Learning Labs

EXCEL 25, the Association's Annual Meeting & Convention, is scheduled for June 12-15 at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY! Come join your fellow credit union professionals and volunteers with four days of learning, networking, inspiration and relaxation!

 

Friday, June 13, 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Alloya Corporate FCU

Session Title: Investing in a Volatile World: The Comprehensive Approach to Fixed Income Portfolio Strategy and Management - Session Handouts
Session Description:

Volatility in the fixed income and equity markets can make finding value a challenge for investors, but with the right tools and knowledge, credit unions can successfully create and maintain an optimized portfolio regardless of the current economic climate.

During this session, we will review the current economic backdrop and monetary and fiscal policy while discussing how credit unions can capitalize on what is expected to be a volatile environment. In addition, we will examine the current yield curve and explore the potential direction of short- and long-term interest rates while discussing optimal investment strategies for credit unions.

Speaker:

Gregory Perry, Institutional Fixed Income Sales Representative, Alloya Investment Services

Gregg has been in the financial solutions arena for more than 30 years, including joining Alloya Investment Services in 2005. As an Institutional Fixed Income Sales Representative, he collaborates directly with CEOs and CFOs to expand their available investment options and realize their balance sheet strategies. From fixed income investment options – including marketable securities – to brokered certificates, Gregg offers access to a wealth of resources. Credit union decision-makers regularly use his services, not only for their investment portfolio needs, but also to strengthen their overall balance sheet.

 

Prior to this, Gregg was an investment consultant in Empire Corporate FCU’s Investment Center, as well as a Senior Securities Consultant with MemberTrade Financial Group, LLC. Previously, Gregg worked for a major commercial bank, as well as a large investment-planning firm.

Gregg holds his M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany and his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan. In addition, he has taught classes as an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College. Gregg holds his Series 7 and 63 through ISI and his Series 65 through Alloya Investment Services.

 

Illuma

Session Title: Your Call Center is Protected with Voice Biometrics. What’s Next?

Session Description: The inbound call center is typically the initial use case for voice authentication at most credit unions since it addresses the greatest and most immediate fraud threat. Unfortunately, fraudsters attack other departments and can cause irreparable financial and reputational damage outside the contact center. The return on investment for voice authentication technology can be further accelerated by leveraging the technology to serve other areas and use cases at the credit union to improve security and user experience. These use cases include any channel with a voice interface including self-service channels like IVR / IVA, outbound calls for collections or marketing, digital banking support and consultations, and internal help desk use cases where employee identity needs to be verified. In this breakout session, we will showcase current and future innovations to protect credit unions, their employees, and their members against phone based fraud and breaches, and continue to keep every telephone interaction easy, quick, and secure.

Speakers:

Milind Borkar, Founder and CEO, Illuma

Dr. Milind Borkar is the Founder and CEO of Illuma, a CUSO specializing in real-time voice authentication and fraud prevention solutions for credit unions. Author of 14 technical publications and inventor on 21 patents, Dr. Borkar launched over 50 hi-tech products during his career with Texas Instruments prior to becoming a FinTech founder. He has been widely recognized as a leading innovator and has been named to the coveted AI 75 and Future 50 lists in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. He is the inventor behind Illuma’s flagship Illuma Shield platform that replaces traditional knowledge-based authentication in customer identity verification processes with an effortless and secure voice biometric solution, delivering an elevated user experience, enhanced security, and improved operational efficiency. Illuma Shield has been showcased at multiple premier FinTech events and recently won Best in Show at FinovateFall 2024 and CreditUnions.com 2024 Innovation Series.  Illuma Shield has also won awards from VentureTech and NACUSO.

 

Amy Travers, VP of Sales, Illuma

Amy Travers, VP of Sales at Illuma, specializes in advising financial institutions on fraud prevention and enhancing customer experience through voice biometric authentication.

 

PWCampbell

Session Title: Left Brain/Right Brain - Balancing the Art and Science for Success

Session Description: In this session, we will explore the critical benefits that a balanced approach, incorporating both right-brain and left-brain thinkers, brings to the overall design-build and branch transformation process. Understanding the complementary roles of analytical and creative thinking is essential for achieving overall success in projects that impact member satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the branch experience.

Speaker:

Glenn Grau, Executive Vice President, Sales, PWCampbell

As Executive Vice President of Sales and a member of PWCampbell’s Planning Committee, Glenn is charged with leading the business development team for the company and assisting clients through the re-imagination of their retail branch network. He also helps guide them through the construction process, from program and design development into post construction, ensuring quality and client satisfaction every step of the way.

 

A veteran banker himself, Glenn spent over 10 years in key management roles for Dollar Bank where he was responsible for twelve branch locations, managed 100 employees and oversaw assets of $2 billion.  This experience, combined with his extensive knowledge in the design-build arena, makes him an authority on branching. Working with hundreds of banks and credit unions to optimize their retail branch network and operations space over the past two decades has enabled him to speak to the latest branching trends, methods to revitalize branch networks for peak performance and profitability, and optimum space planning for operational efficiency and future growth.

 

Glenn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance, Management and Accounting, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and is licensed in commercial real estate. He is frequently asked to share his knowledge via speaking engagements with financial leagues and associations throughout the mid-Atlantic Region.

 

TruStage

Session Title: Technology is for Humans

Session Description:

Imagine a future where AI predicts financial needs, recommends the best product, compares providers, and fulfills requests instantly—all without a human touch. Fast, frictionless, automated—but also impersonal and bleak. The future of financial services doesn’t have to look like this. Technology should enable humans, not eliminate them. In this session, we’ll discuss:

• How the rapid rise of real-time payments, data accessibility, and AI could drive humans out of the loop - and what credit unions can do to maintain the value of the personal touch
• Why differentiation in financial services must go beyond technology and pricing.
• How credit unions can embrace technology that amplifies relationships—empowering staff to help members, not just process transactions.

 

Speaker:

 

Ward Howell, Head of Partnerships, Clutch

Ward Howell is a seasoned channel and partnerships leader at Clutch, the leading member onboarding platform for U.S. credit unions. In his current role, Ward drives the company’s channel management strategy, cultivating and expanding relationships with key partners such as TruStage and prominent state banking leagues.
 

With a career spanning multiple high-impact roles in the fintech sector, Ward brings deep expertise in building and scaling partner ecosystems. Prior to joining Clutch, he held leadership positions at RSA Security, Q2, and most recently Apiture, where he led channel business development initiatives that significantly extended market reach and partner engagement.
 

Ward is passionate about using technology to empower community financial institutions and help them thrive in a competitive landscape. He holds a BBA in International Business from the University of Georgia.

 

Friday, June 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

The Baker Group

Session Title: Optimizing Balance Sheet Performance in 2025 and Beyond - Session Handouts

Session Description: In today’s volatile economic landscape, credit unions face increasing pressure to manage their balance sheets effectively. This session will provide an in-depth look at key industry trends, emerging concerns, and proactive strategies for protecting margins. We’ll explore the challenges posed by shrinking net interest margins, liquidity management, and loan portfolio performance, while also discussing actionable approaches to balance sheet optimization, investment strategies, and risk mitigation. Attendees will learn what strategies have been working for NY CU’s to help improve the balance sheet and meet budget goals.

Speakers:

Greg Tomaszewicz, Managing Director, Sr. Financial Strategist, The Baker Group

Greg Tomaszewicz is a Managing Director, Sr. Financial Strategist with the Baker Group. For over 17 years, Greg has helped credit union clients across the country in evaluating their balance sheet risks and opportunities. In addition, he works to develop new analytics to aid those clients in meeting the challenges of an ever-changing economic environment. Greg takes a strategic and consultative approach with credit union executives where his areas of focus include balance sheet management, liquidity and loan strategies investment portfolio management and strategies, as well as education on all aspects of the balance sheet.

 

Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stony Brook University. He is a registered representative and general securities principal with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and holds his series 7, 63 and 66 licenses.

 

The Bonadio Group

Session Title: Strengthening Cybersecurity Oversight: A Board’s Guide for Financial Institutions - Session Handouts

Session Description: In this presentation, we will equip board members and management, with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively oversee cybersecurity efforts. Based on the memo the NCUA sent last fall regarding Board oversight, attendees will learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and the importance of embedding cybersecurity into the organizational culture. The session will cover key areas such as approving comprehensive information security programs, overseeing third-party vendor due diligence, ensuring robust incident response planning, and maintaining operational resilience. By integrating the specific guidelines from the memo, we will emphasize the unique aspects of cybersecurity oversight for credit unions, ensuring that board members are well-prepared to prioritize cybersecurity as a critical governance responsibility, safeguarding their institution's assets and maintaining trust with their members.

 Speaker:

Christopher Salone, Director at FoxPointe Solutions, the Cybersecurity Division of the Bonadio Group

Chris is a Director of The Bonadio Group’s FoxPointe Solutions Information Risk Management Division. Chris joined FoxPointe in June 2018. As part of the IRM division, Chris focuses on internal and external auditing of information technology and information security practices and controls at financial institutions. He specializes in regulatory compliance and guidance on the implementation of administrative, technical, and physical controls as part of an Institutions security program.

 

Christopher currently holds the following certifications:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor from ISACA (CISA)
• Certified Common Security Framework Practitioner (CCSFP)

 

Chris received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. John Fisher University (SJFU). He also received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from SJFU in May 2018. During his years at SJFU, Chris was a member of the golf team, and competed in two NCAA Division III National Championships.

 

Credit Union Investment Strategy Group

Session Title: Looking for Return in All the Right Places: Let’s Make an Investment Deal

Session Description: Just like the gameshow of the 1970’s – 2000’s you as a CU portfolio manager basically have three asset class choices…just like what is behind door Number 1, 2 or 3 on the show.   We will incorporate the current state of the yield curve, the three possible outcomes of future FOMC decisions and the effect on your potential investment choices.

 

In addition to our 2024 Report card: A review of our strategic advice from our EXCEL24 breakout session, we will be presenting a new approach for rescuing your underwater securities and turning them into a value added asset once again.

 Speaker:

Tobias Timm, Executive Director of Investments, Credit Union Investment Strategy Group of Oppenheimer & Co. 

Tobias Timm is an Executive Director—Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.  He has over 35 years of experience working exclusively with credit unions. Tobias received a Bachelor of Arts from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University. Through the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he achieved the advanced designation of Certified Investment Management Analyst™ (CIMA®). When he’s not serving clients, he can be found on the Pickleball courts or is biking along tree covered roads. He lives in East Lansing, MI with Linda, his wife of 40 years, after joyfully raising their three children Ariel, Noah, and Isaiah.

 

Doeren Mayhew

Session Title: Presidential Election Impact on Credit Union Regulatory Compliance and 2025 Forecast - Session Handouts

Session Description:

A seismic shift has taken place in financial institution regulatory compliance in 2025, and credit unions cannot escape the impact. Supreme Court decisions, as well as the election, dramatically changed the regulatory compliance landscape. Many of these changes are highly controversial and have evoked a significant response from both republicans and democrats. Your role in the credit union necessitates understanding both the political and compliance environment, as they are interrelated.

 

In this session, we’ll break down the specific changes that have already taken place, as well as the anticipated changes ahead. John Zasada will unveil how credit unions are impacted and what can be done to successfully navigate the changes. In addition, discover the highest potential compliance risk areas, violation costs and the likelihood of a penalty if the risks are not managed. Hear real stories of lawsuits and enforcement actions, and what could have been done/spent to avoid them. Walk away with a thorough understanding of the evolving compliance landscape and how it relates to the current political environment.

Speaker:

John Zasada, Principal, Doeren Mayhew

Leveraging over 30 years’ experience, John is committed to assisting financial institutions of all sizes in managing, prioritizing and strategizing regulatory compliance.

 

John’s true passion is making sense of regulatory compliance. He has dedicated his career to performing a diverse range of compliance engagements, including BSA, UDAAP, lending, operations and marketing. Committed to helping clients navigate an everchanging regulatory environment, John frequently helps establish regulatory compliance programs and management systems, as well as educate clients and firm staff on various regulations and regulatory trends. His leadership in overseeing the simplest to most complex compliance challenges, has solidified his position in the industry as a sought-after expert, speaker and author on the subject matter.

 

John’s profound expertise, combined with his legal background, empowers his clients to make well-informed decisions to help them avoid regulatory scrutiny and achieve compliance success.

 

Saturday, June 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Casap

Session Title: Credit Union’s Guide to First-Party Fraud: 3 Types of Data to Evaluate Risk**
Session Description: Over 100 million card disputes were filed in 2024, and each year a larger share is coming from cardholders who authorized the charge. This session is designed for credit union leaders managing disputes at scale. Learn how credit unions are using core banking, card network, and member intake data to separate first-party fraud from third-party fraud, winnable chargebacks from guaranteed losses, and truth-telling members from those abusing the system. By using data you already have, your staff can get the context they need to make smarter decisions, faster. You’ll walk away with a simple framework for identifying which cases to fight, which to refund, and which need more investigation—plus real-world examples to bring back to your team.

**This session is geared toward credit unions over $500 million in assets.

Speaker:

Tim Bulens, Director of Growth, Casap
Tim Bulens, M. Ed. is the Director of Growth at Casap, where he helps credit unions modernize how they handle disputes, chargebacks, and fraud. He began his career in payment operations at Modern Treasury and holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Tim specializes in bridging the gap between fragmented data systems—like batch-based uploads from cores and networks—and the fast, seamless experiences today’s members expect. His focus is on designing workflows that deliver clarity and speed for members while reducing complexity and workload for back-office teams.

 

 

CU Collaborate

Session Title: Field of Membership Expansion: Growing Your Credit Union’s Impact - Session Handouts

Session Description: Field of Membership (FOM) expansion can be a powerful tool for credit unions to drive growth, reach underserved communities, and align with strategic goals. Whether you're seeking to broaden your geographic reach, mitigate risks, or boost membership, understanding FOM options is crucial. In this session, we will explore the regulatory frameworks that underpin FOM and learn how to align your FOM with growth initiatives to maximize your credit union's potential.

Speaker:

Emily Hughes, Advisory Director, CUCollaborate

Emily Hughes, Advisory Director, oversees market expansion and analysis engagements at CUCollaborate. Over the past three years she has overseen almost 200 market expansion initiatives including charter conversions, field of membership expansions, branch market selections, and mergers, working with more than 150 credit unions. She has successfully guided credit unions of all asset sizes across state and federal regulatory environments.

 

Eltropy

Session Title: Safe, Smart, and Seamless: Applying AI Across Channels to Elevate Member and Employee Experiences

Session Description:  AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s helping credit unions deliver faster, smarter, and more consistent service. But as AI becomes more powerful, credit union leaders face a critical question: how do we embrace innovation safely, without losing what makes us human?

 

In this session, we’ll explore how Safe AI—designed with guardrails for compliance, transparency, and trust—can enhance experiences across every touchpoint your members and employees rely on. From contact centers to mobile apps, AI can support real-time conversations over chat, phone, text, and even video—ensuring consistent, personalized service, no matter the channel. We’ll show how AI can do more than just automate. It can inform, assist, and empower—without compromising on privacy, empathy, or accountability.

 

You’ll hear practical examples of how AI is being used today to:

 

• Support employees with faster access to information and real-time coaching
• Streamline routine member interactions across voice, chat, text, and video—while keeping the human touch where it counts
• Improve accuracy, consistency, and compliance in everyday communications
• Unlock insights that fuel better decisions across departments

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Speaker:

Saahil Kamath, Head of AI, Eltropy

Saahil is Head of AI for Eltropy, overseeing product development and strategy. He previously founded Marsview.ai, an AI startup acquired by Eltropy in 2022, and received awards for innovation in AI. Before that, Saahil founded Visio.ai, a company focused on AI-powered video surveillance for smart cities, schools, and hospitals, earning recognition as a top AI solution provider in India.

 

With a background in AI research, he worked at IISc-Bangalore, contributing to projects for Boeing and securing multiple AI patents. Saahil is also an advisor and mentor for early-stage startups in product strategy and business models. In addition to his work in AI, he's a competitive martial artist representing Team India in MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the international level.

 

Posh AI

Session Title: Generative AI Trends in 2025 & Applications for Credit Unions

Session Description: 

As the world of generative AI evolves at lightning speed, credit unions stand at a pivotal moment to harness its potential for transformative change. In this forward-thinking session, Karan Kashyap, Co-founder and CEO of Posh AI, will explore the latest trends shaping generative and agentic AI in 2025 and their tangible applications for credit unions.

 

Learn how generative AI — including emerging agentic AI systems — is enhancing member experiences, streamlining operations, and empowering employees with unprecedented tools to drive efficiency and engagement. Karan will share insights from the banking technology sector, showcase real-world use cases, and provide actionable strategies for credit unions to stay competitive in an AI-driven landscape.

 

Join us to discover how your credit union can leverage generative and agentic AI as catalysts for growth, innovation, and member satisfaction.

Speaker:

Karan Kashyap, Co-Founder & CEO, Posh AI
Karan Kashyap is the co-founder and CEO of Posh AI, where he has grown the company to serve over 100 credit union and bank clients nationwide, with a team of 70+ employees and $45M+ in funding from leading investors. Recognized as a thought leader in AI, Karan frequently speaks at industry events, including CEO roundtables and technology committees. Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2023, he co-founded Posh in 2018 after earning his computer science and AI degrees, both undergraduate and graduate, from MIT, where he was also named a Siebel Scholar. Karan's mission is to empower financial institutions with cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance customer and employee experiences.​​​​​​​

 

Saturday, June 14, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

On the Mark Strategies

Session Title: The Working Genius - Session Handouts

Session Description:  The Six Types of Working Genius is a new model that helps people discover their natural gifts and thrive in their work and life. When people are able to better understand the types of work that bring them more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, they can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Gain insight into environments where you will thrive as a leader. Gain perspective on how to foster environments for your team to thrive.

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Speaker:

Shawn Temple, Strategy Director, On the Mark Strategies

Shawn Temple has served the credit union industry since 1996, holding positions in both upper and middle management across lending, operations, compliance, marketing, training, and project management.

 

Since joining On The Mark Strategies in 2021, Shawn has facilitated many strategic planning sessions for credit unions of all sizes, working with their management staff and boards of directors to create actionable strategic plans. He is also a certified Working Genius facilitator and has led teams of all experience levels through leadership training and organizational alignment programs. 

 

Shawn’s background includes serving as a credit union Chief Operating Officer, where he directed multiple divisions as well as planned, implemented, and managed strategic objectives for the credit union. He has facilitated four mergers and led two core conversions, the construction and opening of two branches, multiple debit and credit card conversions, as well as several online and mobile banking platform conversions.

 

Shawn has served as a faculty member for Southwest CUNA Management School after graduating from the school in 2009. He has been certified by CUNA as a Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE). Shawn holds a B.S. in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.