CU Times 2024 Luminaries Awards: CTO, CIO & Technology Finalists

Using technology is one thing. Implementing technological-focused strategies is another. These CU Times Luminaries Awards finalists are doing some incredible “out of the box” thinking for our financial cooperative industry to create a future most of us haven’t thought about yet. Below are some incredible examples of the people and credit unions focused on the future.

Credit Union CIO/CTO of the Year

B.J. Sievers: Cedar Point Federal Credit Union

Sievers demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities by being forward-thinking and continuously striving to enhance technology for the benefit of employees and members at Cedar Point. Upholding the core values of transparency, empowerment, accountability and motivation, Sievers sets a high standard for leadership within the organization.

Marc Michalowski: NET Credit Union

Michalowski marries member experience with technological advancement to create the ideal modern banking experience. Approaching every new product, process or piece of technology with the end-user experience in mind has transformed the expectations of what can be accomplished for both the team and NET Credit Union members.

Nancy Sternitzky: Sound Credit Union

Sternitzky spearheaded a generative AI initiative that significantly enhanced operations and member services. Under her leadership, the team consolidated frontline feedback data and developed a comprehensive policy for responsible AI use, emphasizing data security, ethical considerations and transparency.

Suresh Renganathan: Teachers Federal Credit Union

Since joining the credit union in 2020, Renganathan has spearheaded the credit union’s digital transformation, implementing systems that significantly enhance both member and employee experiences. By addressing technological and back-end needs, he ensures that the credit union remains at the forefront of innovation.

Ben Maxim: MSUFCU

Maxim is a champion for member-centric innovation. He keeps his finger on the pulse of emerging trends, technologies and partnerships that can elevate the member experience. Maxim fosters a culture of innovation by leading cross-functional teams to develop and scale groundbreaking member solutions.

CU Innovation in Technology: Mobile Banking/AI/Cybersecurity

Sound Credit Union

Over the past year, Sound CU has embarked on a transformative AI journey to integrate advanced technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency and elevate member experiences. The credit union team has implemented several key initiatives that underscore their commitment to leveraging technology effectively across the organization.

Great Lakes Credit Union

In an effort to alleviate staffing issues and higher than normal call volumes and as part of the credit union’s commitment to innovation, the credit union entered into a partnership with Interface AI and launched Olive, its virtual, conversational AI assistant. The purpose of Olive was to provide members with an enhanced, easy-to-use, voice enabled virtual assistant. As a result, Olive is able to handle a wide range of member inquiries and requests, allowing staff to concentrate on less transactions and more solution-based conversations.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Over the past year, MSUFCU has strategically advanced its technological capabilities through its AI-driven virtual chatbots, Fran and Gene, to enhance services for members and employees. Fran was upgraded to proactively engage with members on various topics such as deposit accounts, loans, and financial calculators. This new proactive engagement feature has led to an average of 1,000 monthly interactions with a 78% positive feedback rate.

ORNL Federal Credit Union

ORNL FCU is a visionary technology leader committed to not only leveraging innovative solutions and AI-driven technologies, but also to partnering with fintechs to develop products that meet its unique needs, advocating to lawmakers for smart regulatory reform, and sharing best practices and lessons learned with peer credit unions for the benefit of the entire system.

California Credit Union

Cybersecurity support and technological advancements are a critical element of all five of the credit union’s strategic areas of focus: Brand Awareness, Member Experience, Talent and Culture, Strategic Capital, and ERM and Security and Vigilance. Cybersecurity is a foundational element to the CU’s strategic pillars by providing a safe member experience, protecting the brand, ensuring staff are educated and aware of the latest cyber threats, and partnering with internal stakeholders to communicate and mitigate cyber risk across the organization.

LAFCU

LAFCU’s Shields Up! Campaign, initiated by CEO Patrick Spyke, aimed to educate employees on cybercrime and fraud through a creative and engaging internal educational program. The two-phase campaign featured humorous, short videos starring IT staff and fraud fighting individuals, e-blasts and interactive elements like life-size cutouts of the mascot, pledge signings and themed giveaways, effectively making complex cybersecurity information accessible and memorable.

Jovia Financial Credit Union

Jovia Financial Credit Union has been empowering its employees and members through strategic and innovative initiatives to build cyberhygiene. In 2024, Jovia launched Cyganix, its cybersecurity arm, to lead the charge on creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Cyganix is not your average security team; it goes beyond training by building a culture of cybersecurity awareness that’s both engaging and effective.

CU Innovation in Technology: Project Rollout

AmeriCU Credit Union

To efficiently grow core deposits and optimize competitiveness, AmeriCU Credit Union introduced an array of exciting rewards with the rollout of its new checking account program. Members can receive exclusive perks, cashback offers and other enticing incentives designed to make banking not just convenient but rewarding. The credit union’s recent enhancements to its checking accounts have not only been a rewarding experience for members, but also set a new benchmark for innovation in the financial services industry.

Financial Center Credit Union

At the forefront of innovation in the credit union space, Financial Center First Credit Union has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity through the development of the Health Savings Hub. The CU’s leadership, in collaboration with its strategic development firm has been instrumental in transforming how its HR partners manage Health Savings Accounts for their employees, setting the credit union apart in the industry.

California Credit Union

Recognizing that technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the member experience, California Credit Union established a dedicated Innovation Department to drive its efforts to deliver efficient, convenient and personalized digital experiences for its members. Its focus on launching new technology solutions and developing fintech partnerships has significantly enhanced its online banking platforms, mobile applications and self-service options, along with internal technology systems geared to improve the member experience.

American Heritage Credit Union

American Heritage Credit Union has distinguished itself as a leader in technological innovation, achieving remarkable milestones that underscore its commitment to excellence. Since the credit union implemented Datava’s End-to-End Data Activation Platform, it has centralized and optimized its data ecosystem. This strategic initiative alleviated the strain on the IT department and empowered frontline staff with real-time access to comprehensive member data, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.

Marine Credit Union

Marine Credit Union’s commitment to technological advancement is unwavering. Their strategic initiatives over the past year have been driven by a desire to enhance member experiences, provide flexible banking options and transform lives through innovative solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights, they have created a seamless and personalized banking experience that sets them apart in the industry.

Travis Credit Union

In the past, like many other credit unions, Travis Credit Union was more status quo and lagged in technological innovation. However, over the past two-plus years, this has dramatically changed with substantial advancements in multiple technological areas, especially online banking and digital account opening. The credit union launched a new online banking platform in under nine months and have since added 15 enhancements. These improvements have positively impacted members and the credit union’s internal teams.