest initiative, Women of Sparta, at a special event held at the MSUFCU Club Suites at Spartan Stadium. The program is a dynamic leadership initiative crafted to elevate Michigan State University's women's sports and its student-athletes. Women of Sparta, presented by MSUFCU, not only provides a comprehensive platform for personal growth, financial literacy, and community engagement but also expands the Credit Union's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities with MSU women's sports student-athletes. “This partnership between MSUFCU and MSU women’s athletics supports the development and success of student-athletes while elevating the platform for women’s sports teams overall,” said April Clobes, President and CEO at MSUFCU. “By empowering the next generation of leaders and shining a brighter light on MSU women’s sports teams, our goal with this initiative is to foster a positive and even more inclusive community for everyone.” Student-athletes participating in Women of Sparta will benefit from a range of opportunities tailored to support their holistic development, including financial education, personal branding workshops, mentorship programs, job shadowing, internship opportunities, and an expanded NIL program. To expand on the core elements of the program, it will offer:
“The Women of Sparta program furthers MSU Athletics as a front-runner in the NIL space following our recognition as the best institutional program at last year’s NIL Summit,” said Alan Haller, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at MSU. “The continued investment by President and CEO April Clobes and the MSUFCU Community empowers our student-athletes to dream bigger and elevate their success. We are grateful for their strong leadership and continued support.” Student-athletes interested in becoming a Woman of Sparta for the 2024-2025 academic year are encouraged to submit their applications by June 1, 2024. The first cohort of Women of Sparta student-athletes will be announced this summer. SRM (Strategic Resource Management), a trusted advisory firm serving financial institutions globally, announced that Chris Gunnare is joining the business and will serve as an Executive Vice President, supporting growth initiatives and client services. Gunnare, a well-known executive in the credit union industry, brings thirty-five years of experience to his role at SRM. Prior to joining SRM, Gunnare spent six years at PSCU as a client advocate and leading new business sales teams to back-to-back company record-breaking sales years in 2022 and 2023. Before PSCU, Gunnare was part of the executive team during a 24-year tenure at The Members Group (TMG), where he led overall company growth and various functions, including sales, account management, renewals, marketing, and market research. "As we continue to initiate our growth and service expansion plans, building a strong and experienced bench is critical to our success," noted Brad Downs, SRM's Chief Executive Officer. "Chris Gunnare's in-depth understanding of the credit union landscape and his track record of success in growing businesses – and, more importantly, satisfying clients – is a great match. I'm thrilled to welcome Chris to SRM." Gunnare will bring his skills, robust network, and talent for forming strategic partnerships to a thriving SRM business that has saved clients billions through its primary vendor contracts offering. Additionally, SRM continues to grow its services and key staff in the areas of strategy, payments, and technology advisory. "SRM understands its role in helping financial institutions survive and thrive against the headwinds of our times, and that energizes me for this new challenge," said Chris Gunnare. "The company's independent, agnostic approach to its work and willingness to go the extra mile for clients attracted my attention, and I'm thrilled for this opportunity." CUES is pleased to announce two new leadership positions that will play a critical role as the organization expands products and services to equip its members with the skills, tools, knowledge, and relationships needed to thrive. Chad Helminak has joined CUES as VP of Talent Development Programming. Helminak brings two decades of leadership experience supporting purpose-driven organizations and leaders in the credit union industry. He facilitates experiential training for credit union leaders, leads boards and executive teams through strategic sessions, and drives growth in people, programs, and organizational capabilities. “As VP of Talent Development Programming, Chad will lead the charge in designing and delivering cutting-edge customized and in-house programs and products tailored to the evolving needs of credit unions.” said Heather McKissick, CUES CEO. Pixie Gray will join CUES as VP of Organizational Development in May 2024. She brings over a decade of experience in leadership development, coaching, design thinking, and process refinement. Gray is known for merger and acquisition culture alignment and facilitating strategic processes that yield tangible results. “Pixie will spearhead our efforts in internal and external organizational development, thought leadership, and organizational change, and will launch a new CUES consulting suite,” said McKissick. “As a leadership and talent development organization, Chad and Pixie’s appointments underscore our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and providing unparalleled support to our members. We are thrilled to have them both,” said McKissick. “This investment in talent programming and organizational development sets CUES up for success and empowers our members to reach successful new heights.” Learn more about CUES at cues.org. Kaua'i Federal Credit Union (Kaua'i FCU), a leading credit union invested in Kaua'i and Kauai's first Community Development Financial Institution, has announced a new partnership with Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST), the leading artificial intelligence (AI) lending marketplace, to provide personal loans to new and existing members. “Kaua'i Federal Credit Union is dedicated to improving the financial wellness of our members and building a stronger financial future for our people,” said Sean Kaley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Kaua’i Federal Credit Union. "Through our partnership with Upstart, we are able to provide an all-digital, personal lending experience that meets the timely needs of more people across our community.” Kaua'i FCU became an Upstart Referral Network lending partner in March 2023. With the Upstart Referral Network, qualified personal loan applicants on Upstart.com who meet Kaua'i FCU’s credit policies will receive tailored offers as they seamlessly transition into a Kaua'i FCU-branded experience to complete the online member application and closing process. “We welcome Kaua'i Federal Credit Union to the Upstart family of lending partners,” said Michael Lock, Senior Vice President of Lending Partnerships for Upstart. “As a lending partner on the Upstart Referral Network, Kaua'i Federal Credit Union is there to provide more creditworthy people in its community with access to affordable credit.” To learn more about Upstart for Credit Unions and the Upstart Referral Network, please watch this video. |
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 |