Filene is thrilled to announce the 24 credit union professionals selected to join Wave 22 of Filene's i3 program. Chosen from across the country, these leaders represent the best of what our industry has to offer: curiosity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the members and communities they serve.
The i3 program isn't just a leadership development experience, it's a catalyst for change. Over the course of their time together, these professionals will work in cross-functional teams to tackle the most pressing challenges facing credit unions today, all while building the innovation mindset, tools, and network needed to lead lasting change. They don't just learn about the future of financial services. They help build it.
What makes Wave 22 so compelling is the spirit these leaders bring with them. In their own words, they are eager to "think beyond what's known and explore what's possible — together." They understand that innovation isn't about chasing risk; it's about reducing it through better collaboration, bolder questions, and smarter problem-solving. They believe deeply in the cooperative model and in the idea that credit unions, at their best, exist to improve people's lives.
It's a privilege to be part of a community that isn't just discussing the future of credit unions but actively shaping it.
OneAZ Credit Union
Welcoming 24 New Leaders to the i3 Community
Joining a powerful network of over 400 past and present i3 participants, this new cohort is ready to challenge the status quo. Meet the innovators stepping up to shape the future:
- Charles Adler, Lakehust Naval FCU
- Juanita Alvarez, American Airlines FCU
- Colin Boone, Royal CU
- Matthew Cole, Velera
- Briana Cousins, Redstone FCU
- Cecily Dawson, Redwood CU
- Michale Fitch, Westerra CU
- Carlos Fonseca, USALLIANCE Financial
- Justin Garcia, Mocse FCU
- Alissa Haines, Altra FCU
- Jordan Houghtaling, Altra FCU
- Kyle Jarrett, Chartway CU
- Thiri Kyaw, OneAZ CU
- Judd Meche, USALLIANCE Financial
- Carly Mullins, Suncoast CU
- Michael Murdoch, University CU
- Channie Price, Velera
- Seth Ross, Visions FCU
- Andrea Roussev, UWCU
- Noreen Schafer, Lake Trust CU
- Shirley Senn, New Orleans Fireman's FCU
- Abigail Smith, Visa
- Thomas Was, Municipal CU
- Sarah Zemke, Christian Financial CU
Joining Filene's i3 program is an opportunity to think differently about the future of credit unions. Innovation in our industry requires courage, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge legacy assumptions. I'm excited to engage with leaders committed to strengthening the cooperative model and creating long‑term value for members.
Velera
What's Next for Wave 22?
Wave 22 will begin their one-year development journey at EDGE 2026, in Dallas, TX, May 12-14. The cohort will present their work and prototypes to the broader credit union industry at Filene’s big.bright.minds. 2026 conference in December.
Credit union leaders interested in seeing innovation in action can get an early look: Wave 21 will share the prototypes they’ve built and tested to address the credit union industry’s biggest member challenges in a special Zoom session on March 10, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT.
