WCMS Alumni Frogcast

WCMSAA
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WCMS Alumni Frogcast

Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) is a 3 year educational/training program created to give credit union leaders a deep dive into the purpose and mission of operating a cooperative business model. The Frogcast was created to continue our unique WCMS education, to deepen our connection to the school, each other, and the credit union industry, and maybe spark a memory or two from our time on campus at Pomona College. In this podcast we interview the faculty and alumni of the school on the challenges and opportunities we face. Come along as we jump into a conversation of head and heart!

  1. MAR 28

    Episode 46 - Ronaldo Hardy (March 2025)

    This month we have the amazing Ronaldo Hardy on the Frogcast! Ronaldo has served in multiple prominent positions within the CU industry including CEO of multiple credit unions, owner of CU Strategic Planning, CEO of NACUSO, and host of an award-winning reality show. Just recently, Ronaldo accepted the CEO position at Balance, a 50-year-old financial wellness nonprofit dedicated to increasing the financial health of all consumers. Financial wellness is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and maintain across our communities, and Balance helps those in need by providing solutions that help people manage their debt, understand their credit, and provide financial planning coaching - among many other services. It is obvious that Ronaldo is driven by his values and his values align with those of credit unions. He shares with us his career story, leadership framework, and how he leaned into his values to make a difference around him. Among the many beautiful nuggets shared by Ronaldo is his personal mission statement. “Change the world by building the people who will change the world“. Give a listen to this episode and get inspired!

    24 min

  2. FEB 7

    Business Partner Frogcast - Jim Stickley (Feb 2025)

    One of the WCMS’s long-time supporters, Jim Stickley, joins the Frogcast today to talk all things cyber security. Jim is the CEO of Stickley on Security, where he served as an identity thief (but he is no criminal) for thousands of financial institutions, Fortune 100 corporations, healthcare facilities, legal firms, and insurance companies. Jim is also the CEO of Mahalo, a provider of online and mobile banking solutions for credit unions. Today’s topic of cyber security, and some interesting insights into well known breaches, will be timely and educational for everyone listening. Interviewer: Robert York Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Crew: Original Ryan Olsen, Shonna Shearson, Nate Burns, James Wileman, and Jeff Morris.

    28 min

  3. JAN 17

    Episode 45 - Madeline Stewart (January 2025)

    Today we have Madeline Stewart, the President and CEO of Vida Credit Union, joining us on the Frogcast. She has served her credit union for nearly 25 years in multiple roles and with a passionate focus on operational performance. On the tail end of a rapid rebranding initiative, Madeline shares the background story on the decision and name selection. Vida Credit Union is a CDFI institution who has used this designation, and the CDFI grants, to make a meaningful difference in their community. Due to their positive local influence, the credit union will be featured on a PBS television program to tell their story, memorialize their history, and broaden their impact. Give our episode a listen, and the PBS show a watch, to learn more about Vida and what they are accomplishing in Southern California. Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, and Original Ryan Olsen.

    25 min

  4. 12/20/2024

    Episode 44 - Fidel Gonzalez (December 2024)

    December’s guest is Fidel Gonzalez, the President and CEO of First Imperial Credit Union and a proud member of the 1999 Phi Class of WCMS. Among many accomplishments, Fidel has led his low-income designated credit union to also become a CDFI certified credit union. With the CDFI designation, the credit union has applied for, and received, grants totaling over $7 million. With these dollars they have funded their loan loss reserve and served their members and community by lending into lower credit tiers and assuming the higher risk that accompanies it. Fidel is a distinguished credit union professional with a focus on member service, including the CCUFC certification. Always modeling the way for his team, and never losing sight of the members he serves, he has aligned the credit union’s purpose with the actions and opportunities that will provide First Imperial CU with the sustainability to serve for generations to come. Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris

    15 min

  5. 12/04/2024

    Episode 43 - Danielle Bridges (November 2024)

    This month’s guest is none other than Danielle Bridges, SVP of Capital Markets and Mortgage Lending at Vantage West CU in Tucson, Arizona. Her impressive and unique set of responsibilities spans lending, finance and treasury management, and allows Vantage West to open up new and innovative lending opportunities and revenue streams. She discusses with us the opportunities and risks that alternative capital market partnerships produce, and the planning required to deliver value successfully through these secondary markets. The CU also recently created a new program, providing credit protection for low income borrowers, produced in collaboration between six Tucson credit unions. This groundbreaking product displays the power of credit union cooperation and purpose, while serving their communities meaningfully. Listen in and learn something new! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Original Ryan Olsen, Robert York, James Wileman, and Jeff Morris

    20 min

  6. 09/20/2024

    Episode 42 - Chad Bollinger (October 2024)

    We are fast-tracking the publishing of today's episode given the timeliness of the topic. On the Frogcast today we have Chad Bollinger, CFO of Credit Union of Colorado, to talk about yesterday's 50 basis point rate cut by the Fed. A WCMS graduate with the Theta class of 2010, Chad provides a great overview of the economic drivers impacting the Fed's decision and what credit unions might do in response and preparation for the next cut. Earlier in his career Chad was a Credit Union Examiner with the State of Colorado Division of Financial Services. As a result, our conversation expands to cover the viewpoint and approach with which Regulators might react to a volatile risk environment. If you are wondering what might be bouncing around inside the head of a CFO, or wanting to grow your own career in financial management, listen in and learn from one of the best CFO's in credit union land! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman.

    21 min

  7. 09/11/2024

    Episode 41 - Bebe Souvannavong (September 2024)

    A first for the Frogcast, today's guest is a very recent graduate of WCMS. Bebe Souvannavong only graduated from WCMS in July, along with her Phi class of 2024. In the real world, Bebe is the VP of Learning & Development at Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union. Still riding high from her life-changing time and experience on campus, Bebe shares the stories and challenges from the school. A lifelong learner, she has helped lead L&D to new innovative and purpose-driven heights at Santa Clara FCU. Herself an immigrant to the United States, Bebe is passionate about DEIB and helped spearhead the CU's journey toward increased engagement and celebrating diversity. Through all of these efforts, and all of her work, she has a rich and inspiring story to share. Listen in and learn a little yourself! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

    24 min

  8. 08/14/2024

    Episode 40 - Ken Senus (August 2024)

    Today we are joined by Ken Senus, currently serving as the 9th President and CEO of St. Mary's Bank - the oldest credit union in the country. In his career he has led core conversions, M&A transactions, and many other progressive responsibilities. Ken explains to us the background story of St. Mary's Bank, the history of its unique name (for a CU) and the amazing work it has done over its 116 years. You might expect the oldest credit union in the U.S. to focus on its past, but Ken explains how it has actually been a very innovative and industry leading change agent in service of its members. Step back into a lesson in credit union history and give the episode a listen! Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris

    20 min
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    5
    out of 5
    11 Ratings

    About

    Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) is a 3 year educational/training program created to give credit union leaders a deep dive into the purpose and mission of operating a cooperative business model. The Frogcast was created to continue our unique WCMS education, to deepen our connection to the school, each other, and the credit union industry, and maybe spark a memory or two from our time on campus at Pomona College. In this podcast we interview the faculty and alumni of the school on the challenges and opportunities we face. Come along as we jump into a conversation of head and heart!

    Information

    • Creator
      WCMSAA
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      49
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © WCMSAA
    • Show Website
      WCMS Alumni Frogcast

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