Shows
WCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 54 - Scott Simpson (December 2025)The Frogcast is finishing 2025 strong with someone who's name has been in credit union news a lot lately. Scott Simpson, recently appointed President/CEO of America's Credit Unions, joins us to speak about how he plans to lead the CU movement in the future. Scott's experience within the industry is vast, within a number of states and associations. However, his new responsibilities will require him to cover credit unions nationwide. The messaging is the same, and our antagonists are the same, as are the regulatory pressures - so it is more of a function of scale. Scott shares the...
2025-12-1224 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 53 - Justin Martin (November 2025)Our November guest is Justin Martin, CEO of TAPCO Credit Union in Tacoma, Washington. Justin has served in this role for four years, but had previously served the industry in various executive roles including CHRO, Chief Marketing Officer, and COO. In his current role, Justin has led the credit union using four strategic pillars - culture, digital, community impact, and data centricity. During this competitive and challenging environment TAPCO believes it all starts with a culture of belonging. This spans their business model both internally and externally, from their employees to their members. He also shares how his background...
2025-11-2421 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 52 - Michael Nagl (October 2025)This month we are joined by Michael Nagl, President and CEO for Centennial Lending, LLC. As a CUSO, which is a company owned by credit unions and for credit unions and its members, Centennial Lending provides an important strategic partnership to the industry. Michael's career journey to credit unions was a "long, strange trip", going from bar/restaurant management, to golf pro, to the industry we all love. WCMS, of course, was an experience that became a turning point in his journey. Listen in if you want to learn more about this history of CUSO's, how they work today...
2025-10-2723 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 51 - Gene Pelham (September 2025)This month's guest is an icon of the credit union movement. With a career spanning four decades, Gene Pelham has proven himself an impactful leader across the movement and within the halls of WCMS. His 2022 retirement as CEO of Rogue Credit Union has not ended his impact at all. Gene continues to serve credit unions with a special focus on helping smaller CU's thrive in this difficult environment. His impact at WCMS, since graduating in 1995, is also notable. Upon graduating he was chosen by his classmates as the Charles M. Clark Award recipient at graduation, served on the WCMS...
2025-09-2617 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 50 - Erin Estelle (August 2025)We are fortunate to have Erin Estelle, Chief Marketing Officer at Valley Strong Credit Union, join us on the Frogcast this month. As a former collegiate and professional athlete, and with a previous career in Retail, Erin has some interesting viewpoints and valuable insights about the credit union movement. Among many things, she shares with us today her leadership of Valley Strong's impressive financial literacy initiative. Covering all aspects of financial wellness, for all stages of members, the CU is making an impact with this effort... and receiving recognition for it. Case in point, Valley Strong received a Diamond...
2025-09-0220 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 49 - Darin Woinarowicz & Stefanie Villalobos (July 2025)Today we have a double-hitter as both Darin Woinarowicz and Stefanie Villalobos joining the Frogcast. Darin serves as the President & CEO at Arrowhead CU, and Stefanie as the AVP of Philanthropy & Community Impact with the CU. The Alumni Association has asked them to join us because of their leadership of the ArrowHeart Foundation. Stefanie simultaneously serves as the Foundation's Executive Director and Darin its founder. The ArrowHeart Foundation is an organization intent on helping those Arrowhead neighbors that need it the most. Purposefully working under the radar, the Foundation does everything from awarding higher education scholarships, providing the homeless...
2025-07-2522 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 48 - Marlene Nielsen & Elise Schexnayder (June 2025)Our June episode is a two-for-one, as we have two credit union leaders and recent graduates of WCMS for you. Marlene Nielsen is the Payments Manager at Granite CU and Elise Schexnayder is the Director of Professional Development for the California Credit Union League. Both graduated from WCMS last year as part of the Phi Class. They join the Frogcast today to talk about public speaking skills. Third year students are required to present a topic to a panel before graduating, and Marlene and Elise had very different reactions to learning this news. Along with their classmates, they decided...
2025-06-1319 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastBusiness Partner Frogcast (Thom Back - Performance Trust) - May 2025Thom Back, Director of Education and Client Insights and Analytics at Performance Trust, joins the Frogcast to discuss the current economic landscape and its impact on credit union margins and ROA. He goes on to discuss strategic opportunities and challenges many of his clients are facing, including membership growth and demographics, and today's credit risk profile.Interviewer: Robert YorkProducers: Ryan Kane and Steve SchmidleSupporting Cast: Nate Burns, Shonna Shearson, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman
2025-05-1526 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 47 - Melia Heimbuck (April 2025)Melia Heimbuck, President & CEO of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico, joins the Frogcast this month. Melia has served multiple leagues in her career, and as Principal of Risk Management Solutions for CU Solutions Group. Today, she speaks about the important advocacy work the leagues are delivering today for credit unions. Education, both to elected officials and credit union staff and boards, is critical to the work of the leagues. Speaking of education, Melia goes on to discuss the good work that credit unions are doing to provide financial education to their communities. There are so many impressive...
2025-04-1824 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 46 - Ronaldo Hardy (March 2025)This month we have the amazing Ronaldo Hardy on the Frogcast! Ronaldo has served in multiple prominent positions within the CU industry including CEO of multiple credit unions, owner of CU Strategic Planning, CEO of NACUSO, and host of an award-winning reality show. Just recently, Ronaldo accepted the CEO position at Balance, a 50-year-old financial wellness nonprofit dedicated to increasing the financial health of all consumers. Financial wellness is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and maintain across our communities, and Balance helps those in need by providing solutions that help people manage their debt, understand their credit, and provide...
2025-03-2823 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastBusiness Partner Frogcast - Jim Stickley (Feb 2025)One of the WCMS’s long-time supporters, Jim Stickley, joins the Frogcast today to talk all things cyber security. Jim is the CEO of Stickley on Security, where he served as an identity thief (but he is no criminal) for thousands of financial institutions, Fortune 100 corporations, healthcare facilities, legal firms, and insurance companies. Jim is also the CEO of Mahalo, a provider of online and mobile banking solutions for credit unions. Today’s topic of cyber security, and some interesting insights into well known breaches, will be timely and educational for everyone listening.Interviewer: Robe...
2025-02-0727 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 45 - Madeline Stewart (January 2025)Today we have Madeline Stewart, the President and CEO of Vida Credit Union, joining us on the Frogcast. She has served her credit union for nearly 25 years in multiple roles and with a passionate focus on operational performance. On the tail end of a rapid rebranding initiative, Madeline shares the background story on the decision and name selection. Vida Credit Union is a CDFI institution who has used this designation, and the CDFI grants, to make a meaningful difference in their community. Due to their positive local influence, the credit union will be featured on a PBS television program...
2025-01-1724 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 44 - Fidel Gonzalez (December 2024)December’s guest is Fidel Gonzalez, the President and CEO of First Imperial Credit Union and a proud member of the 1999 Phi Class of WCMS. Among many accomplishments, Fidel has led his low-income designated credit union to also become a CDFI certified credit union. With the CDFI designation, the credit union has applied for, and received, grants totaling over $7 million. With these dollars they have funded their loan loss reserve and served their members and community by lending into lower credit tiers and assuming the higher risk that accompanies it. Fidel is a distinguished credit union professional with a fo...
2024-12-2014 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 43 - Danielle Bridges (November 2024)This month’s guest is none other than Danielle Bridges, SVP of Capital Markets and Mortgage Lending at Vantage West CU in Tucson, Arizona. Her impressive and unique set of responsibilities spans lending, finance and treasury management, and allows Vantage West to open up new and innovative lending opportunities and revenue streams. She discusses with us the opportunities and risks that alternative capital market partnerships produce, and the planning required to deliver value successfully through these secondary markets. The CU also recently created a new program, providing credit protection for low income borrowers, produced in collaboration between six Tucson cr...
2024-12-0419 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 42 - Chad Bollinger (October 2024)We are fast-tracking the publishing of today's episode given the timeliness of the topic. On the Frogcast today we have Chad Bollinger, CFO of Credit Union of Colorado, to talk about yesterday's 50 basis point rate cut by the Fed. A WCMS graduate with the Theta class of 2010, Chad provides a great overview of the economic drivers impacting the Fed's decision and what credit unions might do in response and preparation for the next cut. Earlier in his career Chad was a Credit Union Examiner with the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services. As a result, our conversation expands...
2024-09-2021 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 41 - Bebe Souvannavong (September 2024)A first for the Frogcast, today's guest is a very recent graduate of WCMS. Bebe Souvannavong only graduated from WCMS in July, along with her Phi class of 2024. In the real world, Bebe is the VP of Learning & Development at Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union. Still riding high from her life-changing time and experience on campus, Bebe shares the stories and challenges from the school. A lifelong learner, she has helped lead L&D to new innovative and purpose-driven heights at Santa Clara FCU. Herself an immigrant to the United States, Bebe is passionate about DEIB and helped...
2024-09-1123 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 40 - Ken Senus (August 2024)Today we are joined by Ken Senus, currently serving as the 9th President and CEO of St. Mary's Bank - the oldest credit union in the country. In his career he has led core conversions, M&A transactions, and many other progressive responsibilities. Ken explains to us the background story of St. Mary's Bank, the history of its unique name (for a CU) and the amazing work it has done over its 116 years. You might expect the oldest credit union in the U.S. to focus on its past, but Ken explains how it has actually been a very...
2024-08-1419 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastBusiness Partner Frogcast - Paul Bean (July 2024)In support of those organizations that support WCMS and its alumni, the Frogcast will occasionally introduce our audience to the organizations that provide us with both financial and operational resources.
Our second such episode is with Paul Bean, CEO of AGP Digital Marketing. Paul formed his company 18 years ago to help give credit unions more robust digital marketing. Growing your credit union's membership likely requires use of a digital marketing channel, which requires enhanced data and unique internal skills. If you or your credit union are in need of advanced digital marketing support please consider contacting Paul...
2024-07-2218 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 39 - Jeremy Calva (July 2024)July's guest on the Frogcast is Jeremy Calva, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Rivermark Community Credit Union. With a diverse background across multiple industries, and a long history in credit unions, his viewpoint is unique and well-founded with a strong financial viewpoint. Always on the lookout to help his CU improve earnings and capital, Jeremy shares his views on a few of the opportunities we have today. He covers complex topics such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), liquidity management, derivatives, and arbitrage positions while also connecting his work to community impact. Whether you are a finance...
2024-07-0824 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 38 - Zach Christensen (June 2024)This month we are joined by Zach Christensen, Director of Communications and Digital Marketing at Mitchell Stankovic & Associates. MS&A is a strategic consulting firm which has served only credit unions for 30 years, focused primarily on Board Governance and CEO support. His passion for Credit Union's comes from the passion of those he works with but has stuck with Zach because of the opportunity he has to help CU's change lives. Beyond that, Zach serves in multiple volunteer roles including the Global Women's Leadership Network, World Young Professionals, and he founded CU Pride. Today he shares his thoughts about...
2024-06-0524 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastBusiness Partner Frogcast - Ken Bator - April 2024In support of those organizations that support WCMS and its alumni, the Frogcast will occasionally introduce our audience to the organizations that provide us with both financial and operational resources.
Our first Business Partner guest is Ken Bator, President/CEO of Bator Training and Consulting Group and the Police Officers Credit Union Association. Ken works with many credit unions and industry organizations, including the WCMS Alumni Association, providing strategic planning leadership and insight. He speaks with us today to share what he calls the "Natural Laws of Business" and how credit unions might align their strategy differently...
2024-05-0821 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 37 - Deonne Christensen (April 2024)This month we are joined by Deonne Christensen, President & CEO of Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City. Deonne has been in credit unions for 20+ years and the financial services industry for 30+ years. Her early career was spent in a large bank, which provided her a limited view into the broader eco-system of the organization. She then found her way to credit unions, and WCMS, where her career (and life) changed forever. Mazuma Credit Union has a different and progressive approach to translating their purpose into action for the membership and communities they serve. It starts with culture and a...
2024-04-2522 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 36 - Laura Worzella (March 2024)This month we are joined by the passionate and experienced Laura Worzella, Chief Operating Officer at OneAZ Credit Union. Laura joined the credit union movement after a long career with large banks like Wells Fargo, and shares with us how enlightening that transition has been. With that interesting background, she goes on to discuss how product sales can and should work within credit unions in a purpose driven way. Finishing up with a great discussion on the impact leaders and mentors have had on her life and career, the conversation is worth a listen for anyone looking to grow...
2024-03-2518 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 35 - Charlie Watts (February 2024)Today we are joined by Charlie Watts, President & CEO of Aurora Federal Credit Union in Colorado. Charlie joins the Frogcast to share his career story within our industry, starting with a corporate credit union, growing through a credit union CFO position, and all the way to the top seat as CEO. Filling the top seat at a smaller credit union brings its own set of challenges, and he explains to us how he has overcome the resource realities and limitations at a CU his size. WCMS has produced so many great leaders in our industry, and Charlie drank the...
2024-03-0123 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 34 - Tracie Kenyon (February 2024)This month's guest is Tracie Kenyon, the retired President of the Montana Credit Union League, Herb Wegner Award winner, and certified professional coach with Humanidei. Tracie's four decades of credit union service at multiple levels have provided her with a unique and humbling view of our industry. Tracie has made a huge impact in the philanthropy and advocacy of credit unions throughout Montana, and beyond. She joins the Frogcast to share her view of what is driving change in credit unions, and also opens up about her emotional decision to retire as the league President. This is your story...
2024-01-2622 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 33 - Jennifer Victor (December 2023)To wrap up 2023 we have the amazing Jennifer Victor, VP of Branch Sales and Service at Travis Credit Union in Vacaville California. A 2022 graduate of WCMS, a long-term financial professional, and a proud mother, Jennifer joins us today to talk about a taboo term in credit unions... sales. She makes the case that there is no difference between sales and service, and discusses how to instill that idea into a credit union's retail culture. Jennifer goes on to discuss volunteerism in credit unions and where her passion for serving comes from. Her personal purpose is helping other people, and...
2023-12-2218 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 32 - Brandi Gleason (October 2023)This month we are joined by WCMS's brand new Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Brandi Gleason. Much has changed behind the scenes of WCMS this year with the well-earned retirement of Nancy Woods and the unfortunate loss of David Ellings, but the school remains in great hands with Brandi's leadership. Not new to WCMS or credit unions, Brandi has an interesting and fun story about her journey to this position. She shares this story, and a peek behind the curtains of what it takes to run WCMS every July, during today's episode. Despite this succession in school leadership, Dr...
2023-10-2722 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 31 - Randy Stolp (September 2023)Please welcome Randy Stolp to this month's Frogcast. Randy has a long and varied career in credit unions, currently serving as CIO for My Community Credit Union in Texas. Randy talks about the subject of 'thinking differently' and the intersection of people and technology, and introduces the idea that people are our best technology. He goes on to discuss his career growth, and how industry learning programs like WCMS have helped him shape his path. Tune in and learn how to find a few new solutions to old problems in your credit union.
Interviewers: Nate Burns and...
2023-09-2220 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 30 - Janet Gaspard (August 2023)This month the Frogcast is joined by Janet Gaspard, SVP and Chief People Officer of First Entertainment Credit Union in Hollywood, CA. As her title suggests, Janet has her focused on building culture and people in her career. She joins us today to talk about what has changed more recently in employment trends, especially since the initial shock of the pandemic. As we know, our people have more options than they have ever had before. No longer are we only competing with the employers down the street, but also those across the country due to the preponderance of remote...
2023-08-2719 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 29 - Hector Martin (July 2023)This month's guest is Hector Martinez, who was recently named President & CEO of County Schools Federal Credit Union in Ventura, CA. He joins us to share the viewpoint, challenges, and surprises he has faced as a first time CEO. Hector also serves as the Founder & Chairman of the Emerging Credit Union Leaders Council, which he created during the pandemic to provide advice and networking opportunities for credit union employees hungry to grow and fill the leadership succession gap forming in our industry. A graduate and huge proponent of WCMS, he goes on to share how the school cemented his...
2023-07-2719 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 28 - Caroline Willard (June 2023)Caroline Willard, President & CEO of the Cornerstone Credit Union League, is our distinguished guest this month. The Cornerstone League primarily serves credit unions in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas but has now expanded certain services to 48 states under her leadership. Caroline also serves as the Vice Chair of the CUNA Board and provides us with an update on the advocacy work CUNA is focusing on today. From there she goes on to introduce us to an early and largely unknown pioneer of the credit union industry via an inspiring quote and backstory. If you are looking for some...
2023-06-2920 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 27 - Corlinda Wooden (May 2023)This month we are diving into one credit union's DEI journey through the eyes of their SVP/Chief Retail Officer, Corlinda Wooden. Unitus Community Credit Union, located in Portland Oregon, made the strategic and purpose-driven decision to focus on improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within its culture. This thriving internal environment led the credit union to also focus externally, eventually producing partnerships with Juntos Avanzamos, inclusiv, Coopera, and the Portland Urban League to serve their Hispanic members and communities better. The credit union went on to develop new products and applications that have proven meaningful and impactful to these...
2023-05-2616 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 26 - Shonna Shearson (April 2023)This month we are flipping the script on our very own Shonna Shearson, and she doesn't see it coming. If you've listened before, you know that Shonna usually interviews our Frogcast guests alongside Nate. But in light of her exciting new career news we decided this was the month Shonna should be the guest, and we aren't going to tell her that until after we start recording. Shonna has served in leadership roles with Valley Strong Credit Union for the last 23 years, most recently as SVP of Operations, but in a few short weeks Shonna will begin serving as...
2023-04-2814 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 25 - Troy Stang (March 2023)This month's guest on the Frogcast is Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association serving Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Beyond his work within these states and state houses, Troy also works at the federal level to further credit union issues in public policy. A passionate advocate of the credit union movement and a strong supporter of WCMS, Troy shares with us his journey to credit unions and his beliefs about the power of cooperation that energizes our industry. He also spends some time updating us on the political landscape as it pertains to...
2023-03-3126 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 24 - Ryan Kane (February 2023)Artificial Intelligence in credit unions? Are we ready for that? The answer is a solid "maybe?". On the Frogcast today we have Ryan Kane, the VP of IT at Ontario Montclair School Employees FCU, to share an update of where AI technology stands currently. Are the robots ready to take over yet? Chatbots have been around for years, and ChatGPT is all the rage in the news today, but what are they and what's the difference? Ryan has all the answers. In today's episode he defines and discusses the maturity level of AI technology and where opportunities to leverage it migh...
2023-02-2819 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 23 - Mark Klinkert (January 2023)Today's guest is Mark Klinkert, a name, face, and voice that should be familiar to everyone who has attended WCMS in the recent past. Mark has served as the Provost of WCMS for the past 27 years, where he is responsible for the logistics and operations of the school each summer. This was only a part time job for Mark though, as he also served as the VP of Education & Training for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, retiring in 2021 after 33 years. In today's discussion Mark provides us with his unique and far-reaching perspective on the school, the changes he...
2023-01-3023 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 22 - Tena Lozano (December 2022)Today's guest has more than 30 years of experience in the Credit Union movement and has been recognized as a Credit Union Rock Star. Tena Lozano is the Executive Director of the Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation, which is the credit union foundation for the states of California and Nevada. The RMJ Foundation's signature program is called Bite of Reality, which is a simulation app that helps teens understand the financial decisions and budgeting pressures that adulthood will bring. This eye-opening experience has made a difference in the lives of countless teens over the past ten years. A 2013 graduate of WCMS...
2022-12-0826 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 21 - Back on Campus (November 2022)The WCMS Alumni Conference was held in-person this July for the first time since 2019 in conjunction with WCMS students returning to Pomona College for the first time since the pandemic as well. To commemorate this exciting reunion, this month's Frogcast episode isn't limited to one guest in particular. Instead, you'll hear from the many WCMS students and alumni we interviewed while walking around campus. The nervous energy is audible in the voices of the new students attending Welcome Walk for the first time, as is the excitement of returning students reconnecting with classmates and the gratitude of our alumni for...
2022-11-0416 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 20 - Bob Toohey (October 2022)Today we have a very special guest on the Frogcast, Bob Toohey. The name might not sound familiar to many of us more recent graduates of WCMS, but we can assure you that Bob has been instrumental in creating the WCMS experience we know and love today. Bob was a graduate of WCMS in 1975 and a founding member of the WCMS Alumni Association shortly thereafter. Unlike most of our guests, Bob wasn't an employee with his credit but instead a volunteer. This year's recipient of the James D. Likens Alumni Recognition Award, Bob continues as a volunteer at his cred...
2022-10-0318 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 19 - Eric Bruen (September 2022)This month our guest on the Frogcast is the unique and energizing Eric Bruen, CEO of Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union. Eric has led the credit union for over 20 years, but that time period has been a challenging and exciting ride for Eric and his team. "PCA Guy", as he is known as to many, joined Desert Valleys at the age of 27 while the credit union was under Prompt Corrective Action regulation. It took an astounding 19 years for Eric to pull the CU out of PCA, but he did just that and has transformed his organization and community in man...
2022-09-1920 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 18 - Helen Mickel (July 2022)This month the Frogcast is joined by Helen Mickel. Helen serves as President/CEO of Tongass Federal Credit Union in Ketchikan Alaska. Her CU's field of membership covers multiple islands and small communities only reachable by boat or floatplane, and because of that Tongass FCU has a very disntinctive and purpose-driven business model. Listen in to hear how Helen and her team uniquely serve these southeastern Alaskan communities, develop and expand the credit union, and ultimately make a difference in the lives of their members and employees. Also hear why Helen continues to send her employees to WCMS thousands of m...
2022-07-3122 min
WCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 17 - Steve Schmidle (June 2022)Today we are joined by Steve Schmidle, CFO of Westerra CU in Denver and member of the WCMS Alumni Association Board of Directors. Steve has served credit unions for nearly 20 years in various finance and strategic roles, and is currently helping lead a progressive digital transformation at Westerra. He shares with us the story of that transformation to date, and provides some insights into how it has gone so far and why now was the time for change at Westerra. While the idea of a digital transformation may seem very technical in nature, it starts the same way all suc...
2022-06-1624 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 16 - Lindsay Reyes (May 2022)In today's Frogcast we are joined by Lindsay Reyes, CFO at Valley Strong Credit Union in Bakersfield, CA. Valley Strong CU has implemented a progressive and bold strategy, and has seen great success throughout the transformation that ensued. Lindsay shares this transformation story, what she believes has led to their success, and some of the bold actions the credit union has taken. For example, Valley Strong has forged innovative partnerships with FinTech's to access new members and grow their loan portfolio. Change is the new normal for our industry, and Valley Strong is tackling the change head on. Listen in fo...
2022-05-2620 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 15 - Stephanie Smith (April 2022)Did you know that there is a museum in Manchester, NH dedicated to the credit union industry? Neither did we. But there is! This month Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of America's Credit Union Museum, joins the Frogcast to share the amazing story of how the museum was started, what exhibits you will find inside the museum, and how the museum's outreach actually blossomed during Covid. The museum is housed in the birthplace of America's credit unions, and it exists to document and spread the story of our founding as a movement. Listen in to learn something new about credit union...
2022-04-1224 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 14 - Bill Birnie (March 2022)Today's guest is Bill Birnie, President and CEO of Frontwave Credit Union in Oceanside, California. Bill has served the credit union industry since the late 80's, when he retired from the Marine Corp and began volunteering for his local credit union. Since then he has held multiple leadership roles for a number of credit unions and industry organizations, including WCMS and as Chair of the Defense Credit Union Council. In our episode Bill shares his thoughts on the responsibilities of a credit union CEO, which for Bill goes well beyond the day-to-day activities of the credit union. His background in t...
2022-03-2323 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 13 - Rachel Pross (February 2022)This month we are joined by Rachel Pross, Chief Operations Officer at Maps Credit Union in Salem Oregon. If you aren't aware, Maps Credit Union has been a groundbreaking institution within the cannabis banking space. Rachel shares with us her unique story, which includes twice testifying in front of Congress on the subject. We also discuss how credit unions should think about risk management and compliance strategies while vying for relevance in this increasingly competitive and digital marketplace. Known for her nonstop energy, she also shares her inspirational and heartwarming approach to life and living with multiple sclerosis. Listen in to...
2022-02-0119 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 12 - Brandi Stankovic (January 2022)We begin our second season of Frogcast episodes with none other than Brandi Stankovic, COO and Chief Strategy Officer of CU Solutions Group and the Host/Producer of the Strategic Hotbox podcast. Brandi has become a fixture of the credit union industry and a trusted strategic partner for many of us. Today she joins us to reflect on these past few years, what it has meant for many leaders in our industry, and how to use this experience to make a difference going forward. She shares her thoughts on topics such as entitlement, diversity, and member satisfaction, and helps us...
2022-01-0321 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 11 - David Ellings and Nancy Wood (December 2021)WCMS students and alumni might know them as "Mom and Dad", but David Ellings and Nancy Wood are responsible for much more than getting us students to class in the morning and tucked in at night. Nancy serves as WCMS's Director of School Administration on a full time basis, but began serving the credit union industry in the 70's and graduated from WCMS in 2000. David Ellings holds the position of Chief Lending Officer for South Bay Credit Union (and was a 1989 WCMS graduate) and in his free time serves as Director of Campus Activities for WCMS. They join us tod...
2021-12-0130 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 10 - Mark Meyer (November 2021)This month we are thrilled to speak with Mark Meyer, CEO at Filene Research Institute and one of the cooperative finance industry's top thinkers. Mark is both a graduate of WCMS (Class of '99) and a frequent contributor to the program as part of WCMS's faculty. He considers his time on campus one of those unexpected but amazing inflection points in his career, where he built a platform of understanding and a network of deep relationships that has served him well these past twenty plus years. Filene Research Institute is one of the credit union industry's leading innovation and ins...
2021-11-0124 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 9 - Sean Kaley (October 2021)This month's guest provides us with a unique view of WCMS, and the credit union industry. Sean Kaley, Chief Operations Officer at Kauai Government Employees FCU, joins us to discuss the rich and vibrant culture that exists within Hawaii's credit unions and how it bonds them together to serve the members of their islands. One notable example of this service, shared by Sean, is the amazing story of the credit union's response to the massive flooding that recently hit the Hawaiian islands. Credit Unions and students from Hawaii also play an integral role in the culture and experience of WCM...
2021-10-0622 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 8 - Jon Hernandez (September 2021)Our guest on today's Frogcast is Jon Hernandez, CEO of CalCom, Mattel, Nikkei and Mabuhay Credit Unions. Yes, you heard that right - Jon independently and concurrently serves as the CEO of multiple credit unions! He is also the Founder & Chairman of the Southern California Credit Union Alliance, a Board Member of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, and a Board Member of the RMJ Foundation. A busy man, but somehow Jon found time to share his story and insights about our industry and WCMS with us. Listen in to learn how this unique business model came to be...
2021-09-0119 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 7 - Renee Sattiewhite (August 2021)Today we are joined by Renee Sattiewhite, President & CEO of the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). A long-term leader in the credit union movement, Renee shares with us the inspiring story of the AACUC's beginnings, the support it has received along the way, and the difference the coalition is making today. While Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have traditionally been a natural area of focus for many credit unions, the social unrest that we have witnessed this past year and a half has motivated our industry to step up in a much bigger way. Renee provides us a gr...
2021-08-1218 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 6 - Shruti Miyashiro (July 2021)This month we are joined on the Frogcast by Shruti Miyashiro, President and CEO of Orange County's Credit Union in Southern California. Shruti shares with us her story of how an "accidental" job as a teller turned into a lifelong commitment to serving the credit union industry, and the important role that WCMS played in this journey. She goes on to provide her take on the beauty of working in credit unions, the importance of mentors in her career, and the challenges she sees on the horizon for the industry. We also learn how Orange County's Credit Union has mad...
2021-07-2921 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 5 - John Janclaes (June 2021)In today's episode we speak with John Janclaes, President of NYMBUS CUSO. After 17 years serving as the President & CEO of Partners Federal Credit Union (the CU serving employees of the Walt Disney Company) John recently decided to join NYMBUS and serve the credit union industry in a new and strategic way. A 1995 graduate of WCMS and a current member of the school's faculty, he shares with us with the 'why' behind this career change, how he uses journaling to capture and reflect upon his daily ideas and learnings, and even lets slip one of his unique personal hobbies. John's sto...
2021-06-1515 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 4 - Brandon Michaels (May 2021)This month we speak with Brandon Michaels, who has held multiple Executive and CEO positions within the credit union industry in his short career. Brandon graduated from WCMS with High Honors and was named CEO of his first credit union while in his early 30's. He shares with us his family's unique multigenerational history within the credit union industry and at WCMS. Brandon goes on to provide insights on the future of our cooperative industry, the role tomorrow's leaders will play in its success, and his progressive approach to digital adoption at JSC.
Interviewers: Nate Burns and Sho...
2021-05-2017 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 3 - Matt Stephenson (April 2021)Today we spoke with Matt Stephenson, who serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Rogue Credit Union (and was named the new CEO of Rogue CU soon after this recording). Matt is one of the few WCMS students who graduated with Highest Honors during his time on campus, and has stayed involved with the school in many ways. Most notably, Matt is known for developing and leading the financial simulation for the third year students, which he discusses in this episode. He also goes on to discuss the opportunities our new work environment will provide the sch...
2021-04-1913 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 2 - Dr. Mike Steinberger (April 2021)Today we spoke with Dr. Michael Steinberger, Associate Professor at Pomona College and Dean of Western CUNA Management School. He holds three degrees from UC Berkeley and a PhD in Economics from MIT. If you have been to WCMS in the last 12+ years Dr. Mike needs no introduction. In this episode we discuss the impact of the pandemic on WCMS in 2020, and the school's plans for 2021 and beyond. Beyond that we discuss what the school can do for our industry, our communities, and our nation coming out of this difficult time. Credit Unions play an important part in the finan...
2021-04-1925 minWCMS Alumni FrogcastEpisode 1 - Diana Dykstra (April 2021)Diana Dykstra currently serves as the President and CEO of the California/Nevada Credit Union League and as President of Western CUNA Management School (WCMS). Diana, who has been a constant and driving force at WCMS for decades, was an obvious choice as our first guest of the podcast. She shares with us her WCMS story, discusses the principles of Diversity/Equity/Inclusion within the credit union industry, and covers the credit union's impressive response to the pandemic.
Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns
Produced by: Steve Schmidle and Ryan Kane (aka "New Ryan")
...
2021-04-1717 min