MADISON, Wis.–Filene has named 29 “credit union innovators” as its newest cohort of the Filene i3 Program.
According to Filene, this year saw the highest number of applications in the 19-year history of the two-year innovation leadership program that seeks to equip top credit union professionals with the “mindset, tools, and network to lead and shape the credit union of the 21st century.”
“It is our pleasure to welcome the next generation of credit union leaders into Filene Research Institute’s i3 program,” said President & CEO Mark Meyer. “We are thrilled to have each of these innovators be part of the network of Filene, and we look forward to spending the next two years growing and innovating together with them.”
The New i3ers
Filene said those who will be joining the more than 325 credit union leaders already within the Filene i3 include:
- Jonathan Best, CUNA Mutual Group
- Ayaz Bhaiyat, Kinecta FCU
- Deanna Bublik, American Airlines Federal Credit Union
- Jason Buchanan, Blue Federal Credit Union
- Melissa Cade, Chartway
- Erika Carmichael, Zeal Credit Union
- Tommy Gasso, Community Financial Credit Union
- Amanda Hardy, ELGA Credit Union
- Joshua Houde, Credit Union of Colorado
- Jill Johnson, Community Financial Credit Union
- Dana Jones, ELGA Credit Union
- Fernando Mandujano, Westerra Credit Union
- Scott Maronic, Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU)
- Jeremy Maurer, Community Choice Credit Union
- Diana Pham, SchoolsFirst FCU
- Kevin Porter, Municipal Credit Union
- Brent Rempe, Allegiance Credit Union
- Misty Ridenour, Mocse CU
- Jason Scheopner, Centris Federal Credit Union
- Derek Smith, Family Focus FCU
- Joshua Stoltzfus, Redwood Credit Union
- Michelle Thompson, Financial Plus Credit Union
- Stefy Tomlin, True Sky Credit Union
- Jennifer Topzand, Frontwave Credit Union
- André Walcott, Advantis Credit Union
- Karlee Wallin, Royal Credit Union
- Keysha Webb, Vantage West Credit Union
- Chad Williams, Visions Federal Credit Union
- Paul Woointranon, Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union
‘Impressive Network’
“These individuals are joining an impressive network of i3 alums and innovators, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the program,” added Meyer.
Through the cohort-based program, Filene said participants learn cutting-edge innovation competencies grounded in three core categories.
“By engaging the diverse perspectives of members, staff, stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to co-create new solutions, participants learn skills essential for facilitating innovation,” Filene stated. “Through the process of exploring and iterating new ideas to gain insight, reduce risk, and validate solutions, participants become experienced at accelerating learning.”
Filene added that by mobilizing people and resources to inspire action is practiced for leading change.
According to Filene, participants create impact through their work in cross-functional teams to explore and address some of credit unions’ most pressing challenges as identified by Filene's Think Tank and backed by research from Filene's Centers of Excellence.
Filene said credit unions can also view the findings from last year's i3 teams on six complex challenges facing credit unions.
Two-Year Journey
The new i3 cohort begins a two-year development journey following Filene’s GAC Breakfast later in February, and will present progress-to-date to the credit union industry at Filene’s big.bright.minds in December.
Meanwhile, Filene i3 Wave 17 completes its second year in the program this year. A ceremony will be held for the graduating i3 class on April 11 with all active i3 participants and their organizations invited join in celebration of Wave 17’s accomplishments.
For more info: filene.org/i3.