CU Times 2024 Luminaries Awards Finalists: Rising Stars

Smith is the embodiment of the credit union philosophy, working for the people, and not for profit. Upon his recent graduation from college and attaining his Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification, Gage chose to bypass the lucrative field of wealth management and advising, to become the first ever Financial Coach at Affinity Credit Union. In this role, he works tirelessly to put together comprehensive and personalized plans for each member he works with.

Justin Houle: Heartland Credit Union

Houle has been instrumental and a role model to the credit union movement in Minnesota. He wholeheartedly believes in the people-helping-people concept and ensures to exemplify the mission. He is always willing to help create accounting/finance policies and procedures for credit unions who may not have specific ones. He has spent his free time help train in other up and coming accounting professionals in the industry, without question.

Armand Parvazi: New Orleans Fireman’s Federal Credit Union

Armand Parvazi has been a staunch proponent of credit unions and financial service accessibility for over 15 years. As Chief Administrative & Development Officer, Armand leads Digital Strategy, Marketing, Business Development and grant endeavors for the credit union. In six years, he has led the credit union’s digital transformation, moving from an analog financial institution to a mobile-first/mobile-only source of financial services. Under his leadership, Firemen’s Federal has added over 20% in active members and grown 48% in assets.

Amanda Phifer: Cedar Point Federal Credit Union

Phifer is committed to the credit union philosophy of people helping people. As the credit union underwent a core conversion and a digital banking conversion at the same time, Phifer was utterly committed to ensuring that staff would be prepared by the time the new systems went live. She created over 300 procedures, reference guides and duty checklists for employees to follow as they learned the new system. She also conducted over 70 training classes for employees so that credit union operations would continue to run smoothly throughout the conversion process.

Jake Engel: Financial Center First Credit Union

Engel’s passion for helping others become their best selves is evident through his personal values of active relationships, elevated experiences and mindful curiosity. He shines in his work as a brand and communication advocate for Financial Center, but Jake’s life outside of work as a coach and community leader also points to his desire to build others up.

Rising Stars From Credit Unions $1 Billion to $4 Billion

Brandon Thompson: USF Federal Credit Union

During Thompson’s last 12 months at the credit union, he’s spearheaded the transformation of the credit unoion’s project management framework, significantly elevating the capacity for strategic execution and operational efficiency. Recognizing the limitations of the credit union’s initial project management tool — an Excel document — he developed a Project Management Information System (PMIS) utilizing low-code/no-code software. This initiative not only centralized project management activities but also fostered a culture of transparency and accountability.

Joshua Mack: CU West

Mack has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities and abilities that make him a strong candidate for this award. Over the past 12 months, his accomplishments have significantly impacted Credit Union West, highlighting his disciplined approach, leadership skills and commitment to excellence. Mack’s thoughtful and team-oriented nature, combined with his ability to build strong relationships and drive efficiency, has fostered a high-performing, customer-centric environment.

Amber Herman: All In Credit Union

In the past five years, Herman’s achievements at the credit union have been nothing short of remarkable. Herman was the first regional manager hired at All In Credit Union and was tasked with overseeing a region three hours away from the primary footprint of the organization. This region, comprising seven branch locations, had long lacked market leadership, underperforming and feeling neglected. She made it her mission to transform this team. She dedicated herself to inspiring and developing exceptional leadership among the managers. Under her guidance, these managers evolved into true leaders.

Joseph Mazza: Metro Credit Union

Mazza has exemplified leadership, dedication and innovation in his approach to developing a universal employee program, assisting with the launch of the credit union’s AI chatbot, and solving problems daily. He consistently uses data available to him to ensure that the correct decisions are being made while always holding the member experience in view. When faced with a challenge, Mazza looks at the total scope of the situation to find the right solution that benefits the member as well as the credit union.

Yuni Mancilla: Chartway Credit Union

Currently, Mancilla serves as the Multicultural Program Manager at Chartway Credit Union. In this capacity, she uses her expertise to help the Hispanic community navigate the complex world of finance and banking in the United States. Having immigrated from Mexico City to the U.S. more than 15 years ago, Mancilla understands the unique challenges and questions that people face on this journey, and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge to make a positive difference in their lives.

Matthew Rizzie: Great Lakes Credit Union

Currently serving as the Executive Director at GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment in northern Illinois, Rizzie leads the philanthropic arm of Great Lakes Credit Union, whose mission is to build financial well-being for members, employees and communities to effect positive change; financially empower everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status; and make a tangible difference. He brings a wealth of proven impactful social service program knowledge and experience to the credit union community and approaches this endeavor with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.

Steve LeJeune: Marine Credit Union

Through his partnerships with a variety of MCU departments, LeJeune is propelling MCU forward with insights from data and algorithms. Combining his understanding of the credit union difference, his leadership and analytical skills, and his ability to partner with a variety of departments, he has delivered numerous impactful solutions.

Heather Healea: Harborstone Credit Union

Healea’s strategic vision includes expanding digital services and promoting sustainable practices, ensuring the credit union remains competitive and resilient. Her collaborative spirit and ability to inspire her peers foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Committed to professional development, she actively participates in industry conferences and networks, staying at the forefront of advancements.

Rising Stars From Credit Unions $4 Billion & Higher

Taylor Martin: ORNL Federal Credit Union

When he started at ORNL FCU in April 2023, Martin was tasked with creating a financial education plan that would positively impact its members, employees and community. Within six months, he had built a program from the ground up that has been utilized by many individuals, schools, nonprofits, senior centers and other organizations. Martin has worked to bring financial education efforts to a variety of people across all ages, incomes, races and ethnicities.

Matt Brockelman: VyStar Credit Union

Brockelman has been heavily engaged with policymakers in Tallahassee on behalf of the credit union movement, especially as Florida credit unions have sought statutory authority to hold public sector deposits. He and VyStar’s government affairs team spearheaded a renewed strategy to change the state’s public deposits laws beginning in 2022. Following three legislative sessions of relentless advocacy alongside the Florida Credit Union Association and other credit union supporters, Matt celebrated as the Florida Legislature passed the new, credit union-inclusive law in March 2024.

Angie Dvorak: Everwise Credit Union

Even before Dvorak became Chief Marketing + Growth Officer of Everwise, formerly Teachers Credit Union, she was spearheading large-scale organizational change to drive growth into the more than 100-year-old credit union. Overseeing a five-year process for rebranding, Dvorak showed fortitude in the face of unprecedented challenges – including a CEO change and a once-in-a-century pandemic – both of which could have derailed plans for a new brand. Her passion for the brand and the credit union movement at large makes Dvorak an exceptional leader, not just for Everwise, but for the overall industry.

Courtney McKinney: Golden 1 Credit Union

McKinney has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, which drives her to understand the communities Golden 1 serves and the problems they face, ensuring projects are meaningful and effective. Her enthusiasm has helped build trusting relationships with various Del Paso Heights partners, leading to creative solutions to social issues. McKinney’s genuine interest not only makes projects more successful but also encourages others to get involved, increasing the positive impact of Golden 1’s investment.

Yonah Sturmwind: Alliant Credit Union

Sturmwind has been a rising star at Alliant since starting at the organization. During his time as an underwriter, he showed the ability to understand complex real estate transactions and break them down into core risks to determine whether they fit Alliant’s risk appetite. After taking on the role of Originator, he thrived by originating over $1.5 billion worth of loan volume over the past five years. The loans he originated varied from tried and true multifamily properties to nuanced industrial flex and manufactured housing communities.

Namita Tayal: Alliant Credit Union

Tayal embodies the professional essence needed in the commercial lending sector at Alliant Credit Union. With a remarkable blend of expertise, dedication and innovative thinking, Tayal has consistently exceeded expectations and set new benchmarks. Her strategic insights and proactive approach have contributed to significant growth in our commercial lending portfolio and strengthened relationships with our members and partners alike. Her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and tailor solutions that meet the diverse needs of our members has been instrumental in driving our credit union’s success.

Elizabeth (Libby) Rippel: PSECU

Rippel is an ambitious individual with a strong commitment to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” They lead the Pittsburgh region of the CrossState Emerging Leader’s program, organizing networking events and charity work for young professionals. Rippel also presents webinars on topics like LinkedIn training, financial well-being’s impact on mental health, women’s leadership and personal branding.

Rising Stars From Credit Union-Supporting Organizations

Amanda Bardonner: LendKey

As Vice President of Account Management at LendKey, Bardonner plays a crucial role in facilitating new opportunities brought in by the sales team. Her extensive knowledge of LendKey’s products and business allows her to tailor approaches that meet the unique needs of each partner and their respective departments. Her expertise in guiding partners through legal and regulatory questions ensures smooth and compliant implementations, which is vital in the highly regulated financial sector.

Nick Pesce: Happy Money

With Pesce’s leadership and direction, Happy Money has built an API-based platform that drives balance sheet diversification, member acquisition and growth for credit unions. And his approach to product leadership is informed directly by his connection to the very customers Happy Money’s products are designed to serve.

Joshua DeTar: Tyfone

As someone who was personally saved from poor financial decisions by a credit union and a self-described ”tech geek,” DeTar, EVP of Evangelism at Tyfone, is passionate about providing innovative digital banking solutions to community financial institutions. Relentlessly focused on the community-minded financial ecosystem, he leads Tyfone’s sales and marketing teams.

Mandi Sinner: Happy Money

In 2017, Sinner helped facilitate the first TruStage Ventures investment in Happy Money, foreshadowing where her career would lead her. Two years later, she joined Happy Money as the first hire in the partnership organization, a department that was initially formed for a side project but has since become central to the company’s mission to design a happier way of lending that helps borrowers achieve their goals and helps credit unions achieve greater impact. Through her hard work and dedication, she has built a team that is dedicated to serving and supporting credit unions – Happy Money’s primary lending partners.

Jim Ryan: Curql Collective

Jim Ryan has led Curql Accelerate as a transformative force since its inception in 2023. This accelerator program, in collaboration with gener8tor, empowers early-stage fintech companies by providing financial support, mentorship and strategic guidance tailored to the credit union ecosystem.

Sydney Seral: League of Southeastern Credit Unions

In her newly created role as Chief Advocacy Officer, Seral oversees Advocacy, Compliance and Risk Management. Her comprehensive understanding of these areas enables her to develop and implement robust strategies that address the evolving challenges credit unions face. Seral’s leadership in these domains has strengthened LSCU’s advocacy efforts and enhanced the regulatory and compliance framework, ensuring that credit unions operate in a secure and supportive environment.

Molly Leiterman: TruStage

Leiterman embodies the credit union movement mission. With a unique skill set as a numbers and people person – she strives to educate herself, credit unions and internal sales teams at TruStage on various economic and financial disparities that exist across different ethnic groups and identities – and how all can support a more equitable path forward. In her role as a Financial Consultant, she is an advocate for credit unions, continuously creates materials and consults on credit union challenges such as increasing non-interest income and liquidity, and actionable strategies for moving forward.

Ann Petros: America’s Credit Unions

Petros has demonstrated exemplary leadership as Head of Regulatory Affairs at America’s Credit Unions. Over the past year, she successfully consolidated regulatory advocacy functions for the organization, streamlining operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in representing credit unions. Her strategic initiatives secured crucial regulatory relief for credit unions, notably through her leadership in advocating for industry-specific exemptions and policies.