FIsionaries
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.
Episodes
June 5, 2025 • 32 mins
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...
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June 3, 2025 • 24 mins
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 enthusia...
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May 29, 2025 • 33 mins
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 uni...
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May 27, 2025 • 38 mins
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, c...
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April 29, 2025 • 31 mins
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 rele...
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April 24, 2025 • 31 mins
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 ...
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January 16, 2025 • 32 mins
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 spearh...
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July 11, 2024 • 43 mins
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 fe...
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May 15, 2024 • 22 mins
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.
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May 13, 2024 • 37 mins
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 ...
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May 8, 2024 • 35 mins
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 r...
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May 6, 2024 • 21 mins
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...
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May 1, 2024 • 34 mins
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, es...
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March 20, 2024 • 40 mins
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 th...
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February 21, 2024 • 42 mins
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....
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November 15, 2023 • 47 mins
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 t...
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November 1, 2023 • 32 mins
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 mem...
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October 18, 2023 • 36 mins
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 conv...
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October 4, 2023 • 36 mins
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 dig...
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August 29, 2023 • 37 mins
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...
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