FIsionaries
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The FIsionaries Podcast, sponsored by Alkami Technology Inc., shines a light on financial institutions (FIs) at the bleeding edge of digital transformation. The podcast, hosted by Jim Marous, features banks and credit unions sharing lessons learned from their digital transformation journeys as well as insights from fintech partners and other industry thought leaders.
Each episode will provide regional and community banks and credit unions with insights, tips and tricks to elevate their digital banking game.
34 Episodes
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In this episode of the FIsionaries Podcast at Co:lab 2025, Ryan Hill, First Vice President and Product Director of Corporate Treasury Services at Trustmark National Bank, shares how Trustmark balances AI, technological advancement, and meaningful client engagement in commercial banking.
Hill discusses the importance of communicating effectively with clients and internal teams, and how Trustmark approaches vendor partnerships to enhance its treasury management capabilities.
Finally, Hill shares how Trustmark enhances security, improves client education, and prepares for an AI-driven future while maintaining the consultative approach that defines their business relationships.
In this episode of the FIsionaries Podcast from Co:lab 2025, Pamela Villanova, SVP of Digital Services, and Mari Gadlin, Director of Digital Banking Services, from American Eagle Financial Credit Union, share how they're building a digital-first mindset focused on personalization and financial wellness.
The conversation explores how a credit union of modest size evaluates and selects technology partners, builds internal enthusiasm for digital initiatives, and creates solutions that members may not even know they need.
Their enthusiasm is infectious as they share the challenges and triumphs of creating meaningful digital engagement while maintaining the personal touch that members value.
In this episode of the FIsionaries Podcast, we're joined by James Hilton, VP of Product Management for Digital Solutions, and Jesse Evenson, Director of Quality and Site Reliability, from Mountain America Credit Union in Salt Lake City. With a legacy of member-focused service primarily through branches, MACU is navigating the challenge of creating "a digital twin" of their acclaimed in-person experience.
Hear how this credit union balances security with frictionless service, uses observability to measure member satisfaction, and why they believe anticipatory banking powered by AI will transform the member experience in the future. Our guests also share how traditional institutions can embrace digital transformation without losing their cultural identity.
In this episode of the FIsionaries Podcast from Co:lab 2025, I'm joined by Liam Petraska, Digital Banking Manager at NASA Federal Credit Union. Petraska shares the remarkable story of how the $5.5 billion credit union transformed its member experience from a dated platform with 1.3-star reviews to a modern solution earning 4.8 stars in less than 18 months.
He reveals the keys to their success, including strong leadership buy-in, cross-functional collaboration, clear communication strategies, and a culture that embraces continuous evolution.
Tune in to discover how NASA Federal approaches vendor selection, manages organizational change, and maintains momentum in the constantly evolving landscape of digital banking.
From democratizing data across the organization to creating timely, personalized experiences for their 114,000 members, Chad Gramling, AVP of business intelligence at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, explains how 3Rivers abandoned the traditional seasonal marketing calendar in favor of always-on, data-driven member engagement.
Learn how 3Rivers integrated their business intelligence, marketing, and digital teams to deliver more relevant financial solutions across all channels and why Chad believes financial institutions should "be offended that Credit Karma knows our members better than we do."
This conversation reveals practical insights into how even modestly-sized institutions can leverage data to deliver highly personalized engagements.
With assets of $2.7 billion, First Fidelity Bank has nearly doubled in size since 2017. My conversation with John Symcox, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at First Fidelity Bank, explores how smaller financial institutions can innovate at speed and scale, particularly in the underserved treasury management and commercial banking areas.
Symcox shares how the COVID-19 crisis permanently shifted his organization's approach to rapid deployment, how they've leveraged fintech partnerships to compete with major institutions, and why their focus on relationships first and technology second has been their formula for success.
Discover how this community bank has managed to "punch above its weight" in delivering innovative solutions without sacrificing the human connection that drives its business.
Financial institutions of all sizes face mounting pressure to deliver personalized experiences that rival tech giants and fintech disruptors. As consumers increasingly expect tailored financial services that anticipate their needs and preferences, credit unions must evolve beyond traditional relationship banking.
We’re joined by Steve Zich, Chief Marketing Officer of Capital Credit Union on the FIsionaries podcast. Steve has spearheaded a remarkable transformation in how his institution leverages data to enhance member relationships while maintaining the personal touch that credit unions are known for.
We explore Capital’s successful integration of advanced analytics with traditional relationship banking, examining specific opportunities and challenges that organizations can face along their journey.
We’re honored to have David Gorham, VP of Digital Solutions, Rebecca Forsberg, Director of Enterprise Application Support and Salinna Reel, Director of Digital Product Operations at Apple FCU on the FIsionaries podcast.
They share how a clear focus, incremental implementation and a strong partnership with third-party solution providers is essential for successful digital banking transformation.
They also share how using member feedback to build an innovation roadmap and continuously measuring effectiveness of changes implemented limits missteps along the transformation journey.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast I am at the Alkami Co:Lab event in Grapevine Texas. I’m joined by Grace Pace from Quontic Bank, headquartered in New York City. Grace will share how Quontic has leveraged a digital first strategy to establish a nationwide presence.
In addition, we discuss some of the innovations that have set Quontic Bank apart from competitors while helping the organization become future-ready.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast I am at the Alkami Co:Lab event in Grapevine Texas. I’m joined by Chad Rogers and Jeramey Litzman from Connexus Credit Union. Chad and Jeramey will share how Connexus has shifted from viewing digital services as a cost center to leveraging them as a profit center, setting a precedent for industry evolution.
In addition, we discuss the unique approaches to onboarding, channel strategy, and acquisition Connexus has used to drive innovation and member-centricity, positioning them as a trailblazer in the banking industry.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast I am at the Alkami Co:Lab event in Grapevine Texas. I’m joined by Amy Driscoll, Digital Services Analyst at Kennebec Savings Bank. Amy provides a perspective on building a modern digital platform leveraging data and insight to enhance personalization and engagement.
Amy also shares her perspective on how AI will enhance the customer experience and provide better ways of helping customers reach their financial objectives.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast I am at the Alkami Co:Lab event in Grapevine Texas. I’m joined by Matt Singleton, VP of payment and business solutions at Star Financial Bank. Matt shares how, despite having a modest size, it is not impossible to have a mighty vision –proving that innovation isn't just for the big players.
From harnessing cutting-edge technology to fostering deep, personal relationships with clients, Matt illustrates how Star Bank is redefining what it means to be a commercial banking partner.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast I am at the Alkami Co:Lab event in Grapevine Texas. I’m joined by Amy Krasikov, Vice President of Digital Experience at Raiz Federal Credit Union. Amy provides an inside look into their extensive overhaul of both their core platform and online banking system.
This revamp of their digital infrastructure has yielded amazing results, with a rapid adoption rate of 20% in less than 24 hours, escalating to over 50% within the first week. More importantly, their digital banking experience has garnered exceptional ratings of 4.8 on iOS and 4.9 on the Google Play store, reflecting the credit union's commitment to providing a seamless and user-friendly interface.
Amy also shares her vision for the future, her near-term priorities and how Raiz Federal Credit Union will continue to differentiate itself in the marketplace.
On this episode of the FIsionaries podcast, I’m joined by Luis Cruz, Chief Information Officer at Educational Federal Credit Union. Luis provides a captivating exploration of EdFed's approach to digital transformation, including a focus on data, analytics and innovation for serving their members, communities and employees.
EdFed has achieved historical growth by deploying modern technology without sacrificing a legacy of serving the educational community. Their unique outreach program aimed at fostering financial literacy among youth and the community as a whole is a case study for success.
We will also unveil how EdFed Credit Union is successfully navigating an increasingly volatile banking ecosystem with the help of employees who understand and support the credit union’s mission.
We’re honored to have Greg Barnes, Chief Operations Officer, and Abigail Riesner, Manager of Digital Solutions at the Air Force FCU on the show. They offer an insider’s perspective on their credit union’s ambitious digital transformation that has resulted in decisions like discontinuing CO-OP shared branching, elevating member’s digital experiences, overcoming internal and external challenges, and integrating emerging technologies.
With an eye towards constant evolution through collaborative solutions, Air Force FCU aims to continuously expand their technology ecosystem to empower member financial success. For any organization looking to champion digital advancement, this episode provided inspiration and guidance direct from the source.
I am excited to be joined by Smart Financial Credit Union's CIO, Marcus Manning, on the FIsionaries podcast. Marcus was just named Futurist CIO by Houston CIO Community for his foresight into how to leverage AI as a way financial services are both delivered and perceived by consumers.
Just as importantly, Marcus works tirelessly to build a culture at Smart Financial that will make the credit union more future-ready. His belief is that people, process, and technology are the three pillars to success.
In this episode, we will discuss how these pillars support more than just better banking, but also offering a richer user experience, bolstered security, an improved employee experience and a path to growth.
I'm excited to welcome Tim Ferrio, CTO of Team One Credit Union, to the FIsionaries podcast. With just under $750 million in assets, Team One faces an uphill battle competing against major banks with billions in their war chests to finance modern technologies and innovation.
In this episode, we explore the unique opportunities and challenges smaller credit unions face in keeping pace with digital innovation and delivering great member experiences. We also uncover creative strategies that can help modest institutions like Team One punch above their weight class and take on the banking behemoths using composible solutions.
While modest is size, Nymeo FCU continues to be recognized regionally and nationwide as a “Best Credit Union to Work For” and “Best of the Best Credit Unions” within their marketplace in Maryland.
According to the credit union, much of its success can be attributed to its commitment to its staff and their continued commitment to provide members with a superior experience across all delivery channels.
In our FIsionaries Podcast conversation with senior executives from Nymeo, we shed light on the mosaic of decisions, innovations, and leadership moments that have led Nymeo to continue to be a leader in the marketplace.
Veridian Credit Union has cemented its reputation as an innovator by being one of the first to adopt the new FedNow real-time payment rail. Joining us today on the FIsionaries podcast are Colin Eagan, Real-Time Payment Administrator, and Amy Faley, Manager of ACH at Veridian, to discuss their journey to fast payments.
We’ll explore Veridian’s motivations, implementation, and lessons learned launching FedNow to stay ahead of the digital transformation curve.
In today's episode of the FIsionaries Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Mark Hufnagel, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Corning Credit Union.
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey that has led Corning Credit Union to achieve recognition as one of the best credit unions in New York state. Discover the strategies, values, and innovations that set this institution apart and continue to shape its future success.
Also, get a taste of Corning's approach to using technology to better serve members and stand out in a competitive landscape.
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