The Insider Forum

Gregg Rosen, President of the NES Group, joins the Insider Forum to discuss how NES works with financial institutions on their building and branding. Rosen prides himself and the NES Group on listening to credit unions' pain points and guiding them towards successful strategic plans. Through these processes, NES Group is committed to thinking differently, adapting to changes, and providing unique solutions tailored to each credit union's identity and goals. 

John Deering of Capstone Strategic joins the Insider Forum to discuss their focus on helping credit unions with strategic planning and external growth initiatives. Capstone specializes in growth and planning areas, such as mergers, partnerships, and fintech collaborations. Dearing emphasizes the importance of having a structured approach and highlights a recent project where Capstone assisted a credit union in expanding its non-interest income through CUSOs.

Kathy Orovitz of Navigant Credit Union, joins the Insider Forum to reflect on her one-year anniversary of being CEO. Orvitz discusses her journey from an 18 year old teller to CEO, and emphasizes the balance between planned transformations and adapting to economic challenges. The conversation touches on Orvitz's experience as a female CEO, community engagement, and Navigant's future vision.

Vanessa Kuduk, VP of Lending at Members Credit Union, joins the Insider Forum to discuss her immigrant journey and Members Credit Union’s mission to serve Hispanic and immigrant populations in Connecticut. Kuduk highlights the commitment to breaking barriers, ensuring financial access, and celebrates MCU purchasing its first building after 85 years of renting!

James Higgins, President and CEO of Skyline Financial Credit Union in Connecticut, joins the Insider Forum to highlight Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union’s focus on grassroots community outreach, innovation, as well as a deep commitment to inclusivity. Higgins also notes the credit union’s recent infrastructure upgrades, education series launch, and the other successful membership impact initiatives.

Gautman Ajjarapu, Co-founder and CEO of Glide, and Kyle Stutzman, Co-founder and CEO of Janusea, join the Insider forum to discusses their new collaboration. Glide focuses on creating a frictionless account opening platform for credit unions, aiming to streamline the process and attract younger members. Janusea complements Glide by simplifying integrations with core systems, eliminating barriers, and enabling credit unions to innovate seamlessly.

Bryce Jackson, MemberClose COO, joins the Insider Forum after launching the new Mortgage Academy educational program at APEX 2023. Jackson highlights the comprehensive 8-module curriculum that aims to enhance expertise in real estate lending, covering topics such as consumer rights, credit reports, and debt-to-income ratios. Hear how the Mortgage Academy provides an affordable and flexible educational opportunity, empowering credit unions to expand their mortgage services and retain top talent.