What happens when credit union mortgage leaders gather in beautiful Savannah, Georgia? Rich conversation, valuable insights, and a reminder of why collaboration matters now more than ever.

The latest episode of the ONpoint podcast takes you behind the scenes at ACUMA's 2025 FOCALpoint Workshop. Host Peter Benjamin sits down with Natalie Bozeka, Director of Retail Mortgage Operations with Wright-Patt Credit Union, and Chuck Stiles, VP of Mortgage with Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, to capture their workshop experience.

Between bites of the city's famous she-crab soup (which both guests agreed was extraordinary), these mortgage professionals reveal what makes credit union-focused events valuable. The conversation highlights how volume-based roundtable discussions—rather than traditional asset-size groupings—create meaningful connections between credit unions facing similar operational challenges. "You get that automatic feedback from other people," Natalie explains, describing how these specialized discussions help credit unions navigate everything from LOS affordability to staffing constraints.

As regulatory pressures mount, education becomes increasingly crucial. Chuck expresses concern about the rapidly changing compliance landscape: "I'm glad ACUMA is trying to help us stay on top of it...because it's frightening." The guests share how they're adopting AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly to navigate complex guidelines and streamline operations, presenting a forward-looking approach to mortgage management.

Perhaps most compelling is their passionate call for advocacy. "If we don't all come together to advocate for ourselves, we will not survive," Chuck emphasizes. The conversation underscores how credit unions must educate lawmakers about their unique community focus before making regulatory decisions.

Ready to join this collaborative community? Listen now to understand why these mortgage leaders believe investing in education and building professional relationships remain essential for credit union success in today's challenging environment. Tune in now!