Engage fi Launches Executive Affiliate Program: Amplifying Wisdom, Empowering the Future of Financial Services

Andres Pasantes

Engage fi, a national consulting firm guiding financial institutions through transformative growth and technological advancement, announces the launch of its Executive Affiliate Program – an initiative designed to infuse the financial services industry with experienced leadership and timely insight.

Bridging Generations of Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape
Banking and leadership are evolving at the speed of light. In this climate of accelerating innovation and disruption, the voice of experience has never been more essential. The Executive Affiliate Program facilitates connections between Engage fi clients and respected, established leaders from the financial sector with extensive experience in organizational leadership and transformation.

The initiative appoints these veteran executives as strategic advisors, drawing on their widespread experience to address contemporary financial challenges. As the industry undergoes significant change, the program aims to actively apply their insights to help institutions navigate new complexities.

Meet the Executive Affiliates
Among Engage fi’s inaugural Executive Affiliates are:

• Cathy Pace, former CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union
• Gene Pelham, former CEO of Rogue Credit Union
• John Cassidy, former CEO of Sierra Central Credit Union

These executives were chosen for their demonstrated accomplishments, as well as for their shared values, forward-thinking outlook, and alignment with Engage fi’s focus on purposeful innovation.

“Each of our Executive Affiliates embodies a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire,” said Andres Pasantes, President & COO of Engage fi. “They are not just advisors - they’re catalysts for growth, cultural strength, and visionary thinking across the financial ecosystem.”

“I was motivated to join the Executive Affiliate Program to support Engage fi’s mission of being the most dynamic technology partner for financial institutions. After decades in the financial services industry, I’ve seen too many well-intentioned tech initiatives fall short, leaving executives and staff frustrated. I’m excited to help community financial institutions turn technology into a much more productive and satisfying experience,” said John Cassidy.

More Than a Program, A Platform for Impact
At its foundation, the Executive Affiliate Program is designed to highlight and share the expertise of experienced industry leaders. It’s a platform for:

• Sharing actionable leadership wisdom
• Delivering thought-provoking content
• Advising the next generation of financial leaders at all stages of their journey
• Shaping values-based cultures in a changing world
• Tracking emerging industry trends
• Giving back through philanthropy and community mentorship

What sets Engage fi apart is its ability to activate these insights at scale, translating decades of experience into real-time value for clients.

Cathy Pace commented, "In the ecosystem of financial services, this program can create transformative outcomes by drawing on best practices by experienced leaders that foster collaborative innovation, boost reach and efficiency, and enable knowledge sharing ... all amplifying results across the industry.”

Empowering the Next Generation
Engage fi is deeply committed to fostering the growth of rising leaders. Through direct advisory, collaborative workshops, and curated leadership content, the Executive Affiliates will guide tomorrow’s change-makers on:

• Strategic insight and adaptive thinking
• Organizational culture and values-based leadership
• Sustainable innovation and transformation

“When someone retires it doesn’t mean they no longer have valuable insights. The experience gained from a career of turning challenges into opportunities can provide valuable context to critical strategic decisions leaders need to make. My mentors and leaders helped mold me into a successful leader and it is my desire to serve the leaders of the future,” said Gene Pelham.

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