WCMS Alumni Frogcast

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 to cover the viewpoint and approach with which Regulators might react to a volatile risk environment. If you are wondering what might be bouncing around inside the head of a CFO, or wanting to grow your own career in financial management, listen in and learn from one of the best CFO's in credit union land!

Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman.

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 spearhead the CU's journey toward increased engagement and celebrating diversity. Through all of these efforts, and all of her work, she has a rich and inspiring story to share. Listen in and learn a little yourself!

Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

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 innovative and industry leading change agent in service of its members. Step back into a lesson in credit union history and give the episode a listen!

Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris

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 Bean at [email protected] .

Interviewer: Robert York

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman, Nate Burns, Shonna Shearson, and Jeff Morris

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 expert, or want to become one, this episode will provide value to all credit union professionals.

Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris

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 where DEI currently stands in the CU industry and how he believes DEI is naturally aligned with what credit unions are all about. He goes on to provide his opinions about the overwhelming challenges credit unions will face looking forward. Zach's insights are fresh and forward-thinking. Listen in to hear a new perspective on our industry!

Interviewers: Nate Burns & Shonna Shearson

Producers: Ryan Kane & Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

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 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 when building their future business model. A career long credit union leader, Ken shares his unique view on what differentiates credit unions and their brands.

Ken offers a free whitepaper that covers his approach to strategic planning. If interested, email him at [email protected].

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 balanced approach to managing change at a sustainable pace. Check out Deonne's story, and that of Mazuma CU, by listening in!

Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Cast: Robert York, Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

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 their leadership skills.

Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Committee: Robert York, Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

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 WCMS kool-aid because of that and it's great reputation. Charlie is certainly considered among those ranks of our alumni - listen in and hear why!

Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns

Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle

Supporting Committee members: Robert York, Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman