Madison, WI (February 27, 2025) |
Filene Research Institute is proud to welcome 23 of the credit union industry's brightest minds into Wave 21 of the i3 program—an elite, two-year innovation leadership experience designed to develop the next generation of changemakers.
Since its inception, Filene’s i3 program has equipped top credit union professionals with the mindset, tools, and network needed to drive meaningful innovation in the industry. The newest cohort will tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing credit unions today, collaborating to design, test, and scale solutions that strengthen financial services for all.
“Filene’s i3 program continues to be a beacon of innovation and leadership within the credit union industry. By equipping these talented professionals with the tools, mindset, and network to think forward and change lives, we are not only shaping the future of financial services but also ensuring that credit unions remain at the forefront of delivering exceptional value to their members,” said Filene’s President & CEO, Mark Meyer. “I am excited to see the transformative impact that Wave 21 will bring to our industry.”
Joining the ranks of over 380 credit union industry leaders already within the Filene i3 community are:
- Zamarr Allen, Bethpage Federal Credit Union
- Gabrielle Ayeni, Golden 1 Credit Union
- Carlos Campuzano, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
- Kathleen Cook, Velera
- Jeffrey Crofts, Westerra Credit Union
- Remie Cruz, Wright-Patt Credit Union
- Dustin Daniels, Loyalty Credit Union
- Stephanie Harney, Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Erik Hawkins, Redwood Credit Union
- Caitlin Hickman, University of Michigan Credit Union
- Mary Kenosian, Financial Plus Credit Union
- Ireen Latimer, Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Danijel Ljuna, Suncoast Credit Union
- Keili McEwen, Tinker Federal Credit Union
- Ryan Nong, Millennium Corporate Credit Union
- Chris Rogers, Origence
- Taurean Seib, Coastal Community
- Adam Sobeck, 4Front Credit Union
- Raegan Walker, Air Academy Credit Union
- Emily Walton, Royal Credit Union
- Jessica Watson, Bethpage Federal Credit Union
- Justin Webb, Commonwealth Credit Union
- Nick Whiting, Chartway Federal Credit Union
Through this cohort-based program, participants collaborate in cross-functional teams to explore and address some of credit unions’ biggest issues. By engaging the diverse perspectives of members, staff, stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to co-create new solutions, participants learn skills essential for facilitating innovation. Through the process of exploring and iterating new ideas to gain insight, reduce risk, and validate solutions, participants become experienced at accelerating learning. Finally, mobilizing people and resources to inspire action is practiced for leading change.
"Being selected for i3 is the most exciting accomplishment in my credit union career,” stated Remie Cruz, Director of Innovation and Automation at Wright-Patt Credit Union. “I'm looking forward to connecting with a group of like-minded, forward-thinking leaders who share the vision of shaping the next generation of our industry. The opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, build lasting relationships, and bring back learnings to my credit union is invaluable. This journey will undoubtedly pay dividends for years to come, personally and professionally."
Being selected for Filene’s i3 program is more than just an achievement—it’s a transformational opportunity for both participants and their organizations. Over the next two years, these 23 leaders will gain cutting-edge innovation skills, collaborate with top industry minds, and tackle real-world challenges facing credit unions today. Through hands-on projects, exclusive research insights, and a powerful network of peers and mentors, i3 participants will develop the tools and confidence to drive meaningful change. For their organizations, this means direct access to forward-thinking strategies, tested innovations, and a leader who is prepared to shape the future of financial services in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape. View the findings from last year's i3 teams and their creative solutions for addressing issues like converting indirect members, providing financial tools for Gen Z and harnessing the power of generative AI.
“This incredible opportunity fills me with pride and excitement as I look forward to contributing to the creation of innovative and life-changing solutions for members within the credit union landscape,” said Stephanie Harney, VP of Member Care, Chartway Federal Credit Union. “The chance to bring ideations to life is a dream, and I am especially enthusiastic about the collaborative possibilities that this journey promises. The vibrant exchange of ideas and expertise with professionals across the credit union space, including FinTech innovators, new partnerships, and seasoned experts, is truly inspiring."
The new i3 cohort begins a two-year development journey following Filene’s GAC Breakfast next week, and will present progress-to-date to the credit union industry at Filene’s big.bright.minds. in December. Join us on 3/12 (part one) and 3/13 (part two) where i3 graduates from waves 19 and 20 will share their prototypes that they’ve been building and testing to address the biggest challenges facing credit unions and their members.