2025 CU Growth & Innovation Speakers

Our speakers bring valuable insights, experiences, and expertise to tackle the ever-changing landscape of credit union technology, risk management, and compliance challenges. Explore our lineup of thought-provoking sessions and peer-to-peer discussions, where these industry leaders provide actionable strategies and perspectives essential for shaping the future of credit union technology.

Michael Abernathy, President & CEO - Buckeye State Credit Union 

​Mike Abernathy, President & CEO of Buckeye State Credit Union, led one of Ohio’s greatest credit union turnarounds. By blending traditional values with modern workplace culture, he boosted employee and member engagement. His “smart, social casual” dress code, in-branch popcorn machines, and upbeat atmosphere set Buckeye apart.  Under Mike’s leadership, Buckeye embraced technology, replacing online applications with lead-generation tools for faster engagement. AI underwriting has streamlined approvals while managing risk effectively. In nearly seven years as CEO, Buckeye has doubled its assets and capital, won Ohio’s 2022 Louise Herring Award, placed nationally, and earned Top Workplace honors (2019-2024). Recognized by American Banker in 2023 and 2024, Buckeye continues to redefine success in credit unions.

Tim Boike, Vice President, Customer & Industry Relations - Federal Reserve Financial Services

​Tim Boike is Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Outreach & Engagement Team within Federal Reserve Financial Services. Tim’s responsibilities include his team’s oversight of key Federal Reserve relationships and engagements with the fintech sector, trade groups, payment platform service providers, and large corporate end users. The objective of Tim’s team is to build and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with key payment system actors.  Prior to joining the Federal Reserve in 2018, Tim spent 26 years in the financial services private sector with Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp. During that time, Tim led teams with functional responsibilities in strategy planning, analytics, partnership development, deposit fraud investigations and industry relations. Tim also spent a significant amount of time helping Fortune 100-size companies in their process redesign efforts to create greater efficiencies in treasury services, purchasing, and payables departments.

Fred Campobasso, Chief Lending Officer - Great Lakes Credit Union  

Fred Campobasso serves as Chief Lending Officer of Great Lakes Credit Union    headquartered in Northern Illinois. In his role as Chief Lending Officer, Fred is responsible for commercial, consumer and mortgage lending and collections.  In addition to being in the credit union industry for over twenty years, he volunteers his time in the credit union industry, serving on the Board of Member Student Lending and as an Advisory Board of TruTreasury. Fred also supports the Great Lakes Credit Union Foundation for Financial Empowerment and its many programs, which includes food drives for local school districts, annual Memorial Day veterans services at local cemeteries, holiday toy drives, financial education and literacy initiatives. He is a strong advocate and supporter of providing low-and-moderate income households the ability to improve their financial well-being through financial literacy initiatives, with a focus on providing credit at fair and reasonable terms for the traditionally underserved.  Fred also has a passion for building generational wealth through responsible lending. 

Jack Chawla, VP of Product Marketing - interface.ai

​Jack Chawla, VP of Product Marketing, leads product marketing at interface.ai. Before interface.ai, Jack  worked at Eltropy, Glia, WebEx, SAP, eGain and Avaya in various Product Management and Product Management roles. Jack is passionate about building and taking to market communication and collaboration solutions.

Kacy Cutler, Vice President of Product Management - EVERFI

​As EVERFI Vice President of Product Management, Kacy and her team are responsible for delivering the overarching product strategy across EVERFI’s business units. He team develops best in class digital learning experiences designed to deliver educational content to learners and maximum social impact for EVERFI’s customers.  The EVERFI course catalogue includes interactive content that tackles some of the most important topic areas from the fundamentals of financial literacy, to training corporate employees on anti-harassment laws and policies. Kacy has a background in portfolio product management for Software-as-a-service products and is an experienced instructional designer. She has a B.A. in sociology and anthropology from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, and a master’s certificate in instructional design from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. 

Delonaka Edwards, Chief Operations Officer - Michigan First Credit Union

With 28 years in the financial industry, Lonnie has built extensive expertise in operations management, business development, and member services. She joined Michigan First Credit Union in 2014 as a Sr. Business Banking Representative and quickly advanced to Administrative Support Manager. Her strong leadership and operational improvements led to her promotion to AVP of Member Services, where she implemented strategies to enhance service delivery and member engagement. She was later appointed AVP of In-Store Branch Operations, where she optimized daily branch activities, improved operational efficiency, and ensured each location met the needs of its community—contributing significantly to the credit union’s growth. Now, as Chief Operations Officer (COO), Lonnie oversees all operational functions, driving innovation and scalability while maintaining a strong focus on enhancing member experience and satisfaction. Her leadership continues to be instrumental in Michigan First’s success.

Dr. Daniel Ford, Chief Information Security Officer - Jovia Financial Credit Union

​Dr. Daniel Ford, Chief Information Security Officer at Jovia Financial Credit Union, believes in continuous evolution, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation to keep Jovia ahead of emerging threats. With a BS in Computer Science, a Doctor of Science (DSC) in Information Assurance, and an MBA, Dr. Ford blends technical expertise with strategic leadership. He champions diversity and development, mandating training hours and recruiting from underserved communities. A martial artist and distiller, he thrives on pushing boundaries—whether in cybersecurity, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or award-winning spirits. With 20+ years at McAfee, Unisys, and others, his true success lies in empowering others to grow, believing, “You are only as good as what you do next.”

Chris Hilliard, Chief Executive Officer, Founding Member - Winnow Solutions

​Chris Hilliard, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Member of Winnow, leads a team revolutionizing how financial institutions and lenders navigate state and federal regulatory requirements through an innovative online application that tailors surveys and searches to users’ specific business needs. With over 20 years of experience in consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage lending and banking, he is a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), and a California Licensed Life, Accident & Health Agent. Hilliard has held executive roles managing compliance, risk, litigation, and product development and is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance compliance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Darlyne Keller, President/CEO - Rock Valley Credit Union

​Darlyne Keller is President/CEO of Rock Valley Credit Union, where she applies over 25 years of experience in financial services to drive growth and transform organizational cultures. Her passion lies in fostering positive, engaging work environments by developing and aligning talent for specific business results. She has initiated innovative technological solutions, tailored to the unique needs of the organization, which have significantly improved processes and strengthened employee and member engagement. Darlyne has successfully guided teams through cultural transformations, turning resistant environments into vibrant, thriving organizations. Darlyne holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Organizational Development from Upper Iowa University. She is SHRM-CP and PHR certified, and is skilled in various human relations systems, including EQi, Motivators, Predictive Index, and the CQ® System for Change Intelligence®.

Chase Larson, EVP and Chief Lending Officer - St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

​​Chase Larson, EVP & Chief Lending Officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, is a dynamic leader with nearly two decades of experience in finance, credit unions, and community banking. His expertise spans risk management, member business lending, and emerging areas like digital finance, crypto, and tokenized assets. As the driving force behind SCFCU’s digital asset strategy, he leads innovations like the CU-Digital Asset Vault, ensuring the credit union stays ahead in the evolving financial landscape. Chase also plays a pivotal role in launching key initiatives such as the Business Services Strategy, the SBA initiative, and the Extra Mile Loan Program. His leadership fosters a culture of growth and innovation, integrating lending products with fintech infrastructure like DaLand’s R Path to drive long-term success. Passionate about people development, he is committed to coaching and empowering his team, ensuring SCFCU remains adaptable and competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Ryan McEleney, Chief People & Culture Officer - American Eagle Financial Credit Union

​Ryan serves the team members and members of American Eagle Financial Credit Union in Connecticut as SVP, Chief People & Culture Officer.  His team spans Business Intelligence, DEI, Talent & Org Development, Process Excellence, and Total Rewards & People Ops functions.  Prior to joining the credit union movement in 2021, he spent nearly twenty years at a large regional bank.  He has a passion for the organization’s mission and the potential of harnessing people data to shape culture, sharing his learnings with peers throughout North America.  Ryan is a University of Connecticut graduate.  He is a Society of Human Resources (SHRM) Senior Certified Professional (SCP), Six Sigma Green Belt, and Development Educator (Best Class Ever 2024!). 

Matt Monge, Chief Experience & Strategy Officer - Missouri Central Credit Union

​Currently the Chief Experience Officer at Missouri Central Credit Union, Matt Monge is a recognized leader in strategy, branding, culture, and growth & transformation in the financial industry. A former Credit Union Times Trailblazer 40 Below honoree, he has spent nearly two decades as an executive, consultant, and speaker, helping organizations drive growth and change. His thought leadership has been featured in Training Magazine's Top 125, CU Insight, and Global Workforce Transformation's 'Top Future of Work Voices You Should Know.' Inc.com and Business Insider have cited his expertise-for just one word. His teams have won branding awards from CUES, CUNA, and MAC, including CUES Golden Mirror for Brand of the Year. A Mensa member and USA Basketball Gold Certified Coach, Matt holds a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University and according to his kids makes a mean PB&J.

Michael Ogden, Editor in Chief - Credit Union Times

​Since 2016, Michael Ogden has served as Editor-in-Chief of CU Times, leading its transition to an all-digital, data-driven publication. Under his leadership, CU Times developed a proprietary research database and expanded coverage on payments, fraud, lending, and regulations, using hard data to provide deeper industry insights. His work has helped credit union professionals navigate complex financial landscapes with greater clarity.  With a background in radio, TV, and digital media, Michael has launched exclusive video and podcast series, including a successful music festival interview series using social media and livestreaming. In 2024, he debuted "Shared Accounts With CU Times," a podcast that blends industry reporting with behind-the-scenes interviews of credit union and regulatory leaders shaping the future. His commitment to storytelling and innovation continues to push the industry forward.

Elizabeth Osborne, Chief Operations Officer - Great Lakes Credit Union

​Elizabeth Osborne is a seasoned operations and IT leader in the Credit Union and banking industries. She has held key roles, including CIO in Community Banking and M&A Business Integration, and was named one of American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions” in 2023 and 2024. As Chief Operations Officer at Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), she oversees Technology, Digital, Deposit Operations, Product Management, and PMO, driving strategy and efficiency. Her expertise spans risk management, data analysis, strategic planning, and fintech partnerships, fostering operational excellence and innovation. Elizabeth holds an MBA in Finance from Endicott College, a BS in Leadership from Northeastern University, and a DEI Certificate from Cornell University.

Chris Palumbo, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer - Citadel Credit Union

​​Chris Palumbo is the SVP & Chief Risk Officer at Citadel Credit Union in Exton, PA, overseeing risk management for 26 branches across southeastern Pennsylvania. Previously, he led risk, regulatory, and compliance consulting for financial institutions, fintechs, and cryptocurrency firms as Practice Leader at North Highland and Managing Director at KPMG. He also served nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and four years managing Fraud Prevention at JPMorgan Chase. At Capital One, he led acquisitions, compliance program development, and regulatory solutions. A former U.S. Marine Corps Captain, Chris holds a BA from Villanova University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. His extensive experience in regulatory supervision, consulting, and operational risk has made him a trusted leader in driving innovation and excellence in risk management. 

Raj Rathi, Chief Information Officer - Skyla Credit Union

​Raj Rathi, Chief Information Officer at Skyla Credit Union, is a forward-thinking technology leader dedicated to driving digital transformation and operational efficiency in the credit union industry. With extensive experience in technology, the financial industry, cloud computing, and AI, Raj has led groundbreaking initiatives, including a successful merger, the integration of a modern online banking platform, and the development of a cloud-native data warehouse with Power BI-enabled analytics. Under his leadership, Skyla has embraced AI-driven insights and streamlined cloud operations.  Raj is passionate about giving back to the credit union community and has conducted a hands-on AI workshop series . These AI sessions covered cutting-edge applications like vector databases, sentiment analysis, and AI-driven document processing. With extensive expertise in cloud optimization, data strategy, and regulatory compliance, Raj continues to redefine how credit unions leverage technology for cost-effective operations. 

Meggan Schwirtz, Chief Experience Officer - St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

Meggan Schwirtz has been the Chief Experience Officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union since 2022 and has worked in the credit union industry since 2009. She oversees SCFCU’s branches, Virtual Team, Marketing, Social Media, and Community Events teams while fostering a strong workplace culture. She also leads the Changemaker Award program, recognizing local heroes. Meggan holds a Psychology degree from Vennard College and serves as Finance Director for the Vennard College Alumni Association, a board member for the MN Crypto Council, and Lead Mentor for the Power of People Leadership Institute. She mentors in the 1-to-1 Woman Mentoring Program and was a "Big" with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. In 2024, she was named “Top Female CXO” by Women We Admire Magazine.

Thomas Sebok, Chief Commercial Banking Officer - Citadel Credit Union

​Thomas Sebok is the Chief Commercial Banking Officer at Citadel Credit Union, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial services. Previously, he was Executive Director - Business Banking at JP Morgan Chase, overseeing business banking growth in Midtown Manhattan, the firm's most densely concentrated market. Before that, as EVP - Business Banking Territory Executive at PNC Bank, he led 317 employees across 15 states, driving commercial growth, client acquisition, and relationship expansion.  At Citadel, Tom will focus on strengthening business partnerships and fostering financial growth in local communities. His expertise in business banking, strategy, and customer experience aligns with Citadel’s mission. He holds an MBA from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business and a BA from Montclair State. His leadership and innovation have consistently driven operational success and customer loyalty.

Jason Tilley, Chief Information Officer - 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union

Jason Tilley is an accomplished technology executive with over 30 years of credit union IT experience and a strong track record of strategic leadership in financial services. As CIO at 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union, he shapes the organization's technology vision, ensures operational excellence, and drives digital transformation. His expertise spans IT governance, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance. Jason also hosts The Knowledge Stack, a podcast exploring finance and technology trends. Previously, he held executive IT leadership roles at ABNB and Picatinny Federal Credit Unions, leading enterprise-wide IT modernization and infrastructure development. His dedication to innovation, operational efficiency, and mentorship has made him a trusted leader in financial technology. Jason remains committed to helping institutions leverage technology for secure, efficient, and member-centric services.

Christine West, Senior Managing Partner, Financial & Professional Services - Info-Tech

​Christine West is the Senior Managing Partner, Financial & Professional Services in Info-Tech’s Executive Services, bringing over 20 years of experience in Wealth Management and Life Insurance. Previously, as VP of Wealth Management & Insurance at Canada Life, she led a 300+ person team focused on technology strategy and service delivery. Christine played a key role in a $100M+ systems modernization program, migrating 15 legacy back-office systems, improving operational efficiency, security, and digital capabilities. At Manulife Financial, as AVP of Contact Center Technology, Christine implemented AI/ML/RPA solutions, including natural language IVR, voice biometrics, and speech analytics, enhancing self-service capabilities and data-driven decision-making. She has deep expertise in data analytics, anti-money laundering & terrorist financing systems, and large-scale digital transformation programs.