ACUMA ONpoint

What keeps you going after 30 years in the credit union industry? The answer lies in a carefully cultivated balance between professional passion and personal pursuits. Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin and Victor Williams, Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, as they break down this balance.

With 25+ years focused on helping members achieve homeownership, Victor brings profound wisdom to the conversation about avoiding burnout while maintaining excellence. The mortgage industry presents a unique challenge that has nothing to do with complexity. As Victor and Peter discuss, what makes mortgage work demanding isn't complicated math or hard conversations - it's the cognitive load of many things we have to do AND remember daily. Understanding this distinction helps professionals develop targeted strategies for maintaining mental wellness.

For Victor, cycling provides essential mental decompression. Whether on road bikes, gravel, or mountain trails, these outdoor adventures sometimes extend to international cycling events, creating space for complete disconnection from work responsibilities. But not all recharging requires extended time away. Victor shares practical wisdom for those quick mental breaks during workdays: "You don't need to stare at the screen for eight hours. You're just destined for depression." Simple activities like walking around the block or playing a five-minute crossword puzzle can provide the mental reset needed to return refreshed.

What truly shines through this conversation is how Victor's unique personal interests (including an amusing story about his pet prairie dog) contribute to his well-rounded perspective and ability to maintain enthusiasm for his career decades in. These elements create not just balance but a full life that enhances his professional impact rather than detracting from it.

Join us for this refreshingly honest conversation about finding sustainable success in the credit union mortgage industry. Whether you're new to mortgage lending or a seasoned veteran, Victor's insights offer practical wisdom for thriving personally while serving members excellently.

The mortgage industry stands at a crossroads where diminishing regulatory oversight meets economic pressure, creating perfect conditions for a dangerous backslide in lending standards. Dan Sugg, Chief Mortgage Lending Officer with Michigan First Credit Union and a 31-year veteran of the industry, sounds a thoughtful alarm about the risks of regulatory cutbacks. Join him and Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA on this thought provoking discussion surrounding the changes impacting the credit union mortgage industry, and what the future could look like if you don't stay vigilant.

Particularly concerning is the vulnerability of first-time homebuyers being approved at maximum debt-to-income ratios. Sugg shares a striking example: "We had members pre-approved in the morning that were denied in the afternoon based on their rate moving." This illustrates how precariously some borrowers are being qualified, with little buffer against economic changes.

As we navigate these changing times, staying engaged with industry associations, maintaining ethical standards regardless of the regulatory environment, and prioritizing sustainable homeownership over short-term profits will ensure we uphold what Sugg calls "the gold standard of home finance" worldwide. Tune in now to the conversation about protecting the foundation of American homeownership while ensuring fair access for qualified borrowers.

What happens when credit union mortgage leaders gather in beautiful Savannah, Georgia? Rich conversation, valuable insights, and a reminder of why collaboration matters now more than ever.

The latest episode of the ONpoint podcast takes you behind the scenes at ACUMA's 2025 FOCALpoint Workshop. Host Peter Benjamin sits down with Natalie Bozeka, Director of Retail Mortgage Operations with Wright-Patt Credit Union, and Chuck Stiles, VP of Mortgage with Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, to capture their workshop experience.

Between bites of the city's famous she-crab soup (which both guests agreed was extraordinary), these mortgage professionals reveal what makes credit union-focused events valuable. The conversation highlights how volume-based roundtable discussions—rather than traditional asset-size groupings—create meaningful connections between credit unions facing similar operational challenges. "You get that automatic feedback from other people," Natalie explains, describing how these specialized discussions help credit unions navigate everything from LOS affordability to staffing constraints.

As regulatory pressures mount, education becomes increasingly crucial. Chuck expresses concern about the rapidly changing compliance landscape: "I'm glad ACUMA is trying to help us stay on top of it...because it's frightening." The guests share how they're adopting AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly to navigate complex guidelines and streamline operations, presenting a forward-looking approach to mortgage management.

Perhaps most compelling is their passionate call for advocacy. "If we don't all come together to advocate for ourselves, we will not survive," Chuck emphasizes. The conversation underscores how credit unions must educate lawmakers about their unique community focus before making regulatory decisions.

Ready to join this collaborative community? Listen now to understand why these mortgage leaders believe investing in education and building professional relationships remain essential for credit union success in today's challenging environment. Tune in now!

Ever reach that breaking point in your mortgage career where you're ready to walk away from it all? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation with Kim Moore, Director of Mortgage Sales at Mountain America Credit Union, tackles the elephant in the room: burnout in the mortgage industry. Despite loving what we do, mortgage professionals often hit a wall where families become just numbers, stress overwhelms passion, and the joy of helping people achieve homeownership gets buried under endless tasks. 

The conversation deepens into practical strategies that work, starting with remembering your fundamental "why." When you're drowning in the daily grind, attending loan closings to witness members' joy firsthand can reignite your passion. Building a reliable support team also proves crucial; knowing colleagues have your back allows you to truly disconnect when needed without worrying about clients or partners being neglected. Kim's most emphatic advice? Take real vacations. Whether it's a three-day weekend or a longer break, physical and mental distance from work provides an essential reset. 

Ready to transform your relationship with stress in the mortgage world? Listen now to rediscover your passion and purpose while building a sustainable approach to this rewarding but challenging industry.

Sponsored by Class Valuation.

The federal policy landscape is transforming at breakneck speed, with sweeping changes across regulatory agencies that directly impact credit union mortgage operations. Leah Dempsey, Shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, joins ACUMA President Peter Benjamin to unpack these developments and provide crucial insights for mortgage professionals navigating this new terrain and what to watch for in the coming months:

• New leadership at FHFA with CEOs of Fannie and Freddie replaced, and John Roscoe appointed chief operating officer.
• GSE reform appears back on the agenda with Trump administration appointees who have experience in this area
• CFPB is awaiting confirmation of Jonathan McKernan, who may take an approach similar to Kraninger era with more explicit regulatory guidance
• DOGE initiative expanding to NCUA and potentially bypassing notice-and-comment rulemaking for specific regulatory changes
• White House is considering rescinding regulations that don't align with Loper-Bright's decision limiting agency authority.
• Senate Banking Committee planning markup sessions on housing legislation in coming months, showing bipartisan interest
• The impact of tariffs creates market volatility that affects mortgage rates and potentially complicates longer-term GSE reform plans.
• Credit union professionals benefit from clear rules of the road and fair regulation tailored to their unique structure.

Stay connected with ACUMA for continued updates as these rapid changes unfold. With new leadership at multiple agencies bringing fresh regulatory philosophies, credit union mortgage professionals must remain vigilant and engaged to navigate this dynamic policy environment successfully.

Sponsored by Loan Vision.

Randy Shannon, VP of Correspondent Lending at Member First Mortgage, brings decades of credit union mortgage lending expertise to shed light on an often-overlooked resource in the industry: Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs). This thought-provoking conversation explores why more credit unions aren't taking advantage of these specialized partners despite their perfect alignment with credit union needs and values.

Shannon reveals how CUSOs offer unmatched flexibility, allowing credit unions to maintain their identity while filling specific operational gaps. "You don't have to come to us to do everything," he explains. "We can come alongside a credit union to help them get where they want to go." This plug-and-play approach proves especially valuable for technology implementation – a significant pain point for many institutions. 

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when exploring marketing challenges. Shannon highlights how credit union marketing departments often struggle with mortgage-specific messaging and compliance concerns, while CUSOs can provide ready-made, compliant materials that enhance member engagement. "Marketing isn't an event; it's a process," Shannon emphasizes, advocating for consistent, year-round mortgage marketing strategies that many credit unions struggle to execute independently.

Perhaps most compelling is Shannon's articulation of the shared philosophy that makes CUSOs natural partners for credit unions. "Credit unions are the people helping people. We're the people helping people help people," he notes, reinforcing how CUSOs understand the credit union difference at a fundamental level. This alignment ensures members receive the exceptional service they expect, even when certain functions are outsourced.

Whether your credit union is considering technology upgrades, expanding mortgage offerings, or enhancing marketing efforts, this episode provides invaluable insights into leveraging CUSOs as strategic partners. Listen now to discover how these specialized organizations might be the missing piece in your growth strategy.

On this episode of the ONpoint Podcast, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin is joined by Yvonne Case, Director of Mortgage Sales from Texell Credit Union. Join us as Peter and Yvonne discuss advocacy for mortgage lending as a strategic imperative rather than just a necessary product offering. She challenges credit unions to increase awareness of their mortgage services year-round, noting that seasonality is no longer a factor and members will seek these services elsewhere if not prominently promoted. Her practical advice for gaining leadership buy-in focuses on the substantial non-interest income mortgages generate – particularly valuable as traditional fee income faces growing regulatory scrutiny.

Additionally, she discusses the transformative power of the Texas Credit Union Real Estate Network (CUREN). Under her leadership, this vital organization expanded from Dallas-Fort Worth to serve credit unions across the entire state, dramatically increasing participation and knowledge-sharing opportunities. "Not any one person knows everything," she emphasizes, highlighting how credit unions of all sizes benefit from collaborative networking.

Whether you're a seasoned mortgage professional or new to credit union lending, this episode delivers valuable insights on relationship-building, the power of collaborative networks and staying motivated through industry challenges. Listen now to discover how the credit union difference shines brightest when we work together to lift each other up.

Sponsored by Optimal Blue.

The regulatory landscape for credit union mortgage operations is experiencing a seismic shift as new leadership takes control at key federal agencies. This thought-provoking conversation with policy expert Annmarie Conboy-DePasquale from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck unpacks the latest developments affecting credit unions and their members.

Key discussion points you don't want to miss:

• Newly confirmed FHFA Director Bill Pulte has wasted no time making his presence felt, appointing himself chair of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac boards while removing numerous board members.
• Meanwhile, HUD has partnered with the DOGE team to target waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency. While its core mission of supporting affordable housing won't fundamentally change, workforce reductions could significantly impact program delivery. 
• The discussion also examines NCUA's emphasis on streamlining regulations under Chairman Kyle Hauptman. It explores recent executive orders affecting Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) – a particularly concerning development considering credit unions hold approximately 65% of CDFI assets nationwide.

For mortgage professionals supporting communities through lending, understanding these policy shifts is essential to navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As one agency after another embraces "efficiency" as its mantra, what will the housing landscape look like when the dust settles?

Sponsored by Loan Vision

Navigating the shifting mortgage landscape feels daunting, but it presents a treasure trove of opportunities for credit unions committed to serving their members. In our latest episode of the ONpoint Podcast, we had an insightful chat with Julie Bowering, Senior Vice President of Lending at A+ Federal Credit Union, as she shared her expertise on how credit unions can strategically position themselves for success in 2025. With discussions centered on establishing a robust mortgage division, understanding the criticality of GSE approvals, and enhancing member experiences, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the credit union mortgage space.
Sponsored by Polygon Research

What if a simple mindset shift could change the trajectory of your life? Join us as we explore this transformative concept with Jamie Aguilar, Senior Vice President of Lending at Sunward Federal Credit Union. Jamie shares her journey of resilience, balancing education and family, and how adopting a positive mindset helped her overcome personal and professional challenges. 

Our discussion delves into how embracing vulnerability and authentic communication can lead to profound growth. We reflect on pivotal moments that required us to choose empowerment over adversity, which improved our circumstances and set an example for future generations. With over 22 years in the credit union industry, Jamie shares her personal story of shifting from a pessimistic outlook to one of empowerment, significantly impacting her family’s well-being. 

To wrap up our enriching conversation, we focus on the power of choice and perspective, underscoring the idea of seeing growth opportunities even during tough times. This episode is a meaningful exploration of personal beliefs shaping reality as we discuss the importance of leaving a positive legacy. This is an episode you don't want to miss. Tune in now!

Sponsored by Optimal Blue