Welcome to "In the Movement" a podcast about what's happening in our Credit Union Movement. Each episode we will bring in leaders of our movement, to talk history, current affairs, and what is needed to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Episodes
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Monday Nov 08, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 12
Serve Don’t Judge and Other Leadership Perspectives with Andrew Downin
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey, to discuss what's happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Meet Andrew Downin
Andrew Downin has been with Vantage West since 2018 and has held leadership positions at the country’s most notable credit unions for two decades. In addition, Andrew led research and innovation at Filene Research Institute, the think tank for the U.S. credit union movement. He is a frequent speaker and contributor to industry publications, and his insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, Credit Union Magazine, and Credit Union Times. Andrew earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona and his MBA from Pepperdine University. On advisory boards for CUNA Mutual Group and Filene Research Institute, Andrew enjoys volunteering with Future Business Leaders of America.
Bringing the Mission to Life
Seeing the possibilities within a marketing role, Andrew was able to really define his philosophy as a leader in our movement, by solidifying his value and importance of who we are here to serve and how the mission of credit unions brings tools consumers need to get ahead in life in a tangible way for his members..
Listen in to find out how Andrew uses his different leadership perspectives and taking the latest data on credit unions to grow his credit union and how they reached out and incorporated local businesses in a branding and awareness campaign. Learn How consumers view their credit union and how credit unions serve their communities.
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Show Highlights
[03:25] How Andrew started out in his career in the credit union.
[09:35] Working for a credit union through Disney gave him bigger and better opportunities.
[15:22] Taking the credit union service to a new level.
[20:56] Credit union research report that Andrew uses to build his credit union.
[31:18] Usage of the term credit union and how that applies to consumer perception.
[38:58] How Andrew is using other credit union products for his clients.
Episode Links and Resources
Check out Vantage West on the web
Not a Bank Ad - Behind the scene view
Andrew on Linkedin
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Austin on Linkedin
Chris on Linkedin
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 11
Juntos Avanzamos "Together We Advance" with Pablo DeFilippi
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey, to discuss what's happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Meet Pablo DeFillipi
Pablo is a passionate financial executive who serves as the Senior Vice President for networking and membership engagement at Inclusive. Originally from Chile, he started his credit union career in the United States based on a recommendation from a social studies teacher. Starting with Municipal Credit Union in New York City, Pablo then joined the Lower Eastside People's Federal Credit Union - a nationally recognized credit union serving underserved populations in New York City. He became the CEO of Lower Eastside in 2004 and went on to work with the World Council Credit Union, and is currently serving as an executive at Inclusive.
Giving Access to Basic Financial Services to Underserved Populations
Even though New York City is a major global financial hub, many of its residents don't have access to essential financial services. "I couldn't understand how that worked." He quickly realized that big corporations weren't willing to close the financial gaps he found in the banking industry.
Listen in to find out how credit unions can make financial tools available to minorities, how Pablo and his company are filling the financial gap for minorities, and three of the best lessons Pablo has learned during his career in finance.
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Show Notes:
[04:34] Pablo’s journey from his early days in banking to his current executive banking position.
[07:56] When Pablo discovered that the underserved population in NYC didn’t have basic financial services.
[11:43] Immigrants want to build their lives, communities, and future in the US.
[20:53] Three biggest takeaways Pablo has learned through his career journey.
[36:02] The financial framework that can break through ethnic and economic barriers.
Episode Links and Resources
Follow Inclusiv on Twitter
Pablo on Linkedin
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Austin on Linkedin
Chris on Linkedin
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Monday May 10, 2021
Monday May 10, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 10
What it means to become purpose driven w/Stephanie Teubner, CEO, Blue FCU
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, our guest is Stephanie Teubner, who is a leader in the credit union movement. Starting with a small credit union, she worked her way up to her present position of CEO. A Wyoming native, Stephanie left for a while then returned for her job in the credit union.
Guest Bio
Stephanie Teubner is a successful credit union and community leader who dedicates her time and talent to the credit union movement and the community she calls home, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Stephanie has led Blue Federal Credit Union toward tremendous success over the past 18 years. As the biggest financial institution headquartered in Wyoming, Blue is more than $1 billion in assets, serves over 81,000 members worldwide, and has 13 branch locations in Wyoming and Northern Colorado.
Stephanie leads by example and believes in 'doing good. As a civic-minded leader, she serves on various boards, including the Wyoming Children's Society, Laramie County Economic Development Authority, Centennial Lending Board of Managers, and Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) Board of Trustees. Stephanie is a Development Educator with the National Credit Union Foundation and a Certified Executive with the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES).
Receiving local, state, and national certification and recognition are some of Stephanie's many accomplishments. The Mountain West Credit Union Association recognized her as the 2008 Professional of the year, the 2016 Wyoming Women of Influence in Finance award by the Wyoming Business Report, and the 2017 Trailblazer CEO of the Year by the Credit Union Times.
Stephanie holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor's in Business Management and Finance from the University of Wyoming.
Stephanie enjoys spending time and being active with her two sons, Jack (19) and Josh (14). Their favorite activities are skiing, camping, hiking, scuba diving, and going to the movies. Stephanie is an avid runner. She participates in numerous races throughout the United States.
Expanding to serve members in Colorado
Her credit union realized that they were serving many military men and women who were living in Colorado and driving back and forth to their base. With her merger in 2016, she expanded her territory farther south into Colorado. As a result, her credit union decided to open branches based on the data of where their clients were able to afford to live.
When members move on to the next level
When military personnel move on from active duty they settle in many parts of the country, expanding the need to find better ways to serve our members and challenging staff to become more efficient operating in different cities and states.
Listen in to find out how they accommodate employees during COVID, why she wanted to make a difference inside the credit union, and how she became successful in the credit union movement. Learn how she deals with being introverted in her position and how her rural demographic doesn’t allow for large credit unions to be successful in her state.
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Show Notes:
[05:25] Stephanie is a dynamic and thoughtful leader who has received several awards in the credit union circle.
[07:36] She tells us her story and how she rose to where she is in her career today.
[16:14] How Stephanie’s credit union is serving multiple generations of families.
[18:42] Protocols for taking care of her employees during COVID.
[23:00] Moving forward post-COVID seeing employees coming back to work.
[24:57] How she jumped into leadership with the associations.
[29:52] What Stephanie contributes to her success inside the credit union.
[37:36] How she works as an introverted CEO.
[40:17] Why being in a rural area gives her credit union security.
Episode Links and Resources
Stephanie on Linkedin
Follow Blue FCU on Twitter
Follow Blue FCU on Instagram
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Austin on Linkedin
Chris on Linkedin
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 9
Open your eyes to “OPEN YOUR EYES” with Chris Lorence
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, our guest host is Patti Hazlett, who is the Director of Public Affairs with MWCUA. She joins Chris and Austin as they interview Chris Lorence with CU Awareness on the show. He has been in financial services his entire life, with his first memories of his mom going through the drive-through at their local bank. He was fortunate enough to land a position as the Executive Director for the first big credit union banking campaign in 2018.
Guest Bio
Chris began his career in the credit union movement, serving in several capacities at Spectrum Federal Credit Union and FDIC Employees Federal Credit Union. In 2014, Chris was named to the FORBES 50 Influential CMO's in the Social Media list and the Top 100 CMO's on Twitter by Social Media Marketing Magazine.
Chris Lorence is executive director of CU Awareness, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Lorence leads Credit Union Awareness and the Open Your Eyes to a Credit Union® campaign, a digital-first marketing campaign aiming to raise consumer consideration of credit unions.
Lorence brings more than twenty-five years of marketing, engagement, and growth strategy to Credit Union Awareness. He spent two decades in the financial services association sector, most recently serving as Group Executive Vice President of Engagement & Strategy/Chief Marketing Officer. He developed and deployed digital and social media marketing programs that significantly increased website traffic, market share, and digital advertising revenues in his most recent role.
Putting a New Perspective on “Open Your Eyes” Credit Union Campaign
Chris was excited about this campaign when he first saw the announcement in 2018. He immediately went back to his office to apply for the executive director position and landed the position. Ecstatic about his new job to go to bat for credit unions nationwide, Chris enjoys being the voice to let consumers know more about credit unions and why they should join their local branch.
He comments on the purpose of the campaign, “We aren’t selling a campaign; we are trying to fix a problem.” With credit unions, the best kept financial secret, Chris’s job is to reveal the benefits of using credit unions to consumers nationwide for more consumers to take advantage of the benefits of putting your money into credit unions.
The Purpose of the Credit Union Campaign
“What we are doing, in essence, is reaching up into the stratosphere of consumers and capturing those folks while they are in the market for financial services,” Chris comments that they are leading consumers down the credit union path and answering objections and questions along the way for them to understand that all consumers can join a credit union.
Listen in to find out how Chris plans on reaching new audiences with the campaign, how Chris positions his campaign around authenticity, and how credit unions can utilize their assets for better business. Learn how Chris and his team are progressing through the marketing campaign and how they focus their campaign.
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Show Notes:
[06:05] The first branding campaign for credit unions in 2018.
[11:32] Credit Union “Open Your Eyes” campaign details.
[14:25] The purpose of the campaign for credit unions.
[16:13] How consumer-friendly is your credit union website?
[19:46] Changing the message for better consumer fit and reach.
[23:12] Learning to work together with other credit unions.
[25:55] Launching the new program and stats on the progress of the campaign.
[28:00] Industry ROI tied into the campaign.
[35:07] Using social media marketing to speak to younger generations of new consumers.
Episode Links and Resources
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Connect with Chris Lorence on LinkedIn
Follow Chris on Twitter
Follow on Twitter Your money further
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 8
with Arizona’s State Treasurer Kimberly Yee
Building a solid foundation with fianancial education
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, our special guest is State Treasurer, Kimberly Yee who oversees the cash management of Arizona's $40 billion state budget and payments to agencies, local governments, and schools. Upon taking office in January 2019, assets under management were at $15.4 billion. Today, assets under management stand at $21.9 billion, increasing over 42 percent in two years. Treasurer Yee led the effort to pass a state law requiring students to have financial education in high school before graduation and was the first State Treasurer to have visited all 15 counties in Arizona during the first year of her administration.
Guest Bio
Born and raised in Arizona, Treasurer Kimberly Yee is the first Asian American elected to a statewide office in Arizona’s history. She is also the first Chinese American Republican woman to win a major statewide office in the history of the United States. In 2010, she became the first Asian American woman elected to the Arizona Legislature, where she served for eight years in the House and the Senate.
Kimberly served as Senate Republican Majority Leader and became the second woman elected to this position in Arizona’s history, following U.S. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who served the role in 1973, forty-four years earlier.
Before elected office, she worked in the administrations of two governors Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and former State Treasurer Dean Martin.
Kimberly Yee is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she earned degrees in English and Political Science, and she holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University.
Intentionally Diversifying Law Making
Daughter of a US Army Veteran and Public Teacher, Kimberly grew up living in public service. After attending college, Treasurer Yee went to work for two California Governors and then worked with State Treasurer Dean Martin in Arizona. She decided to run for office when someone suggested she run for the State Legislature in Arizona. “All of the opportunities allowed for me to be a better elected official.”
She doesn’t run party lines when creating policy; she wants to bring everyone to the table. “You bring everyone to the table, whether you agree with them or not. There are so many important perspectives when you’re making important laws.” She states the importance of bringing great thinking leaders from different perspectives to create a more robust policy and better laws. “It’s really important to have a diverse set of voices when we are making policy.”
Financial Education at the Core of Her Service
“For me, financial education comes from the heart.” Her mother grew up in a family with nine children who shared one bathroom. Her mother intentionally taught in a Title One school district for 38 years because those were the kids who needed caring and education the most. When it comes to financial education, it’s more than just policy to Treasurer Yee as she has a passion to bring families out of poverty and give them success.
“When I look back at my family’s history and what I experienced as a child, it helps me to have that perspective when I’m choosing which laws to promote and what I can do as a legacy piece.” Financial education and literacy are vital to essential financial stability, and those who are poor don’t get that education.
Listen in to find out how Treasurer Yee manages Arizona’s state assets, how she is promoting Arizona’s Education Savings Plan, and tips on educating your kids on financial education.
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Show Highlights
[05:45] Treasurer Yee talks about her background and how she decided to run for state treasurer.
[11:09] The importance of ignoring political party lines when you want to create policy.
[15:33] Why Kimberly is passionate about financial education.
[22:19] How Treasurer Yee manages the state budget for Arizona.
[27:14] The role of credit unions in the state tax force committee.
[33:28] Details of Arizona’s 529 program.
[37:15] Educating children about financial education.
Episode Links and Resources
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Kimberly Yee on the web
Find out more about Arizona’s Financial Education Portal
Enroll your children in Arizona’s Education Savings Plan
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 7
Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-7) Behind the scenes look at his journey to Congress and the path to being a key advocate.
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, we have a special guest who is a member of Congress in Arizona. United States Representative Reuben Gallego represents Arizona’s 7th District, including parts of Phoenix, Glendale, and Tolleson, in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2014 and is a Marine Corps combat veteran, a lifelong community leader, and the son of Hispanic immigrants. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Harvard University.
Guest Bio
Congressman Gallego enlisted in the Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq in 2005 as an infantryman, serving with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. His Company saw some of the worst fighting of the Iraq War, losing 22 Marines and a Navy Corpsman to enemy action in eight months. Following his experience in Iraq, Congressman Gallego committed to ensuring that servicemen and –women are never sent into harm’s way without a plan for winning the fight, securing the peace, and providing post-conflict medical, psychological and familial care.
Representative Gallego has focused mainly on U.S. national security in his time in Washington.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has led the response to Russia’s attack on NATO, maintaining the European Deterrence Initiative following President Trump’s efforts to cut the vital defense program. He has led the effort to support front-line allies like the Baltic States and protect our forces in Germany and across Europe. He has ensured that U.S. Forces Korea – the front line of our defense against North Korea – remains a credible deterrent force. He has led the response to companies like Huawei and ZTE, criminal state-directed organizations that threaten our national security and our next-generation infrastructure. He believes in retaining the United States’ qualitative military edge and employing U.S. military power only when necessary.
Changing the Landscape of Political Power for Latinos
“I looked around, and I found that many of the political leaders were weak, and there wasn’t anyone afraid of them and their political clout, and I decided that it was time to step up.” He decided to quit his cushy job to dedicate his time to running his first political campaign to win a congressional seat. He talks about how younger representatives are shaping his party.
He speaks about the young leaders in the party and his future perspective on moving forward inside the party. The way representatives govern has changed since Congressman Reuben has taken office. “How people look at Democrats is starting to change. There’s going to be a new class of democrats coming up that no one has seen on the national scale.”
Being Responsible for His Community
Congressman Reuben gives out his phone number, which drives his staff crazy. “The best way for me to be a chief of staff is to give my phone number to every community leader in my district.” This gave his community leaders access to him when they needed help with community issues and gave him great insights into what is happening in his district. “To this day, those community leaders have my number, and they text me when they have a problem.”
Listen in to find out what real effective advocacy is for Congressman Reuben, why John Lewis inspires Reuben to this day, and what he has learned about himself since becoming a father. Learn why he enjoys being a member of Congress and how he puts family first in his life.
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Show Notes:
[07:11] Congressman Reuben talks about his background including his military experience.
[08:54] Why he decided to join the Marines after attending Harvard.
[14:55] What Congressman Reuben did when he realized the lack of power for Latinos in Arizona.
[19:19] How he connected with his district leaders and stays connected with community leaders.
[22:21] Who inspires the congressman in his lifetime.
[24:35] What he has learned about himself since becoming a father.
Episode Links and Resources
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Ruben Gallego on the web
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 6
Felicity Guerin - Answering the greater call with philanthropy and advocacy
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, Felicity Guerin is dedicated to the credit union movement family. She was introduced to the credit union as her first career. “Working with Callahan was great because they allowed me to explore my passions within the credit union industry.” Through Callahan, she found Children’s Miracle Network and stayed engaged with them through her career with other credit unions.
Guest Bio
Felicity Guerin’s passion for the credit union movement began with her first “real” job at Callahan & Associates. Currently, Felicity works for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL). She spent her first eight years at AACUL supporting the “Credit Unions for Kids” program nationally, in a position generously sponsored by CO-OP Financial Services. She is currently managing AACUL’s communications efforts and supporting the Executive Director on special projects.
Coordinating Credit Unions for Kids
Felicity loves to see credit unions coming together and cooperating on behalf of kids across the nation in Credit Unions for Kids. The #1 cause of bankruptcy in America is unforeseen medical costs and programs such as Credit Unions for Kids helps to mitigate this statistic.
She also coordinates Children’s Miracle Hospital interactions with credit unions across the country and enjoys every minute of her work. “One out of five families use Children’s Miracle Hospital for a member of their family.”
AACUL Brand and Purpose
AACUL lives by four pillars of work advocacy, communicate, collaborate, and influence policy. She works with AACUL to make the process more effective and efficient. “My goal is for credit unions to see the league system as a whole, powerful, thought-leadership enterprise that they can benefit from.”
Listen in to find out what the GAC role is playing inside the credit movement, how AACUL is working with and supporting children’s hospitals, and why this is a good year for credit union advocacy. Learn who the speakers will be at this year’s credit union conference and how Felicity holds conversations with elected officials about promoting credit unions.
- Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Notes:
[03:23] Felicity introduces herself and gives her backstory.
[07:06] Coordinating credit unions for kids on a national scale.
[09:26] How AACUL influences policy for credit unions.
[20:28] Washington Hilton credit union conference and convention.
[25:10] Why this year is a key year for advocacy.
[29:31] Speakers at this year's conference.
[36:54] The politics of having conversations with elected officials.
Episode Links and Resources
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Mountain West Credit Union on the web
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Monday Feb 08, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 5
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, Caroline is chatting with Jeff Rendel a Certified Speaking Professional. A leader in the financial services marketplace, Jeff has experience as a federal banking regulator, financial services executive, and Congressional lobbyist; he understands the balancing act of safety, soundness, sales, and strategy. As President of Rising Above Enterprises, Jeff works with financial services providers who want elite and entrepreneurial sales, service, and strategy. Each year, he addresses and facilitates for nearly 100 credit unions and their business partners.
Guest Insider Host Bio
Guest Bio
Jeff Rendel, Certified Speaking Professional, knows financial services. He understands the balancing act of safety, soundness, sales, and strategy with experience as a federal banking regulator, financial services executive, and Congressional lobbyist. As President of Rising Above Enterprises, Jeff works with financial services providers that want entrepreneurial results in sales, service, and strategy. Each year, he addresses and facilitates for nearly 100 financial institutions and their business partners. Exited the stage and off an airplane, Jeff is an avid reader and aspiring ice hockey referee. He and his wife enjoy tending to their land and their respective loyalties to their college teams. It’s a divided home from time to time. A teenage daughter adds a daily dose of liveliness. Weekly, she and Jeff can be found on a sheet of ice, as she figuratively and literally skates circles around him.
Serving as a Mentor in the Credit Union Community
Jeff was honored that he was asked to be a mentor. “I’ve seen a lot and learned a lot from other credit union professionals and listened to how the credit union professional executives are running their institutions.” He believes that the credit union banking model is better for consumers and small businesses, which is why he is a big advocate for credit unions.
Listen in to find out how the executive leadership program benefits leaders inside the credit union movement and how Jeff understands the required changes at the high levels of decision-making. Learn the most beneficial elements of the executive program, everyday issues that executives face, and how Jeff keeps his skillset up-to-date.
- Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Notes:
[02:23] Jeff’s history in the credit union movement.
[08:20] Benefits of being a participant in the executive leadership program.
[10:33] How Jeff predicts the future corporate-level credit union changes in the industry.
[13:20] What resources Jeff would add to the executive program.
[15:33] How Jeff keeps his mentorship skills up-to-date.
[20:29] Why companies need to look for a good fit with an executive.
Episode Links and Resources
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Mountain West Credit Union on the web
MWCUF Executive Leadership Program on the web
Visit Jeff on the web
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 4.2
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, we are chatting with our Mountain West Credit Union Association Chairman, Todd Marksberry, who is also CEO and President of Canvas Credit Union in Colorado and hosts the podcast In The Room. We will talk about the direction of the credit union and his personal influence on business culture.
Guest Bio
Todd Marksberry has served the Canvas Credit Union family as the President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2015. With more than 25 years of executive experience, Todd has the vision to transform financial services. His strategic leadership, drive and focus on culture nurture high-performance teams who exude passion and purpose.
Through Todd’s charisma and love for the credit union movement, Canvas assets have grown over 100% to over $3.1 billion. Besides, Canvas now serves over 260,000 members, an increase of more than 47% since 2015. It is the culture that Todd has created at Canvas, embracing the goal of Helping People Afford Life in Colorado and driving new and innovative products and services, that has created a significant positive impact. Todd’s energy radiates throughout Canvas.
He has cultivated a unique atmosphere within the Canvas family to serve members and their communities with a whole-hearted approach. Todd is known for his stellar dance moves and genuine care for his team around the office, generating a “come as you are” environment for his family members to thrive in.
Before joining Canvas, Todd served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Delta Community Credit Union in Atlanta, GA. Todd has also served in leadership roles with SavvyMoney, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, and Tropical Financial Credit Union. In addition to overseeing the health and heart of the Canvas family, he actively serves on the board of several prominent credit union industry partners.
Balancing Non-Credit Union with Credit Union Work
When working with other financial CEOs, Todd recognizes a good leader, no matter what side of the economic fence they sit. “When you have a conversation with a good leader, who really understands ‘others before self,’ the common denominator is that they all have a great story.” He finds it’s interesting to hear how they feel about the CEO seat. “The business owners and founders of companies are similar in that they all have great stories.
One difference that credit unions have is the more complex infrastructure of the companies. He is proud that credit union team executives have the heart of a servant-leader. “You can see their passion and their heart is into the service of others.”
Listen in to find out how Todd feels about where credit unions fit into the financial future, how COVID has affected credit unions, how COVID crossed state lines, financially speaking. Learn why Chick-Fil-A is an excellent business to follow and why it’s essential to create a service-oriented environment.
- Share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review!
Show Notes:
[02:10] Differences between working with people inside and outside the credit union industry in Colorado.
[08:26] Todd’s projection on the future of credit unions.
[11:44] COVID creates a more unified financial front for the credit union industry.
[18:48] Individual states have differing interests based on state legislation and banking rules.
[22:18] Todd’s philosophy and his influence on work and the credit union culture.
[27:50] The importance of creating a service-oriented team.
[33:17] Find out why Todd dances for his staff!
Episode Links and Resources
In the Room w/Todd Marksberry on Spotify
Subscribe to our show on Podbean
Connect with us on social media
Tweet with us on Twitter
Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Mountain West Credit Union on the web
Monday Jan 25, 2021
Monday Jan 25, 2021
In The Movement Podcast
Episode 4
Welcome to In The Movement Podcast with your show hosts Christopher Kemm and Austin De Bey discuss all things happening in the credit union movement. Each episode will feature leaders talking about history and current affairs and how we can utilize our expertise to educate, communicate, and mobilize to better serve our movement.
Today, we are chatting with our Mountain West Credit Union Association Chairman, Todd Marksberry, who is also CEO and President of Canvas Credit Union in Colorado and hosts the podcast In The Room. We will talk about Todd’s leadership journey to success and how he attained his award as the 2020 Denver Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO.
Guest Bio
Todd Marksberry has served the Canvas Credit Union family as the President and Chief Executive Officer since June 2015. With more than 25 years of executive experience, Todd has the vision to transform financial services. His strategic leadership, drive, and focus on culture nurture high-performance teams who exude passion and purpose.
Through Todd’s charisma and love for the credit union movement, Canvas assets have grown over 100% to over $3.1 billion. Besides, Canvas now serves over 260,000 members, an increase of more than 47% since 2015. It is the culture that Todd has created at Canvas, embracing the goal of Helping People Afford Life in Colorado and driving new and innovative products and services, that has created a significant positive impact. Todd’s energy radiates throughout Canvas.
He has cultivated a unique atmosphere within the Canvas family to serve members and their communities with a whole-hearted approach. Todd is known for his stellar dance moves and genuine care for his team around the office, generating a “come as you are” environment for his family members to thrive in.
Before joining Canvas, Todd served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Delta Community Credit Union in Atlanta, GA. Todd has also served in leadership roles with SavvyMoney, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, and Tropical Financial Credit Union. In addition to overseeing the health and heart of the Canvas family, he actively serves on the board of several prominent credit union industry partners.
The Start of Todd’s Credit Union Journey
He started in the credit union 28 years ago in Miami, Florida, working at an At&t and BellSouth credit union, and spent 16 of his 28 years at a credit union for Delta in Atlanta. “When I first started out at my credit union in Miami, I wasn’t an advocate for credit unions; it was just a gig.” His mentor, Greg, invested time in Todd and started educating him about credit unions.
In his first job, Todd was an auto advisor taking auto loan applications when he received a call from the company's CEO because he was killing his sales on insurance for cars. As a result, he was promoted to Business Development. “I had to learn everything about our credit union and get to know the ladies in the accounting department, and endeared myself to them so they could help me move these applications along.”
Listen in to find out why children of credit union workers also work at credit unions and how he was recruited by the president of the credit union association. Learn why it’s important to have others' faith in you to lead and how Todd created his podcast In The Room.
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Show Notes:
[04:25] How long Todd has been in the credit union scene.
[13:25] Todd’s first gig helping credit union members with auto loans.
[18:20] Learning on the job after a new job promotion.
[20:02] Running the Delta credit union division for the credit union league.
[22:18] Todd became the Senior VP of Operations within two years of receiving his job at Delta.
[26:46] How he created his podcast In The Room.
[30:39] The meaningful conversations of Todd’s podcast.
[34:28] How do we get young professionals to listen to our podcast.
Episode Links and Resources
In the Room w/Todd Marksberry on Spotify
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Contact Chris via email ckemm@mwcua.com
Visit Mountain West Credit Union on the web