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April Clobes appointed as Board Chair of Filene Research Institute

Filene thanks outgoing Chair Keith Sultemeier, as new executive leadership positions named.

MADISON, WI (February 20, 2024) — Filene Research Institute, the credit union industry’s premier consumer finance think tank, proudly announces the appointment of April Clobes to Chair of the Board of Directors. Joining her in executive leadership positions appointed during Filene’s January board meeting are Ty Muse as Vice Chair and Kevin Johnson as Treasurer.

April Clobes, President and CEO at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, assumes the role of Board Chair as an established leader with a distinguished career in the financial sector. With a proven track record of innovation and strategic vision, Clobes is poised to steer Filene toward the continued growth of its impact on credit unions and consumer financial wellbeing.

“I am honored to lead Filene’s Board and contribute to its impactful mission,” said Clobes. “Together with our esteemed colleagues, we will continue to advance innovation and drive positive change through research-driven solutions within the credit union industry.”

Ty Muse, President and CEO at Visions Federal Credit Union, will serve as Vice Chair, leveraging his extensive background in credit union management to support Filene’s objectives. Kevin Johnson, President and CEO at Suncoast Credit Union, brings his financial acumen and strategic insight to the role of Treasurer, ensuring Filene’s fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

“Filene plays a vital role in shaping the future of consumer finance, and I look forward to serving in a leadership capacity alongside April and the board to further its mission and impact,” said Muse.

Filene’s full Administrative Board brings a wealth of experience and expertise to guide its mission of driving change through research, innovation, and collaboration with a focus on empowering credit unions and their members.

In addition to the executive team, Filene Board Members include:

  • Patty Campbell, President and CEO at Christian Financial Credit Union
  • Bill Cheney, CEO at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
  • Lily Newfarmer, President and CEO at Tarrant County’s Credit Union
  • Mike Schenk, Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Policy Analysis & Chief Economist at America’s Credit Unions
  • Keith Sultemeier, President and CEO at Kinecta Federal Credit Union
  • Tonita Webb, CEO at Verity Credit Union

Jim Hayes, President and CEO at State Department FCU, and Tammy Schultz, President, Preplanning Solutions and SVP, B2B Sales at TruStage, serve as Advisory Members, enriching Filene’s leadership with their diverse perspectives and insights.

Filene extends its gratitude to Keith Sultemeier for his time as Board Chair, and for his dedication, leadership, and contributions to the organization’s success as he continues to serve on the Board.Top of Form

“We are immensely grateful to Keith for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication as Board Chair. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have propelled Filene’s mission forward,” said Filene President and CEO Mark Meyer. “Keith pushes us to constantly heighten the relevance of our body of work and ensure findings are effectively communicated so that more credit unions can activate and accelerate their impact. We extend our heartfelt thanks for his invaluable contributions and look forward to building upon his legacy.”

For more on Filene’s Administrative Board, visithttps://www.filene.org/about/our-people#section-administrative-board.


About Filene Research Institute

Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and incubation, on a mission to improve consumer financial well-being. With cutting-edge insights, innovative solution testing, advisory and custom support, and connections formed through events and communities, Filene helps credit unions think forward and change lives.

Contacts

Armand Parvazi
Chief Administrative & Development Officer
AP@noffcu.org
504.889.9076

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