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.

​Chris Colson, Payments Expert - Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Chris Colson, Payments Expert at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, is a visionary leader with extensive experience in payments, financial services, and emerging technologies. Renowned for his expertise in alternative payment systems, digital assets, and risk management, Chris has a proven track record of designing and scaling innovative solutions that address industry challenges. A co-founder of a successful startup and a graduate of Georgia Tech’s prestigious Flashpoint accelerator program, he also holds several patents for groundbreaking identity and payment solutions.
Chris is an influential thought leader, contributing to the industry through research, publications, and active regulatory engagement. He has led cross-functional teams to integrate customer insights, market trends, and cutting-edge technologies into transformative business strategies.  With an MBA from Jacksonville University and a BS in International Finance from Florida State University, Chris combines academic expertise with practical experience, making him a dynamic force in shaping the future of payments and financial innovation.

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.

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

​Chris Palumbo is the Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Citadel Credit Union in Exton, PA, overseeing risk management for 26 branches across southeastern Pennsylvania. Before Citadel, he led risk, regulatory, and compliance consulting for financial institutions, fintechs, and cryptocurrency firms as a Practice Leader at North Highland Company and Managing Director at KPMG. He also served nine years as a Supervisory Officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and four years managing Fraud Prevention at JPMorgan Chase. Earlier, Chris held key risk roles at Capital One, where he led major initiatives including acquisitions, compliance program development, and regulatory solutions. A former Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Villanova University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Chris’s extensive experience spans regulatory supervision, strategic consulting, and operational risk, making him a seasoned leader in navigating complex financial landscapes. His leadership has consistently driven innovation and excellence in risk management across diverse financial sectors.

​Allison Videtti, Chief Marketing Officer - Empeople Credit Union

​Allison Videtti is an experienced marketing executive, with nearly 15 years’ experience in financial services marketing. Currently, she is the Chief Marketing Officer at Empeople Credit Union, a digital-first credit union that serves members across the U.S.
In her decade of credit union service, she has held a variety of marketing leadership roles at both large and mid-size organizations and led marketing, brand, member experience, data transformation, and agile transformation initiatives.  Prior to her time in credit unions, Videtti worked in sales, and held various roles at marketing agencies supporting financial services, data, and analytics companies. She holds an undergraduate degree from Northeastern Illinois University and is working on her MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, with a concentration in corporate innovation.