MADISON, WIS.— Filene Research Institute announced today Jimese Harkley joins the non-profit think tank as Stewardship + Development Director and Brenton Peck accepted the role of Impact Director.
As Stewardship + Development Director, Harkley will cultivate and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with potential and current Filene members. In his role as Impact Director, Peck will engage with credit unions to identify challenges and pair promising new programs in the financial services realm to meet their needs.
“Jimese has broad-based credit union know-how and contagious passion for progress,” said Tansley Stearns, Chief Impact Officer at Filene. “Her ability to ignite excitement around innovative solutions that empower credit union growth will help transform consumer finance.”
Harkley brings more than 10 years of credit union experience to Filene. She has served as a teller, loan officer, indirect lending specialist, and philanthropy and community relations manager.
She was recognized as a CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive, has received her CUDE certification, and was a GAC ‘Crasher’. Harkley earned her B.A. in Communications from Jacksonville State University and holds a Juris Doctorate, which she completed at the Birmingham School of Law.
Filene’s Impact programs are rooted in research, based on real consumer need and tested in the market. As Impact Director, Peck will match credit union needs with Filene Impact programs and advisory services such as Larky and Digital Strategies—programs available to credit unions, CUSOs, and state leagues.
“I really enjoy serving as an advocate for organizations focused on improving people’s lives,” said Peck. “What drew me to this role was the opportunity to collaborate with multiple system players—to help connect the dots—so that collectively we can improve consumer financial health.”
Peck has substantial experience in the financial services industry, most recently with the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). Prior to CFSI, he held positions at J.P.Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo - both in consumer-facing roles. Peck holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Illinois State University and earned his MBA from Aurora University.