Filene Research Institute has unveiled its 2025 Think Tank Roster, bringing together 42 influential CEOs and senior executives dedicated to strengthening the credit union movement.
The Think Tank members will collaborate to tackle key strategic challenges and opportunities in the credit union industry, ultimately working to enhance financial well-being for consumers.
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“I’m thrilled to introduce our 2025 Think Tank cohort. Each one was chosen for their wealth of knowledge, unique perspectives and passion for making credit unions stronger,” Filene’s EVP, Christie Kimbell, said. “The goal of the Think Tank over the next 12 months is to identify the most important challenges and opportunities that are facing credit unions and identify actions — even if they are small steps — to move the industry forward.”
As part of Filene’s Research and Incubation Advisory Council, the Think Tank will focus on crucial industry topics such as member growth strategies, new revenue sources and navigating regulatory changes.
"Filene's Think Tank offers an incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights and build connections that help our credit union advance key strategies,” Kevin Martin, EVP, strategic integration and member experience at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, said. “Together, the group can leverage collective knowledge and expertise to navigate challenges more effectively and drive all our organizations forward.”
The Think Tank also ensures that Filene’s research remains actionable by providing feedback and exploring new areas of study.
"I am honored to be part of Filene's Think Tank and contribute to the collective effort of advancing the credit union industry," Mirella Reznic, president/CEO of Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union, said. "For my organization, being part of this esteemed group means access to cutting-edge insights and the ability to implement strategies that enhance our mission and goals."
Monthly discussions between the Think Tank members and Filene’s research team will shape ongoing research efforts.
“The innovative research and solutions that come from our Filene Think Tank discussions enable credit unions to tackle critical challenges and advance key growth opportunities,” Chris Mulkey, vice president of consumer lending for Wright-Patt Credit Union, said. “I am eager to collaborate with such dedicated and knowledgeable leaders as we ‘think forward’ and inspire new ideas for the industry.”
Filene’s Think Tank members will participate in discussions throughout the year and will be present at Filene’s Chair Breakfast at GAC on Monday, March 3. The full roster of the 2025 Think Tank can be viewed at filene.org/thinktank.
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Michael Ogden
Editor-in-Chief at CU Times. To connect, email at [email protected]. As Editor-in-Chief of CU Times since 2016, Michael Ogden has led the editorial team in all aspects of content strategy and execution, including the creation of the publication’s exclusive and proprietary research database of the credit union industry’s economic landscape. Under Michael’s leadership, CU Times has successfully shifted to an all-digital editorial product with new focuses on the payments, fraud, lending and regulatory beats. Most recently, he introduced a data-focused editorial product for subscribers that breaks down credit union issues into hard data, allowing for a deeper and more factual narrative for readers. In 2024, he launched the "Shared Accounts With CU Times" podcast, which offers a fresh, inside-the-newsroom perspective through interviews with leaders from the credit union industry and the regulatory world. He dives into pressing credit union issues, while revealing the personalities working behind-the-scenes to push the credit union world forward. His background includes years as a radio and TV anchor/reporter and a public relations and digital/social media manager, where he covered the food and music industries, as well as cooperatives and credit unions. Over the years, he has launched numerous exclusive video and podcast series, including a successful series of interactive backstage interviews with musicians at music festivals, showcasing his social media and live streaming production skills.
