A CU Seat at the Table

America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Kathleen Coulombe joins the show in her first week on the job to discuss what led her to credit unions, her experience in advocacy, and her approach to influence policymaking. In the show Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Kathleen Coulombe, Chief Advocacy Officer, America’s Credit Unions Resources Get involved with advocacy efforts Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions View our 2026 events lineup Check out more on Federal Home Loan Banks Guest Bio Kathleen Coulombe is the Chief Advocacy Officer of America’s Credit Unions. She joined the association from the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), where she served as Senior Vice President, Federal Relations, leading engagement on a broad range of public policy issues impacting financial security. Previously, she oversaw ACLI’s retirement security portfolio as Vice President and Principal Deputy of Federal Relations.  Earlier in her career, Kathleen held roles spanning state and federal government and association advocacy, including positions with the Nevada Governor’s Office, the Department of Defense, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where she managed federal tax, retirement, and benefits policy.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University. Kathleen is the Immediate-Past President of Women in Government Relations and has served on multiple boards. She lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband and four children.

Leading pollsters Brock McCleary and Keith Frederick join the show to talk about a recent consumer survey’s findings and how credit unions can leverage the data to create influence.  In this episode Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Brock McCleary. Owner, Harper Polling Keith Frederick, Owner, FrederickPolls Resources Check out the survey Register for Congressional Caucus and GAC 2027 Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions View the rest of our 2026 events lineup 

All of the keynote speakers from the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference join the podcast to talk about leadership, culture, storytelling, trends, and more.In this episode Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Kindra Hall, Wall Street Journal bestselling author; former Chief Storytelling Officer, SUCCESS Magazine Brené Brown, research professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant, organizational psychologist at Wharton, bestselling author of Think Again, and host of the podcasts WorkLife and Re:Thinking Rohit Bhargava, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, trend curator, and host of the Non-Obvious Show podcast Resources Check out a recent New York Times article on Brown and Grant’s relationship Register for Congressional Caucus and GAC 2027 Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions View the rest of our 2026 events lineup

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) Chief Engagement Officer Ami Iceman joins the show to talk about how MSUFCU serves younger generations. She also discusses trends she sees with younger generations and provides insight into how credit unions can best serve them. In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Ami Iceman, Chief Experience Officer, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union Resources View credit union stories on the America’s Credit Unions Blog Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions View our 2026 events lineup Guest Bio Ami Iceman joined Michigan State University Federal Credit (MSUFCU) in 2019 where she serves as Chief Experience Officer. A committed mentor, Iceman oversees over 115 employees across the Digital Experience, User Experience, eServices, Marketing, and Research Departments. She leads her teams through the rapidly changing digital landscape forming critical alignments with the Innovation and Digital Service teams. Iceman thrives on finding creative ways to move concepts to reality resulting in an enhanced member experience across all digital channels. Through her leadership, she has helped MSUFCU surpass $8 Billion in assets and serve over 386,000 members.

Visionary partner DDJ Myers Senior Vice President Peter Myers joins the podcast to talk about credit union governance and leadership. Myers discusses the relationship between credit union boards and executive leadership, governance challenges credit unions face, succession planning, and more. In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Peter Myers, Senior Vice President, DDJ Myers Resources DDJ Myers

In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Ann Petros, Vice President of Policy Engagement and Credit Union Operations, America's Credit Unions Marilyn Barker, Head of Compliance, America's Credit Unions  Resources Check out our Compliance Blog Reach out to our Compliance Team for assistance with federal compliance issues Read summaries of regulations Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions  Register for GAC and view our 2026 events lineup Guest Bios Ann Petros serves as Vice President of Policy Engagement & Credit Union Operations at America’s Credit Unions. In her role, she oversees the association’s grassroots and state policy and compliance teams. Petros also leads the association's legal advocacy, managing all litigation matters. Previously, Petros served as Head of Regulatory Advocacy, leading the association’s advocacy to federal agencies, including the National Credit Union Administration and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Petros has also worked at a law firm focused on complex commercial litigation.  Petros is a George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School graduate and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Binghamton University. Petros is active in the Young Lawyers Division of the Virginia Bar Association and the American Bar Association.  Marilyn Barker is currently the Head of Compliance for America’s Credit Unions. With over 30 years of experience in the banking and payments sector, Barker has represented many financial service companies in their legal and regulatory compliance matters, including fintechs involved in banking, global money services businesses (including remittance, prepaid, as well as virtual and digital currency companies), as well as payments processing.  Barker served as an enforcement attorney in the Division of Banking Supervision with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and a senior attorney with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission. Most notably, Barker also served as a project officer with FinCEN’s Office of Regulatory Policy and Programs Division and as a team leader for money services businesses and prepaid card industry matters. Also in that capacity, Barker provided guidance and developed policy for the administration of the BSA and AML regulations for financial institutions. She frequently lectured to foreign delegations from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America on the U.S. regulation of money services businesses and informal value transfer systems from an AML and counter-terrorism financing perspective. Barker also served as a U.S. delegate to the Financial Action Task Force, an international body that develops and promotes policies designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Counter-Terrorism Financing Workshop in Melbourne, Australia. 

America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson joins the podcast to discuss the organization’s 2026 advocacy priorities. Simpson also details conversations he’s had with industry leaders, how those shaped the advocacy priorities, and what success will look like. In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Scott Simpson, President/CEO, America’s Credit Unions Resources Dive into our 2026 priorities Register for GAC Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions View our 2026 events lineup Guest Bio Scott Simpson is the president/CEO of America’s Credit Unions, a national trade organization representing the unified voice of the credit union movement and the 144 million members it serves.  Scott has served for more than 22 years in the credit union movement, including leading Utah’s Credit Unions, California’s Credit Unions, and Nevada’s Credit Unions. He is inspired by the power of credit unions to change people’s financial lives and holds a lifelong belief in the power of not-for-profit financial cooperatives. His mission at America’s Credit Unions is to energize and amplify the life-changing impact credit unions create every day, while also enhancing credit unions’ bipartisan appeal among elected officials and policymakers in Washington, D.C. Scott has served on the boards of America’s Credit Unions (and legacy organization CUNA) and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. He also chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), and the National Advocacy Fund. Prior to joining the credit union movement, Scott worked on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch, and led the Utah Republican Party. A Utah native, Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Japanese from Weber State University and is an instrument-rated private pilot. 

Lending partners from America’s Credit Unions’ Visionary program join the podcast to talk about the state of lending and how credit unions can help the modern American. LendKey discussed student lending, AI, and digital banking. FICO talked about credit scores and inclusive lending. Open Lending addressed serving the underserved and maintaining a personal touch in a digital world.In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit UnionsRyan Giffin, Senior Vice President of Client Success, LendKeyGigi Ligons, Director of Scores Client Services, FICOMatt Sather, Chief Underwriting Officer, Open LendingResources LendKeyFICO, Lenders Leading Financial Inclusion ProgramOpen Lending

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union President and CEO Jed Meyer discusses the credit union’s work to release the first credit union-issued stablecoin. He also highlights the value of stablecoins and digital assets, where the regulations may be headed, and why it’s important for credit unions to consider these emerging technologies. In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Jed Meyer, President and CEO, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union Resources Our letter to NCUA on digital asset custody Our stance: Technology and Emerging Issues Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unionsView our 2026 events lineup Guest Bio Jed Meyer is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in banking and credit unions. Since 2014, he has served as President & CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU), leading the institution through more than 350 percent organic growth while maintaining its mission-driven, people-first culture. His expertise in strategic planning, lending, and fintech innovation has positioned SCFCU as an industry leader in digital transformation and community impact. 

Navy Federal Credit Union Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security Carrie Foran Sepulveda joins the podcast to talk about an issue on the minds of credit union leaders across the country: fraud. In this episode, we cover how Navy Federal Credit Union fights it, and what the future of fighting fraud looks like. In this episode  Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit Unions  Carrie Foran Sepulveda, Vice President of Fraud and Physical Security, Navy Federal Credit Union Resources Best practices for fighting fraud  Policy issue breakdown: fraud prevention Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions Guest Bios Carrie Foran Sepulveda serves as the Vice President of Security Strategy at Navy Federal Credit Union, where she leads the strategic direction for Fraud and Physical Security for Navy Federal's nearly 15 million members. Her team is pivotal in making decisions related to technology, operations, and investments to protect against a diverse range of threats. Carrie joined Navy Federal Credit Union in 2012, having previously held leadership roles in Lending and Membership before transitioning to the Security Department. Prior to her tenure at Navy Federal, she taught Algebra in Hawaii as a Teach for America Corps Member. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. 

In this episodeAnthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit UnionsGordon Holzberg, Legislative Advocacy Director, America’s Credit UnionsKeili McEwen, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Tinker Federal Credit UnionSarah Wainscott, President/CEO, The Wisconsin Credit Union LeagueResourcesRegister to join us at Congressional Caucus September 7 – 9Visit our one-stop shop for credit union advocacy resourcesSubscribe to our YouTube for our Economic UpdateStay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unionsGuest BiosGordon Holzberg currently serves as Legislative Advocacy Director for America’s Credit Unions. Prior to joining America’s Credit Unions, Gordon served as Legislative Director for Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and then Emilia Sykes (D-OH), where he specialized in drafting, introducing, and advancing bipartisan legislation – including laws that secured $8 billion in funding for affordable housing construction and $150 million for infrastructure investments in HBCUs. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.Keili McEwen serves as Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma’s largest credit union. In this role, she leads all state and federal advocacy, legislative strategy, and political engagement on behalf of the $6 billion financial institution. With more than two decades of experience in public policy, political strategy, and coalition building, Keili brings a forward-thinking approach to influence rooted in principle and purpose. A trailblazer in credit union advocacy, she was the first in-house lobbyist for a not-for-profit financial institution in Oklahoma. Her leadership has helped shape the future of credit union policy while ensuring the voices of members and mission-driven institutions are effectively represented in government. Keili serves on America’s Credit Unions National Advocacy Committee and is an ACUPAC trustee. She is also active with the Defense Credit Union Council, the Cornerstone Credit Union League, and the Oklahoma Credit Union Association.Sarah Wainscott has served The Wisconsin Credit Union League for 15 years through various advocacy roles, culminating in the start of her tenure as President & CEO in January 2025. Her experience and expertise include lobbying, grassroots advocacy, political fundraising, and serving as Wisconsin credit unions' spokesperson on policy with legislators and regulators in Madison & Washington, D.C. She has helped pass bills updating credit union statutes, requiring financial literacy credits for high school graduation, and permitting prize-linked-savings programs while also preventing the introduction or serious consideration of harmful proposals. Sarah serves as a member of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists' board of directors, the inaugural Advocacy Committee for the American Association of Credit Union Leagues, and the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy and Capability. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication arts and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Five Star Credit Union President/CEO Bob Steensma discusses how his credit union has purchased banks over the years and his takeaways from the acquisitions. Bob also touches on the market forces at play, system conversions, and the importance of community-centered financial services.In this episodeAnthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit UnionsBob Steensma, President/CEO, Five Star Credit UnionResourcesWhy community banks increasingly choose credit unions as buyers Banks selling to credit unions is worthwhile collaborationRegister for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional CaucusStay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unionsGuest BioBob Steensma has served as President/CEO of Five Star Credit Union since June 2007, leading the organization through a period of transformational growth and strategic expansion. Under his leadership, Five Star has grown from 7 branches and $140 million in assets to 29 branches and more than $1.2 billion in assets, establishing itself as a leading financial institution in the region.Bob has successfully guided the credit union through four bank acquisitions, ranging in size from $16 million to $180 million in assets, significantly broadening Five Star’s market presence and service capabilities. Headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, Five Star now proudly serves over 68,000 members across 42 counties throughout southeast Alabama and South Georgia.

Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union CEO Teri Robinson details her experience turning a struggling credit union into 10-fold growth in 15 years. Teri also provides actionable insights ahead of strategic planning season for credit unions looking to grow their assets.In this episode Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit UnionsTeri Robinson, CEO, Ironworkers USA Federal Credit UnionResourcesTeri’s Story – Herb Wegner Memorial Award NCUA resources – CAMELS rating Register for the Strategic Growth Conference and Congressional Caucus Don’t Tax My Credit Union (Social Media Toolkit and fast facts) Stay up to date on the latest news affecting credit unions Guest BioTeri Robinson is the CEO of Ironworkers USA Federal Credit Union, formerly known as Pacific Northwest Ironworkers Federal Credit Union, a $135 million and growing credit union based in Portland, Oregon. With 37 years of experience in the credit union industry, Teri began her career as a teller and rose through the ranks through strong leadership, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to members.   

Credit union industry leaders join America’s Credit Unions Chief Membership and Engagement Officer Anthony Demangone to talk about the importance of grassroots advocacy and their experience engaging in the Don’t Tax My Credit Union campaign.In this episodeAnthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America's Credit UnionsAmy Brodersen, President/CEO, Family Focus Federal Credit UnionMichael Wilson, President & CEO, Members 1st Federal Credit UnionScott Simpson, President and CEO, California, Nevada, and Utah Credit Union LeaguesResourcesDon’t Tax My Credit UnionMember Activation ProgramGrassroots Action CenterProject Zip CodeThe latest news affecting credit unionsGuest BiosAmy Brodersen is a passionate credit union advocate with more than 33 years in the movement. She began her career as a teller/clerk in 1990 and has served as President/CEO of Family Focus Federal Credit Union since 2006. Throughout her career, Amy has remained deeply committed to advancing the credit union philosophy of people helping people—especially for small credit unions and the members they serve. She currently serves on the boards of the Nebraska Credit Union League (NCUL), Cooperative Solutions Group (CSG), and the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA), which she co-founded with 12 other amazing women CEOs. Amy also serves as Nebraska’s America’s Credit Unions Advocacy Trustee and was recently appointed to America’s Credit Union Advocacy Committee, where she now chairs the Legislative Sub-Committee.Michael Wilson has a passion for people and entrepreneurial thinking and over 20 years of senior leadership experience. As President & CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Wilson guides the credit union’s mission to serve its members, associates and communities through support, empowerment and meaningful relationships. Prior to his current role with Members 1st, Wilson served as a Cabinet official at the state level and went on to spend many years growing local businesses and organizations. He then brought his strong business and leadership background to Members 1st in July of 2016 as vice president of relationship management and has held several leadership roles within the credit union.Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues & Utah Credit Union Association, made history in 2003 as the youngest President and CEO of Utah’s Credit Unions. Before his transformative tenure in the credit union sector, Scott built his political expertise advising candidates and campaigns at various government levels including serving as a senior advisor to a U.S. senator in Washington, D.C. Scott has deeply engaged with the national credit union movement, serving on the Board of Directors of America’s Credit Unions since 2022 and teaching advocacy at the Western CUNA Management School since 2017. His industry involvement includes chairing the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), the National Political Action Committee (PAC), the National Advocacy Fund, and serving nearly a decade on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), including a term as chair. He also chaired AACUL’s System Evolution Workgroup, contributing to a report on the evolving landscape of political advocacy within the credit union movement.

National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Lauren Culp joins the show to emphasize the power of storytelling and the value it provides credit unions. In this episodeAnthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America’s Credit Unions Lauren Culp, Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) Resources National Credit Union Foundation Don’t Tax My Credit Union Herb Wegner Memorial Award Guest bioLauren Culp is the Executive Director at the National Credit Union Foundation. An accomplished speaker and facilitator, Lauren presents to audiences of all sizes on a variety of topics including financial well-being, community impact, innovation, leadership, and storytelling. Prior to joining the National Credit Union Foundation, Lauren served for over 5 years as President & CEO at CUInsight.com. Before CUInsight, Lauren led the national Cooperative Trust program at the Filene Research Institute, the non-profit think-tank for credit unions. Lauren started her career at True North Federal Credit Union in Juneau, Alaska. Lauren is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and Filene i3 program alum. An avid traveler, no matter where on the globe she is, you’ll likely find Lauren with a cup of coffee in hand. 

Host Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer, America’s Credit Unions Guests Mike Krzyzewski, Head Men's Basketball Coach (1980 – 2022), Duke University Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley Resources Lead to Win by Carla Harris Coach K’s Website America’s Credit Unions Events Guest Bios Mike Krzyzewski, or Coach K, is one of the most recognizable figures in the realm of leadership and team dynamics. His storied career, marked by a legacy of unparalleled success, exemplifies how strategic vision and unwavering commitment can inspire teams to achieve success far beyond expectations. His methods transcend sports, providing a blueprint for leaders in any field who seek to unite and empower people around a common goal. His emphasis on cultivating a culture of trust and proactive communication mirrors the qualities necessary for impactful advocacy and community leadership.  Carla Harris’ trailblazing career at the highest levels make her a powerful source of inspiration for credit union leaders. Known for her strategic insight and fearless approach, Carla has consistently shown how embracing one’s unique strengths can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her influence and wisdom on leadership will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations. Carla’s forward-thinking perspective will challenge leaders to lead with purpose, foster collaboration that builds resilience, and lean into the unique strengths of their institution to drive impact. 

TruStage Vice President of Corporate and Legislative Affairs Alane Dent and America's Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt offer insights into the credit union tax status and how to preserve it.Host Anthony Demangone, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer Guests Alane Dent, TruStage, Vice President of Corporate and Legislative Affairs Carrie Hunt, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Advocacy Officer Resources donttaxmycreditunion.org America’s Credit Unions Advocacy Priorities Guest Bios Alane Dent is a nationally recognized advocate with over twenty years of experience spearheading legislative and communication strategies on behalf of consumers and the financial services industry. Mrs. Dent currently serves as Vice-President, Corporate and Legislative Affairs, at TruStage, a financial services company that provides product and service solutions to credit unions and retail customers.  She advocates before federal and state legislatures, regulatory authorities, trade associations, and stakeholder coalitions on behalf of the credit union and life insurance industries to benefit consumers. Mrs. Dent previously founded and led Dent Strategies, a boutique government relations firm specializing in federal and state advocacy. The firm developed and implemented comprehensive legislative, coalition, and communications strategies. The firm also advised corporations and nonprofits on strategic planning initiatives designed to translate mission and value statements into action. Carrie Hunt is Chief Advocacy Officer for America’s Credit Unions. In this role, she leads the organization’s advocacy strategy and relentless efforts to elevate credit union priorities. Hunt has 20 years of experience in consumer finance and financial services law, credit union regulations, and association lobbying, and most recently served as President and CEO of the Virginia Credit Union League.  

America’s Credit Union’s President and CEO Jim Nussle joins A CU Seat at the Table to welcome you to this new podcast and discuss the importance of a unified voice ahead of the industry's largest advocacy event, the Governmental Affairs Conference.Host Anthony Demangone, America’s Credit Unions, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer Guest Jim Nussle, America’s Credit Unions, President and CEO Resources Join Us | America's Credit Unions   Resource Library | America's Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference 2025 | America's Credit Unions Guest Bio Jim Nussle is President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions, leading the organization’s efforts to protect, empower, and advance credit unions and their more than 140 million members. Nussle served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-2007, representing Iowa. From 2001-2006, he served as chairman of the House Budget Committee. In 2007, President George W. Bush nominated him as the 36th director of Office of Management and Budget.