A CU Seat at the Table

In this episode  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  

Ann Petros, Vice President of Policy Engagement and Credit Union Operations, America's Credit Unions 

Marilyn Barker, Head of Compliance, America's Credit Unions  

Resources 

Check out our Compliance Blog 

Reach out to our Compliance Team for assistance with federal compliance issues 

Read summaries of regulations 

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions  

Register for GAC and view our 2026 events lineup 

Guest Bios 

Ann Petros serves as Vice President of Policy Engagement & Credit Union Operations at America’s Credit Unions. In her role, she oversees the association’s grassroots and state policy and compliance teams. Petros also leads the association's legal advocacy, managing all litigation matters. Previously, Petros served as Head of Regulatory Advocacy, leading the association’s advocacy to federal agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Petros has also worked at a law firm focused on complex commercial litigation.  

Petros is a George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School graduate and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Binghamton University. Petros is active in the Young Lawyers Division of the Virginia Bar Association and the American Bar Association.  

Marilyn Barker is currently the Head of Compliance for America’s Credit Unions. With over 30 years of experience in the banking and payments sector, Barker has represented many financial service companies in their legal and regulatory compliance matters, including fintechs involved in banking, global money services businesses (including remittance, prepaid, as well as virtual and digital currency companies), as well as payments processing.  

Barker served as an enforcement attorney in the Division of Banking Supervision with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and a senior attorney with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission. Most notably, Barker also served as a project officer with FinCEN’s Office of Regulatory Policy and Programs Division and as a team leader for money services businesses and prepaid card industry matters. Also in that capacity, Barker provided guidance and developed policy for the administration of the BSA and AML regulations for financial institutions. She frequently lectured to foreign delegations from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America on the U.S. regulation of money services businesses and informal value transfer systems from an AML and counter-terrorism financing perspective. Barker also served as a U.S. delegate to the Financial Action Task Force, an international body that develops and promotes policies designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Counter-Terrorism Financing Workshop in Melbourne, Australia. 

America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson joins the podcast to discuss the organization’s 2026 advocacy priorities. Simpson also details conversations he’s had with industry leaders, how those shaped the advocacy priorities, and what success will look like. 

In this episode  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  

Scott Simpson, President/CEO, America’s Credit Unions 

Resources 

Dive into our 2026 priorities 

Register for GAC 

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions 

View our 2026 events lineup 

Guest Bio 

Scott Simpson is the president/CEO of America’s Credit Unions, a national trade organization representing the unified voice of the credit union movement and the 144 million members it serves.  

Scott has served for more than 22 years in the credit union movement, including leading Utah’s Credit Unions, California’s Credit Unions, and Nevada’s Credit Unions. He is inspired by the power of credit unions to change people’s financial lives and holds a lifelong belief in the power of not-for-profit financial cooperatives. 

His mission at America’s Credit Unions is to energize and amplify the life-changing impact credit unions create every day, while also enhancing credit unions’ bipartisan appeal among elected officials and policymakers in Washington, D.C. 

Scott has served on the boards of America’s Credit Unions (and legacy organization CUNA) and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. He also chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), and the National Advocacy Fund. 

Prior to joining the credit union movement, Scott worked on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch, and led the Utah Republican Party. A Utah native, Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Japanese from Weber State University and is an instrument-rated private pilot. 

Lending partners from America’s Credit Unions’ Visionary program join the podcast to talk about the state of lending and how credit unions can help the modern American. LendKey discussed student lending, AI, and digital banking. FICO talked about credit scores and inclusive lending. Open Lending addressed serving the underserved and maintaining a personal touch in a digital world.

In this episode  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Ryan Giffin, Senior Vice President of Client Success, LendKey

Gigi Ligons, Director of Scores Client Services, FICO

Matt Sather, Chief Underwriting Officer, Open Lending

Resources 

LendKey

FICO, Lenders Leading Financial Inclusion Program

Open Lending

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union President and CEO Jed Meyer discusses the credit union’s work to release the first credit union-issued stablecoin. He also highlights the value of stablecoins and digital assets, where the regulations may be headed, and why it’s important for credit unions to consider these emerging technologies. 

In this episode  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  

Jed Meyer, President and CEO, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union 

Resources 

Our letter to NCUA on digital asset custody 

Our stance: Technology and Emerging Issues 

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions

View our 2026 events lineup 

Guest Bio 

Jed Meyer is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in banking and credit unions. Since 2014, he has served as President & CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU), leading the institution through more than 350 percent organic growth while maintaining its mission-driven, people-first culture. His expertise in strategic planning, lending, and fintech innovation has positioned SCFCU as an industry leader in digital transformation and community impact. 

Navy Federal Credit Union Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Carrie Foran Sepulveda joins the podcast to talk about an issue on the minds of credit union leaders across the country: fraud. In this episode, we cover how Navy Federal Credit Union fights it, and what the future of fighting fraud looks like. 

In this episode  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  

Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security, Navy Federal Credit Union 

Resources 

Best practices for fighting fraud  

Policy issue breakdown: fraud prevention 

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions 

Guest Bios 

Carrie Foran Sepulveda serves as the Vice President of Security Strategy at Navy Federal Credit Union, where she leads the strategic direction for Fraud and Physical Security for Navy Federal's nearly 15 million members. Her team is pivotal in making decisions related to technology, operations, and investments to protect against a diverse range of threats. Carrie joined Navy Federal Credit Union in 2012, having previously held leadership roles in Lending and Membership before transitioning to the Security Department. Prior to her tenure at Navy Federal, she taught Algebra in Hawaii as a Teach for America Corps Member. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. 

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Gordon Holzberg, Legislative Advocacy Director, America’s Credit Unions

Keili McEwen, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Tinker Federal Credit Union

Sarah Wainscott, President/CEO, The Wisconsin Credit Union League

Resources

Register to join us at Congressional Caucus September 7 – 9

Visit our one-stop shop for credit union advocacy resources

Subscribe to our YouTube for our Economic Update

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bios

Gordon Holzberg currently serves as Legislative Advocacy Director for America’s Credit Unions. Prior to joining America’s Credit Unions, Gordon served as Legislative Director for Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and then Emilia Sykes (D-OH), where he specialized in drafting, introducing, and advancing bipartisan legislation – including laws that secured $8 billion in funding for affordable housing construction and $150 million for infrastructure investments in HBCUs. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.

Keili McEwen serves as Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma’s largest credit union. In this role, she leads all state and federal advocacy, legislative strategy, and political engagement on behalf of the $6 billion financial institution. With more than two decades of experience in public policy, political strategy, and coalition building, Keili brings a forward-thinking approach to influence rooted in principle and purpose. A trailblazer in credit union advocacy, she was the first in-house lobbyist for a not-for-profit financial institution in Oklahoma. Her leadership has helped shape the future of credit union policy while ensuring the voices of members and mission-driven institutions are effectively represented in government. Keili serves on America’s Credit Unions National Advocacy Committee and is an ACUPAC trustee. She is also active with the Defense Credit Union Council, the Cornerstone Credit Union League, and the Oklahoma Credit Union Association.

Sarah Wainscott has served The Wisconsin Credit Union League for 15 years through various advocacy roles, culminating in the start of her tenure as President & CEO in January 2025. Her experience and expertise include lobbying, grassroots advocacy, political fundraising, and serving as Wisconsin credit unions' spokesperson on policy with legislators and regulators in Madison & Washington, D.C. She has helped pass bills updating credit union statutes, requiring financial literacy credits for high school graduation, and permitting prize-linked-savings programs while also preventing the introduction or serious consideration of harmful proposals. Sarah serves as a member of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists' board of directors, the inaugural Advocacy Committee for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, and the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy and Capability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication arts and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Five Star Credit Union President/CEO Bob Steensma discusses how his credit union has purchased banks over the years and his takeaways from the acquisitions. Bob also touches on the market forces at play, system conversions, and the importance of community-centered financial services.

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Bob Steensma, President/CEO, Five Star Credit Union

Resources

Why community banks increasingly choose credit unions as buyers 

Banks selling to credit unions is worthwhile collaboration

Register for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional Caucus

Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bio

Bob Steensma has served as President/CEO of Five Star Credit Union since June 2007, leading the organization through a period of transformational growth and strategic expansion. Under his leadership, Five Star has grown from 7 branches and $140 million in assets to 29 branches and more than $1.2 billion in assets, establishing itself as a leading financial institution in the region.

Bob has successfully guided the credit union through four bank acquisitions, ranging in size from $16 million to $180 million in assets, significantly broadening Five Star’s market presence and service capabilities. Headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, Five Star now proudly serves over 68,000 members across 42 counties throughout southeast Alabama and South Georgia.

Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union CEO Teri Robinson details her experience turning a struggling credit union into 10-fold growth in 15 years. Teri also provides actionable insights ahead of strategic planning season for credit unions looking to grow their assets.

In this episode 

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Teri Robinson, CEO, Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union

Resources

• Teri’s Story – Herb Wegner Memorial Award 
• NCUA resources – CAMELS rating 
• Register for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional Caucus 
• Don’t Tax My Credit Union (Social Media Toolkit and fast facts) 
• Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions 

Guest Bio

Teri Robinson is the CEO of Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union, formerly known as Pacific Northwest Ironworkers Federal Credit Union, a $135 million and growing credit union based in Portland, Oregon. With 37 years of experience in the credit union industry, Teri began her career as a teller and rose through the ranks through strong leadership, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to members.   

Credit union industry leaders join America’s Credit Unions Chief Membership and Engagement Officer Anthony Demangone to talk about the importance of grassroots advocacy and their experience engaging in the Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign.

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions

Amy Brodersen, President/CEO, Family Focus Federal Credit Union

Michael Wilson, President & CEO, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Scott Simpson, President and CEO, California, Nevada, and Utah Credit Union Leagues

Resources

• Don’t Tax My Credit Union
• Member Activation Program
• Grassroots Action Center
• Project Zip Code
• The latest news affecting credit unions

Guest Bios

Amy Brodersen is a passionate credit union advocate with more than 33 years in the movement. She began her career as a teller/clerk in 1990 and has served as President/CEO of Family Focus Federal Credit Union since 2006. Throughout her career, Amy has remained deeply committed to advancing the credit union philosophy of people helping people—especially for small credit unions and the members they serve. She currently serves on the boards of the Nebraska Credit Union League (NCUL), Cooperative Solutions Group (CSG), and the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA), which she co-founded with 12 other amazing women CEOs. Amy also serves as Nebraska’s America’s Credit Unions Advocacy Trustee and was recently appointed to America’s Credit Union Advocacy Committee, where she now chairs the Legislative Sub-Committee.

Michael Wilson has a passion for people and entrepreneurial thinking and over 20 years of senior leadership experience. As President & CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Wilson guides the credit union’s mission to serve its members, associates and communities through support, empowerment and meaningful relationships. Prior to his current role with Members 1st, Wilson served as a Cabinet official at the state level and went on to spend many years growing local businesses and organizations. He then brought his strong business and leadership background to Members 1st in July of 2016 as vice president of relationship management and has held several leadership roles within the credit union.

Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues & Utah Credit Union Association, made history in 2003 as the youngest President and CEO of Utah’s Credit Unions. Before his transformative tenure in the credit union sector, Scott built his political expertise advising candidates and campaigns at various government levels including serving as a senior advisor to a U.S. senator in Washington, D.C. Scott has deeply engaged with the national credit union movement, serving on the Board of Directors of America’s Credit Unions since 2022 and teaching advocacy at the Western CUNA Management School since 2017. His industry involvement includes chairing the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), the National Political Action Committee (PAC), the National Advocacy Fund, and serving nearly a decade on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair. He also chaired AACUL’s System Evolution Workgroup, contributing to a report on the evolving landscape of political advocacy within the credit union movement.

National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Lauren Culp joins the show to emphasize the power of storytelling and the value it provides credit unions. 

In this episode

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America’s Credit Unions 

Lauren Culp, Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) 

Resources 

National Credit Union Foundation 

Don’t Tax My Credit Union 

Herb Wegner Memorial Award 

Guest bio

Lauren Culp is the Executive Director at the National Credit Union Foundation. An accomplished speaker and facilitator, Lauren presents to audiences of all sizes on a variety of topics including financial well-being, community impact, innovation, leadership, and storytelling. Prior to joining the National Credit Union Foundation, Lauren served for over 5 years as President & CEO at CUInsight.com. Before CUInsight, Lauren led the national Cooperative Trust program at the Filene Research Institute, the non-profit think-tank for credit unions. Lauren started her career at True North Federal Credit Union in Juneau, Alaska. Lauren is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and Filene i3 program alum. An avid traveler, no matter where on the globe she is, you’ll likely find Lauren with a cup of coffee in hand.