Credit Union Strategy Podcast

Essentials of Backup Servicing with Blythe Lawton

Join us on the CU Strategy Forum Podcast, where your host Paul Bresenden dives into the intricacies of backup servicing with industry expert Blythe Lawton. As the SVP of Marketing and Development at Vervent, Blythe brings over seven years of experience in Fintech and financial services, navigating the challenges and triumphs of a rapidly growing company. In this episode, Blythe explains what backup servicing is and why it’s crucial for maintaining the stability of loan, lease, and credit card portfolios. Learn about the role of backup servicers, the importance of compliance, and the operational readiness needed to step in seamlessly if a primary servicer fails. Blythe shares real-world examples and success stories, illustrating the complexities and vital nature of backup servicing. Whether you’re familiar with the concept or just curious, this episode offers valuable insights into how companies like Vervent ensure financial security and efficiency in the ever-evolving Fintech landscape. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice, expert knowledge, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes backup servicing a cornerstone of financial services. Don’t miss out on learning from one of the best in the industry!

Rethinking the Credit Union Human Experience: Navigating Post-COVID Behavior Shifts with Ashish Garg

In this thought-provoking episode, our guest, Ashish Garg, CEO of Altropy, takes us on a journey to explore the evolving human behavior in the credit union industry amidst a post-COVID world. Ashish sheds light on the significant shifts in human connection and how credit unions can adapt to meet the changing needs of their members. We begin by examining the traditional credit union experience and its emphasis on personal relationships and human connection. Ashish acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this dynamic, removing the ability for in-person interactions that credit union members value. However, he believes innovation and technology can bridge this gap without compromising the human touch. Drawing from his deep industry knowledge, Ashish shares inspiring examples of credit unions that have successfully leveraged technology to maintain human connection despite physical distancing. He highlights the importance of a distributed workforce, remote call centers, and efficient digital conversation platforms as essential tools for credit unions to offer personalized support to their members. Join us for an eye-opening conversation as we delve into how credit unions can navigate behavioral shifts, leverage technology, and embrace the new normal to continue providing a seamless and human-centered experience. Discover strategies and insights that will empower credit unions to survive and thrive in a post-COVID world, while never losing sight of the essential human connection that sets them apart.

Driving the Innovation Curve with Becky Reed

Becky Reed is a credit union industry veteran with more than two decades of experience leading multiple areas in credit unions including retail operations, lending, back office operations, and IT. Most recently, she has served as the CEO of Lone Star Credit Union in Dallas, Texas. There, she led game-changing service improvements through the use of technology which landed Lone Star Credit Union the CUNA Technology Council Award for Excellence in Technology in 2019. Becky was also featured on the cover of CU Magazine in the Summer 2020 edition. Continuing to blaze a trail, Lone Star Credit Union launched the first Non-Custodial Crypto Exchange for credit union members in August 2022. Becky is the co-founder of the Credit Union Service Organization, PureIT CUSO and serves as its Board Chairman. She is the Board Chairman of NACUSO and has served on the Advisory Board for Corelation, Inc, Bankjoy, and Members Mobile. She also serves as the President of BlockAdvocates, a non-profit dedicated to Crypto education for Credit Unions. Helping credit unions collaborate and support each other is her passion. Today, Becky provides technology, innovation, and strategy consulting for credit unions and CUSOs through her firm BRaaS or Becky Reed as a Service. She also maintains leadership roles at both PureIT CUSO and BankSocial. CONTACT Becky Reed - https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-reed-50056518/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-reed-50056518/] PODCAST SPONSOR 454 Creative is a leading marketing agency for Credit Unions [https://454creative.com/]. Whether your CU needs a full website redesign, a brand refresh, new member campaigns, or a Hubspot marketing automation implementation, 454 Creative brings all our creativity, strategy, and expertise to credit union leaders and their members.

Reaching Younger Generations through Financial Education with Tena Lozano

Tena Lozano is the executive director of the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, which is the state credit union foundation for California and Nevada. She is responsible for administering and executing the RMJ Foundation’s mission of enabling credit unions to offer financial education in their communities. The Foundation’s signature program is “Bite of Reality®,” featuring the Bite of Reality® App, which is a fun, hands-on simulation that appeals to teens while giving them a taste of real-world financial realities. She recently completed a term on the National Credit Union Foundation board of directors, representing the State Credit Union Foundation Network. In the area of financial education, Tena serves on the California Department of Education’s Business Education Resources Group (BERG), helping to draft standards and curriculum for Career Technical Education; and serves on the board of the California Jump$tart Coalition, where she is chairman. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the credit union movement, including work in public relations at WesCorp and the California & Nevada Credit Union Leagues. She received a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and graduated from Western CUNA Management School in 2013. She also received her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor and Credit Union Development Educator certifications in 2022. PODCAST SPONSOR 454 Creative is a leading marketing agency for Credit Unions [https://454creative.com/]. Whether your CU needs a full website redesign, a brand refresh, new member campaigns, or a Hubspot marketing automation implementation, 454 Creative brings all our creativity, strategy, and expertise to credit union leaders and their members.

Developing the Next Generation of Credit Union Leaders with Hector Martin

Hector Martin is currently the President/CEO of County Schools Federal Credit Union bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in financial services and credit union leadership. He founded the Emerging Credit Union Leaders Council in 2020 and received the California & Nevada Credit Union League’s Tomorrow Star Award in 2021. Currently serving as an Associate Board Member of the Richard Miles Johnson Foundation, Hector is an active and passionate advocate of the credit union movement.  Hector holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Cal State Long Beach and graduated with honors from Western CUNA Management School in 2021. He is an MBA candidate at California State University Channel Islands and is expected to graduate in 2024.  In his spare time, Hector enjoys powerlifting, reading, and driving along the California coast. CONTACT Hector Martin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-m-b6571360/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-m-b6571360/] PODCAST SPONSOR 454 Creative is a leading marketing agency for Credit Unions [https://454creative.com/]. Whether your CU needs a full website redesign, a brand refresh, new member campaigns, or a Hubspot marketing automation implementation, 454 Creative brings all our creativity, strategy, and expertise to credit union leaders and their members.