MADISON, Wis. – Twenty-three people who are being called the “most innovative leaders” in credit unions have been selected to be part of the newest cohort of the Filene i3 Program.
Filene noted in announcing the new participants in the now 18-year-old program that that i3 is a two-year innovation leadership program “equipping top credit union professionals with the mindset, tools, and network to lead and shape the credit union of the 21st century.”
“While it’s nice to have ideas, turning them into practices, products or approaches that improve upon something else is what defines innovation—and credit unions will need to focus on innovation within their organizations to remain competitive,” said Filene Fellow Dr. Jeffrey Robinson of the Center for Innovation & Incubation.
Filene said the i3 program provides industry leaders and innovators with a methodology to creatively apply innovative ideas through incubation and implementation.
“The program’s applied learning model teaches participants Filene’s method of innovation by guiding them through the development of a prototype solution for a challenge facing their respective credit union or community,” said Filene’s President and CEO, Mark Meyer. “With access to Filene’s research, experts and fellows—plus technical assistance on designing solutions and opportunities to build on successful prototypes—participants are set up for maximum success personally and to bring maximum value to their organizations.”
The New i3ers
Joining the ranks of more than 300 credit union leaders already within the Filene i3 community are:
- Dave Bodmer, WSECU, VP of Product
- Melissa Choi, SkyOne Federal Credit Union, Director of Retail & Business Development
- Thomaz DeMoura, Digital Federal Credit Union, Innovations Manager
- Shawn Dunn, Arrowhead Credit Union, VP of Business Intelligence
- Anthony Fletcher, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, VP of Payments & Digital Strategy
- Greg Gallaway, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Director of IT Engineering
- Stephen Green, Class Act Federal Credit Union, VP of Lending
- Wayne Hartman, Idaho Central Credit Union, Principal Software Architect
- Alicia Huerta, Christian Financial Credit Union, Senior Product Officer & Planner
- David Hullet, WEOKIE Federal Credit Union, VP of Commercial Lending & New Business Ventures
- Vladimir Jovanovic, PSCU, Manager of Innovation
- Kory Kunze, Together Credit Union, VP of Remote Services & Payments
- Katie Leute, Salal Credit Union, Creative Brand Manager
- Korey McMahon, WEOKIE Federal Credit Union, Chief Growth Officer
- Lis Mulcahy, Truliant Federal Credit Union, Director of Member Satisfaction
- Marella Nardotti, NextMark Credit Union, VP of Marketing
- Anthony Norman, Jr., Local Government Federal Credit Union, Accounting Processes Manager
- Katie Schrooten, Credit Union 1, Marketing Manager
- Sandy Selewski, Zeal Credit Union, Chief Operating Officer
- Mitchell Speer, Teachers Credit Union, Manager of Business Intelligence & Business Transformation
- Justin Stoddard Chartway Federal Credit Union, Director of Partner Services
- Nicole White, Advantis Credit Union, VP of Digital Banking & Remote Channels
- Heidi Worker, Chartway Federal Credit Union, Director of Communications
The new i3 members begin their two-year development journey following Filene’s GAC Breakfast later this month, and will present their progress to-date to the credit union industry at Filene’s big.bright.minds in October. Meanwhile, i3 Wave 16 completes its second year in the program.
Filene said a ceremony will be held for the graduating i3 class on March 30 with all active i3 participants and their organizations invited join in celebration of Wave 16’s accomplishments.