ACUMA ONpoint

What if the key to becoming a leader in the credit union mortgage industry lies in overcoming self-doubt? Join us as we sit down with Nicole Poole, Vice President of Residential Lending at The Police Credit Union, who shares her inspiring journey and the leadership qualities that shaped her career. Nicole's sales mindset and unwavering dedication to member service offer a fresh perspective on what it takes to excel in this field. Join Nicole and ACUMA President, Peter Benjamin, as they discuss the importance of creating a workplace culture that encourages emerging leaders to express their ambitions and seek guidance without hesitation. By fostering open communication and mentorship, we can empower the next generation to confidently step into leadership roles, driving both personal and organizational success. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Leah Dempsey and Zach Pfister from Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck, both join us to dissect the high-stakes world of housing policy as voters head to the polls. Learn what's at stake with tax credits for first-time homebuyers and strategies to reduce regulatory burdens, particularly how these proposals might reshape the credit union mortgage industry. Join Leah and Zach, along with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, as they unpack the critical issues at play, from campaign spending frenzies to the tight races influenced by political division and gerrymandering. The outcome of these elections is more than just who sits in Congress; it could redefine the landscape of housing policy for years to come. Tune in now. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of the credit union mortgage industry with our special guest, Elizabeth Million, Senior Vice President of Lending at Elevations Credit Union. Join us as Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from a real estate appraiser to a leading figure in the industry, providing invaluable insights into overcoming career obstacles and the significance of a member-focused approach. Ever wondered what it takes to build and manage a successful team of loan officers within a credit union? Elizabeth dives into the intricacies of hiring, offering best practices for recruiting candidates who possess grit, ethics, and a thorough understanding of industry guidelines. Peter Benjamin, ACUMA President and Elizabeth discuss the unique challenges credit unions face with compensation structures and how strategic planning is essential for fostering a thriving work environment. Sponsored by LoanCare.

 Ever wondered what industry leaders are saying about the future of mortgages and economic challenges? Join Peter Benjamin in this lively episode of the ONpoint Podcast as we broadcast live from the 2024 Make Your Mark annual conference in Las Vegas. We sit down with Margaret Greczek, SVP, Head of Mortgage with Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Union, and Matt Baker, Regional Manager with Navy Federal Credit Union. Margaret brings her infectious enthusiasm, sharing thought-provoking insights and the benefits of peer collaboration. At the same time, Matt, a first-time attendee, delves into the collective mission and the strategic preparations for economic hurdles. Their stories highlight the positive vibes and engaging sessions that make this conference a must-attend. 

Congress is back from its 5-week summer recess, and its only job is to continue funding the government. Simple as that sounds, it’s made more complex by the contentious presidential election currently galloping toward its November finish line. How that budget will be cast is the topic of this edition of ACUMA’s ONPoint Podcast. Zach Pfister, Policy Director with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, has some thoughts about that, where The White House is headed, and what in the world is happening with CFPB. He shares his thoughts with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin and listeners in this edition of The Policy Series. Sponsored by LenderPrice.

The most effective people live and communicate their own truths, allowing them to share their journeys in meaningful ways with those they want most to influence. Former Top 100 collegiate athlete and motivational speaker Darryll Stinson knows that’s true from personal experience. His life included a few dark moments until he finally understood how minor tweaks can have major impacts on himself and others. A keynote speaker at ACUMA’s upcoming 2024 Make Your Mark Annual Conference, Darryll shares with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin the self-realizations and techniques that can make you the master of your own journey. Sponsored by Optimal Blue. 

Credit unions succeed as member-driven alternatives to transactional for-profit institutions that simply build their mortgage loan portfolios on the backs of their borrowers. We need to continue fulfilling that role while increasingly cultivating more and better service capabilities. Mortgage insurance is one of the more important arrows in the mortgage loan quiver. According to Michael McDermott, account manager for Essent Guaranty Mortgage Insurance, members benefit when you offer more MI options. Listen to this podcast, the final in the ACUMA MI mini-series, as he explains to ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, just how and why that works. Sponsored by LoanCare.

The dog days of summer, when Congress is absent, usually slow down when it comes to rulemaking. This year the upcoming presidential election has further diffused issues. But according to Leah Dempsey, shareholder with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, there are things to watch, including possible rulemaking affecting the way AI can be deployed in reaching out to consumers, and what remains on tap on CFPB’s “junk fees” agenda. As to the election, VP candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz each have their own experiences in housing, Dempsey tells ACUMA president Peter Benjamin, and each bear closer watching no matter who wins in November. Sponsored by LenderPrice.

Credit unions were founded to help people, not to make money for shareholders, and that creed still drives the industry today. In this episode of the ONpoint Podcast, the fourth in this summer’s MI mini-series, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, shares thoughts with Ralph Remy, Senior Director for Client Digital Experience for National Mortgage Insurance Corp. They discuss how credit unions can maintain member loyalty and provide better service without losing its collaborative ethos. Remy says it’s about “educating the team within the team.” Tune into this episode to learn more about just what he means. Sponsored by LoanCare. 

Credit unions’ core strength has always been helping people address their financial issues. However, other stereotypes regarding size and service limitations must change for the member-owned financial services industry to grow, according to Peter Hurst, SVP of Regional Accounts with Enact Mortgage Insurance, and guest on the latest ACUMA ONpoint Podcast, part of the summer MI mini-series. Hurst and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, share war stories and memories and offer recommendations from their work with credit unions. Spend some time listening to the two experts, and you’ll remember why you started working for credit unions in the first place. Sponsored by LoanCare.