Independent think tank Filene Research Institute, based out of Madison, Wisc., announced 16 credit union executives have been accepted into its i³ innovation program, which is designed to increase innovation within the credit union movement. Each member will serve a two-year term that begins at Filene's Big Bright Minds event in October at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
According to Filene, the i³ program has saved consumers millions of dollars and brought new efficient methods to CUs. This new cohort will focus on prototype testing and implementation under Andrew Downin, managing director of innovation at Filene, the research institute said.
"Testing prototypes for desirability and scalability are equally critical steps in the innovation process," Downin said in a statement issued by Filene. "Added rigor around our new build cycle to allow further prototype testing will help ensure new innovations can be successfully implemented to solve the problems they were designed to address."
The i³ program accepts fewer than 20% of applicants; those accepted are expected to pilot two new ideas in their credit unions, attend two national meetings per year and participate in regular group work.
"Working with the talented and passionate people involved with i3 has re-energized me to continue my journey of being a champion for credit unions. Filene i3 is important to the credit union movement and I look forward to what the future classes create," said Jason Dietz, current i³ member and VP of electronic delivery/deposit support operations at Indiana-based Heritage Federal Credit Union.
The new members of the i³ program are:
• Michael Atkinson - G&F Financial Group, Vice President Wealth Management
• Amanda Basel - Christian Financial Credit Union, Deposit Operations Manager
• Nicole Bowen - Fairfax County Federal Credit Union, Vice President - Information Technology, Compliance, and Facilities
• David Cic - Westerra Credit Union, VP ERM & Compliance
• Lauren Culp - True North Federal Credit Union, Business Lending Associate
• Chris Cummins - Redwood Credit Union, Remote Delivery Manager
• Jeremy Daggs- Red Crown Federal Credit Union, VP of Marketing
• Tiffany Halfon - Smart Financial Credit Union, Director of Foundations
• Justin Kautz – PSCU, VP of Accounting and Finance
• Tara McQuillen - Discovery Federal Credit Union, Director of Marketing
• Michael Mikkelson - Educators Credit Union, Chief Information Officer
• Josh Sidell - Verity Credit Union, Sales Manager
• Gabe Ulloa - Kern Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist
• Melissa Vigil - Northwest Community Credit Union, Chief Administrative Officer
• Kelly Wagner-Grull - Credit Union of Colorado, Director of Operations
• Polina Yakusheva - Fitzsimons Federal Credit Union, VP Marketing & Business Development
