The Cornerstone League Podcast Fri, 08 May 2026 11:47:36 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1853044 en-us © 2026 The Cornerstone League Podcast yes b6c6dbdb-8f81-5393-9abb-7e0f8ae32a8e Cornerstone League episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Cornerstone League https://storage.buzzsprout.com/803j06bvur3ycbh6biv5y36l57ln?.jpg The Cornerstone League Podcast Fraud Trends and How Credit Unions Can 'Fight the Fraud' Fraud Trends and How Credit Unions Can 'Fight the Fraud' Learn about the fraud trends credit unions are currently facing and ways to mitigate it, using education, awareness, staff training, and tools available through the credit union league system and partnerships. 

This episode is sponsored by Origence. Learn more about how Origence supports credit unions with purpose-built solutions and services designed to help reduce risk, strengthen operations, and protect members at every stage of the lending journey. 

]]> Learn about the fraud trends credit unions are currently facing and ways to mitigate it, using education, awareness, staff training, and tools available through the credit union league system and partnerships. 

This episode is sponsored by Origence. Learn more about how Origence supports credit unions with purpose-built solutions and services designed to help reduce risk, strengthen operations, and protect members at every stage of the lending journey. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-19146413 Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 -0500 782 5 4 full false Responsible AI Governance, Compliance, and Ethics Responsible AI Governance, Compliance, and Ethics In the financial services world, responsible artificial intelligence governance requires particular attention to compliance, risk, ethics, and examiner expectations. This episode covers areas where credit union leaders should pay close attention when it comes to AI governance at their institutions, breaking down each area into four, bite-sized pieces.

This episode is sponsored by Cornerstone Resources' partner, Millennium Corporate Credit Union.   

]]> In the financial services world, responsible artificial intelligence governance requires particular attention to compliance, risk, ethics, and examiner expectations. This episode covers areas where credit union leaders should pay close attention when it comes to AI governance at their institutions, breaking down each area into four, bite-sized pieces.

This episode is sponsored by Cornerstone Resources' partner, Millennium Corporate Credit Union.   

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-18945953 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500 485 5 3 full false Carolyn Jordan Reflects on Her 46-Year Journey of Persistence and Community Impact Carolyn Jordan Reflects on Her 46-Year Journey of Persistence and Community Impact Neighborhood Credit Union Chief Growth Officer and AACUC 2026 Hall of Fame Nominee Carolyn Jordan reflects on her 46-year career in the credit union movement, the people who have inspired her journey, and how innovation and persistence have created opportunities for her members and community. 

]]> Neighborhood Credit Union Chief Growth Officer and AACUC 2026 Hall of Fame Nominee Carolyn Jordan reflects on her 46-year career in the credit union movement, the people who have inspired her journey, and how innovation and persistence have created opportunities for her members and community. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-18762774 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0600 1560 5 2 full false AI Without the Hype: What Credit Unions Are Actually Doing AI Without the Hype: What Credit Unions Are Actually Doing Three credit union CEOs. Three different use cases for artificial intelligence. Zero hype. 

Hear how three credit unions leveraged AI to improve their operations and member service. 

Read original story in Cornerstone League's Perspectives Magazine. 

]]> Three credit union CEOs. Three different use cases for artificial intelligence. Zero hype. 

Hear how three credit unions leveraged AI to improve their operations and member service. 

Read original story in Cornerstone League's Perspectives Magazine. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-18579680 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0600 464 5 1 full false The 'Golden Rule' of Service: Harold Rowe on Volunteerism The 'Golden Rule' of Service: Harold Rowe on Volunteerism Harold Rowe – also known as Mr. Customer Service – has been on the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union board of directors for two decades and is the 2025 winner of Cornerstone League’s Volunteer of the Year Award. In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, he shares about how he earned his nickname, his career in education, and advice for those looking to step into the role of a board member. 

The 2026 Cornerstone Awards are open for submission! Let’s highlight our industry’s seasoned visionaries, talented professionals, energetic young professionals, and dedicated volunteers. Nominate a deserving colleague or nominate yourself! 

]]> Harold Rowe – also known as Mr. Customer Service – has been on the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union board of directors for two decades and is the 2025 winner of Cornerstone League’s Volunteer of the Year Award. In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, he shares about how he earned his nickname, his career in education, and advice for those looking to step into the role of a board member. 

The 2026 Cornerstone Awards are open for submission! Let’s highlight our industry’s seasoned visionaries, talented professionals, energetic young professionals, and dedicated volunteers. Nominate a deserving colleague or nominate yourself! 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-18219631 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0600 1149 4 4 full false Lessons in Leadership and the Importance of In-Person Learning Opportunities Lessons in Leadership and the Importance of In-Person Learning Opportunities Three leaders from Cornerstone League's Education and Events team share lessons in leadership, the importance of in-person learning opportunities in a digital world, and share some details on Cornerstone's upcoming event, ELEVATE: Credit Union Leadership Summit. 

]]> Three leaders from Cornerstone League's Education and Events team share lessons in leadership, the importance of in-person learning opportunities in a digital world, and share some details on Cornerstone's upcoming event, ELEVATE: Credit Union Leadership Summit. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-17601888 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:00:00 -0500 1652 4 3 full false Empowering Women, Strengthening Credit Unions: The CUWLA Story Empowering Women, Strengthening Credit Unions: The CUWLA Story In this episode, we sit down with three inspiring founders of the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA) to explore the origins of this game-changing organization. CUWLA was created to support and uplift female CEOs of small credit unions, providing them with the resources, community, and advocacy they need to thrive.

Our guests, Tammy Passafiume, Lily Newfarmer, and Maria Martinez share the challenges they faced as leaders in the industry, how CUWLA is shaping the future of credit unions, and the advice they wish they could have given their younger selves. Whether you’re a credit union professional, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about empowering women in credit unions, this conversation is full of insights and inspiration.

Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, resilience, and the impact of a strong support network.

]]> In this episode, we sit down with three inspiring founders of the Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA) to explore the origins of this game-changing organization. CUWLA was created to support and uplift female CEOs of small credit unions, providing them with the resources, community, and advocacy they need to thrive.

Our guests, Tammy Passafiume, Lily Newfarmer, and Maria Martinez share the challenges they faced as leaders in the industry, how CUWLA is shaping the future of credit unions, and the advice they wish they could have given their younger selves. Whether you’re a credit union professional, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about empowering women in credit unions, this conversation is full of insights and inspiration.

Tune in for a powerful discussion on leadership, resilience, and the impact of a strong support network.

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-16658394 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0600 2656 4 2 full false From the Mail Room to the C-Suite: Cornerstone's 2024 YP of the Year Award Winner's Story From the Mail Room to the C-Suite: Cornerstone's 2024 YP of the Year Award Winner's Story In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Energy Capital Credit Union CFO and 2024 Cornerstone Young Professional of the Year Award Winner Corey Cunningham shares the story of his career trajectory. He underscores the importance of community involvement, continuous learning, and cultivating relationships. 

]]> In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Energy Capital Credit Union CFO and 2024 Cornerstone Young Professional of the Year Award Winner Corey Cunningham shares the story of his career trajectory. He underscores the importance of community involvement, continuous learning, and cultivating relationships. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-16408337 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600 765 4 1 full false What it Means to be a Credit Union Champion, Board Governance, and More (Featuring Cornerstone 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Deborah Conder) What it Means to be a Credit Union Champion, Board Governance, and More (Featuring Cornerstone 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner Deborah Conder) Cornerstone's 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner and Wellby Financial Board Chair Deborah Conder discusses what it means to be a credit union champion; shares about her long career with Johnson Space Center and Wellby; and shares advice for those seeking to serve on a board. 

]]> Cornerstone's 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner and Wellby Financial Board Chair Deborah Conder discusses what it means to be a credit union champion; shares about her long career with Johnson Space Center and Wellby; and shares advice for those seeking to serve on a board. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-16302479 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0600 799 3 4 full false The Importance of Worldwide Connections and International Credit Union Day The Importance of Worldwide Connections and International Credit Union Day In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Sean Cahill, president/CEO of TrueSky Federal Credit Union, and Laura Eblen, VP of member engagement and government affairs at Mazuma Credit Union, discuss the importance of developing relationships with credit unions across the world, and how credit unions can celebrate International Credit Union Day. 

Key topics covered: 
- Differences and similarities in how credit unions across the world operate compared to American credit unions
- Advice for credit unions seeking to engage with international credit unions 
- Credit union trends 
- How credit unions differ from banks

]]> In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Sean Cahill, president/CEO of TrueSky Federal Credit Union, and Laura Eblen, VP of member engagement and government affairs at Mazuma Credit Union, discuss the importance of developing relationships with credit unions across the world, and how credit unions can celebrate International Credit Union Day. 

Key topics covered: 
- Differences and similarities in how credit unions across the world operate compared to American credit unions
- Advice for credit unions seeking to engage with international credit unions 
- Credit union trends 
- How credit unions differ from banks

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-15898021 Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1399 3 3 full false Women's Impact and Influence on the Workplace Women's Impact and Influence on the Workplace Hear from Michelle Wood of Mazuma Credit Union, Colisha Lewis of Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Vicki Plank of Meritrust Credit Union, who share their insights on the impact and influence of women in the workplace. Hosted by Tanya Dittberner and Ericka Calvillo, the credit union industry leaders reflect on women who have influenced their lives and careers, and more. 

]]> Hear from Michelle Wood of Mazuma Credit Union, Colisha Lewis of Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Vicki Plank of Meritrust Credit Union, who share their insights on the impact and influence of women in the workplace. Hosted by Tanya Dittberner and Ericka Calvillo, the credit union industry leaders reflect on women who have influenced their lives and careers, and more. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-14747699 Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0500 1167 3 2 full false April Clobes on Launching a CUSO, the Importance of Board Support, and Generative AI April Clobes on Launching a CUSO, the Importance of Board Support, and Generative AI Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Reseda Group President/CEO April Clobes shares Reseda Group’s origin story and insights on the importance of garnering board support when launching a new CUSO.  She also discusses how MSUFCU and Reseda Group leverage data to gauge members’ interest in emerging technologies, and advice to credit union leaders interested in launching a CUSO. As credit unions are seeking alternative revenue streams, Clobes’ insights lay the groundwork for best practices when launching a new endeavor.  

]]> Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Reseda Group President/CEO April Clobes shares Reseda Group’s origin story and insights on the importance of garnering board support when launching a new CUSO.  She also discusses how MSUFCU and Reseda Group leverage data to gauge members’ interest in emerging technologies, and advice to credit union leaders interested in launching a CUSO. As credit unions are seeking alternative revenue streams, Clobes’ insights lay the groundwork for best practices when launching a new endeavor.  

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-13936118 Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0600 1320 3 1 full false Introducing UNITE: a Cornerstone League Advocacy Initiative Introducing UNITE: a Cornerstone League Advocacy Initiative Cornerstone League advocacy staff April Krause and Morgan Householder discuss UNITE, a new Cornerstone League advocacy initiative. 

]]> Cornerstone League advocacy staff April Krause and Morgan Householder discuss UNITE, a new Cornerstone League advocacy initiative. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-13586909 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0500 739 2 6 full false Jessie Swendig on interchange, the Credit Card Competition Act, and the importance of advocacy Jessie Swendig on interchange, the Credit Card Competition Act, and the importance of advocacy Neighborhood Credit Union SVP of Marketing and Community Impact Jessie Swendig discusses interchange, the 2023 Credit Card Competition Act, and the importance of engaging in advocacy efforts.

]]> Neighborhood Credit Union SVP of Marketing and Community Impact Jessie Swendig discusses interchange, the 2023 Credit Card Competition Act, and the importance of engaging in advocacy efforts.

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-13197414 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0500 1139 2 4 full false Mike McGinnis on the Banking Failures, Economic Cycle, and Managing Liquidity Mike McGinnis on the Banking Failures, Economic Cycle, and Managing Liquidity Mike McGinnis, SVP and chief investment officer of Catalyst Corporate Credit Union, shares his insights on the recent banking failures, the economic cycle, interest-rate risk, and what credit unions can do to manage liquidity. 

]]> Mike McGinnis, SVP and chief investment officer of Catalyst Corporate Credit Union, shares his insights on the recent banking failures, the economic cycle, interest-rate risk, and what credit unions can do to manage liquidity. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-13081305 Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0500 1579 2 3 full false How One Credit Union Entered the Crypto Space How One Credit Union Entered the Crypto Space Lone Star Credit Union CEO Becky Reed and Bank Social CEO John Wingate tell the story of how their partnership enabled the Dallas-based small credit union to offer cryptocurrency services to members. Learn how credit unions can lean into distributed ledger technology (DLT), how members have reacted to Lone Star's crypto offering, and why credit union leaders shouldn't ignore digital assets and DLT. 

]]> Lone Star Credit Union CEO Becky Reed and Bank Social CEO John Wingate tell the story of how their partnership enabled the Dallas-based small credit union to offer cryptocurrency services to members. Learn how credit unions can lean into distributed ledger technology (DLT), how members have reacted to Lone Star's crypto offering, and why credit union leaders shouldn't ignore digital assets and DLT. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-12022383 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0600 1597 2 2 full false Caroline Willard on the Cornerstone-HCUA Merger Caroline Willard on the Cornerstone-HCUA Merger Cornerstone League and Heartland Credit Union Association members have voted in favor of a merger, paving the way for the organizations' consolidation by Dec. 31. Cornerstone League President/CEO Caroline Willard shares background information on how the merger process was started, the benefits of the consolidation, members' frequently asked questions, and her vision for 2023. 

]]> Cornerstone League and Heartland Credit Union Association members have voted in favor of a merger, paving the way for the organizations' consolidation by Dec. 31. Cornerstone League President/CEO Caroline Willard shares background information on how the merger process was started, the benefits of the consolidation, members' frequently asked questions, and her vision for 2023. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-11658369 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0600 981 2 1 full false How to Become a Learning Leader with Ryan Hawk How to Become a Learning Leader with Ryan Hawk Author and podcaster Ryan Hawk discusses the components of a "learning leader," the power of books, and how he went from a corporate sales executive to published author, top podcaster, and sought-after speaker. 

]]> Author and podcaster Ryan Hawk discusses the components of a "learning leader," the power of books, and how he went from a corporate sales executive to published author, top podcaster, and sought-after speaker. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-11071874 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:00:00 -0500 1724 1 10 full false Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with John Lanza and Andrew Manthei Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with John Lanza and Andrew Manthei In honor of Financial Literacy Month, The Cornerstone League Podcast features Snigglezoo Founder and "Chief Mammal" John Lanza, and GreenPath Business Development Specialist Andrew Manthei who share their definitions of financial literacy and what credit unions can do to help promote financial well-being for all. 

]]> In honor of Financial Literacy Month, The Cornerstone League Podcast features Snigglezoo Founder and "Chief Mammal" John Lanza, and GreenPath Business Development Specialist Andrew Manthei who share their definitions of financial literacy and what credit unions can do to help promote financial well-being for all. 

]]> Buzzsprout-10529017 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0500 1843 1 9 full false Amplifying Credit Union Women's Voices: Caroline Willard and Christin Vaughn Amplifying Credit Union Women's Voices: Caroline Willard and Christin Vaughn Cornerstone League President and CEO Caroline Willard and Allegiance Credit Union SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Christin Vaughn share their thoughts on central issues women face in the workplace today, women who have inspired them, and advice they would give themselves at the beginning of their careers. 

]]> Cornerstone League President and CEO Caroline Willard and Allegiance Credit Union SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Christin Vaughn share their thoughts on central issues women face in the workplace today, women who have inspired them, and advice they would give themselves at the beginning of their careers. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-10427177 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0500 1594 1 8 full false Women's History Month Part 1 - Cynthia Campbell and Maria Martinez Women's History Month Part 1 - Cynthia Campbell and Maria Martinez Credit union leaders Cynthia Campbell and Maria Martinez share their perspectives on central issues women face in the workplace today, women who have inspired them, and what others can do to be allies to women in the workplace. This is the first part of a two-part, special Women's History Month series. 

]]> Credit union leaders Cynthia Campbell and Maria Martinez share their perspectives on central issues women face in the workplace today, women who have inspired them, and what others can do to be allies to women in the workplace. This is the first part of a two-part, special Women's History Month series. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-10348545 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500 1206 1 7 full false Hiring Top Talent at Your Credit Union Hiring Top Talent at Your Credit Union Cornerstone Resources Executive Search and Professional Recruiting Vice President Marcus Cotton speaks with host Tanya Dittberner about what credit union leaders can do to attract top talent to their credit unions, what candidates are looking for in a role, and the benefits of hiring raw talent. 

]]> Cornerstone Resources Executive Search and Professional Recruiting Vice President Marcus Cotton speaks with host Tanya Dittberner about what credit union leaders can do to attract top talent to their credit unions, what candidates are looking for in a role, and the benefits of hiring raw talent. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-10167032 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0600 808 1 6 full false Tips for Fostering a Healthy Culture and Managing Talent at Your Credit Union Tips for Fostering a Healthy Culture and Managing Talent at Your Credit Union In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, we cover talent acquisition, retention, and overall workplace culture at credit unions. Cornerstone League Director of Culture and Talent Management Brooke Stone talks with host Tanya Dittberner about best practices in today’s war for talent, specifically when it comes to enhancing your credit union’s culture, employing strategies such as succession planning and creating universal roles, and eliminating single points of failure. 

]]> In this episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, we cover talent acquisition, retention, and overall workplace culture at credit unions. Cornerstone League Director of Culture and Talent Management Brooke Stone talks with host Tanya Dittberner about best practices in today’s war for talent, specifically when it comes to enhancing your credit union’s culture, employing strategies such as succession planning and creating universal roles, and eliminating single points of failure. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-9949793 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0600 1919 1 5 full false Credit Union Awareness Campaign with Chris Lorence Credit Union Awareness Campaign with Chris Lorence Credit Union Awareness LLC Executive Director Chris Lorence discusses the evolution of the credit union awareness campaign since its inception and what to expect in 2022.  

]]> Credit Union Awareness LLC Executive Director Chris Lorence discusses the evolution of the credit union awareness campaign since its inception and what to expect in 2022.  

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-9697686 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0600 1330 1 4 full false Cryptocurrency: What Credit Unions Need to Know Cryptocurrency: What Credit Unions Need to Know In Episode 3 of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Cornerstone League Associate Regulatory and Compliance Counsel Nathan Behncke outlines the basics of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance. He also describes credit union use cases for cryptocurrency and what credit unions can do to prepare for the mainstreaming of cryptocurrency.  

]]> In Episode 3 of The Cornerstone League Podcast, Cornerstone League Associate Regulatory and Compliance Counsel Nathan Behncke outlines the basics of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance. He also describes credit union use cases for cryptocurrency and what credit unions can do to prepare for the mainstreaming of cryptocurrency.  

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-9537783 Fri, 12 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0600 1225 1 3 full false Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Building Financial Health for a Brighter Tomorrow Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Building Financial Health for a Brighter Tomorrow In the second episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, we honor Cybersecurity Awareness Month by speaking with Cornerstone Resources VP of Information Security and Risk Management Consulting Idrees Rafiq, Jr. about ways credit unions can #BeCyberSmart not just this month, but year round. We also talk with Cornerstone Foundation Executive Director Courtney Moran, who tells us the ways in which the Foundation supports this year's International Credit Union Day theme: building financial health for a brighter tomorrow. 

]]> In the second episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, we honor Cybersecurity Awareness Month by speaking with Cornerstone Resources VP of Information Security and Risk Management Consulting Idrees Rafiq, Jr. about ways credit unions can #BeCyberSmart not just this month, but year round. We also talk with Cornerstone Foundation Executive Director Courtney Moran, who tells us the ways in which the Foundation supports this year's International Credit Union Day theme: building financial health for a brighter tomorrow. 

]]> Cornerstone League Buzzsprout-9373918 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0500 2348 full false Stories of resilience and advocacy Stories of resilience and advocacy In this inaugural episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, President/CEO Caroline Willard and Executive Vice President/Chief Advocacy Officer Jim Phelps share stories of Cornerstone League members' resilience during the pandemic and Cornerstone's 2021 advocacy wins.  

]]> In this inaugural episode of The Cornerstone League Podcast, President/CEO Caroline Willard and Executive Vice President/Chief Advocacy Officer Jim Phelps share stories of Cornerstone League members' resilience during the pandemic and Cornerstone's 2021 advocacy wins.  

]]> Tanya Buzzsprout-9187489 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0500 2212 1 1 full false