WCMS Alumni Frogcast

WCMSAA
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
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. 1 DAY AGO

    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

  2. DEC 4

    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

  3. SEP 20

    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

  4. SEP 11

    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

  5. AUG 14

    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

  6. JUL 22

    Business Partner Frogcast - Paul Bean (July 2024)

    In support of those organizations that support WCMS and its alumni, the Frogcast will occasionally introduce our audience to the organizations that provide us with both financial and operational resources. Our second such episode is with Paul Bean, CEO of AGP Digital Marketing. Paul formed his company 18 years ago to help give credit unions more robust digital marketing. Growing your credit union's membership likely requires use of a digital marketing channel, which requires enhanced data and unique internal skills. If you or your credit union are in need of advanced digital marketing support please consider contacting Paul Bean at paul@studioagp.com . Interviewer: Robert York Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman, Nate Burns, Shonna Shearson, and Jeff Morris

    19 min

  7. JUL 8

    Episode 39 - Jeremy Calva (July 2024)

    July's guest on the Frogcast is Jeremy Calva, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Rivermark Community Credit Union. With a diverse background across multiple industries, and a long history in credit unions, his viewpoint is unique and well-founded with a strong financial viewpoint. Always on the lookout to help his CU improve earnings and capital, Jeremy shares his views on a few of the opportunities we have today. He covers complex topics such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), liquidity management, derivatives, and arbitrage positions while also connecting his work to community impact. Whether you are a finance expert, or want to become one, this episode will provide value to all credit union professionals. Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, James Wileman and Jeff Morris

    24 min

  8. JUN 5

    Episode 38 - Zach Christensen (June 2024)

    This month we are joined by Zach Christensen, Director of Communications and Digital Marketing at Mitchell Stankovic & Associates. MS&A is a strategic consulting firm which has served only credit unions for 30 years, focused primarily on Board Governance and CEO support. His passion for Credit Union's comes from the passion of those he works with but has stuck with Zach because of the opportunity he has to help CU's change lives. Beyond that, Zach serves in multiple volunteer roles including the Global Women's Leadership Network, World Young Professionals, and he founded CU Pride. Today he shares his thoughts about where DEI currently stands in the CU industry and how he believes DEI is naturally aligned with what credit unions are all about. He goes on to provide his opinions about the overwhelming challenges credit unions will face looking forward. Zach's insights are fresh and forward-thinking. Listen in to hear a new perspective on our industry! Interviewers: Nate Burns & Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane & Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Original Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman

    25 min
See All (46)

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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © WCMSAA
  • Show Website
    WCMS Alumni Frogcast

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