New cohort joins a network of 400+ innovation alumni charged with solving the industry’s most pressing challenges
Madison, WI – Credit unions face a defining moment. Rising member expectations, fintech disruption, and rapid technological change demand leaders who don’t just manage the present, they build the future. Filene Research Institute is answering that call, announcing today the 24 credit union professionals selected to join Wave 22 of its highly competitive i3 program, a one-year innovation leadership experience that has produced some of the industry’s most forward-thinking executives.
Unlike traditional professional development programs, i3 is a proving ground. Participants work in cross-functional teams to tackle real, unresolved industry challenges, not hypothetical case studies. They return to their organizations not just with new ideas, but with the innovation mindset, tools, and a powerful peer network to execute them. Since its founding, the i3 program has grown to more than 400 alumni spanning credit unions of all sizes and representing institutions from all areas of the country.
“The credit union industry doesn’t have the luxury of standing still,” said Mark Meyer, President & CEO of Filene Research Institute. “Wave 22 joins a growing community of i3 leaders who have committed to doing something about that, bringing bold ideas, rigorous thinking, and a genuine passion for the cooperative mission. The future of this movement is in good hands.”
The 24 professionals chosen for Wave 22 were selected from a competitive national pool and represent credit unions and organizations from across the country. Among them, Matthew Cole, Division President at Velera, captured the spirit driving the cohort: “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.”
Wave 22 of the Filene i3 Program:
- Charles Adler, Lakehurst Naval Federal Credit Union
- Juanita Alvarez, American Airlines Federal Credit Union
- Colin Boone, Royal Credit Union
- Matthew Cole, Velera
- Briana Cousins, Redstone Federal Credit Union
- Cecily Dawson, Redwood Credit Union
- Michael Fitch, Westerra Credit Union
- Carlos Fonseca, USALLIANCE Financial
- Justin Garcia, Mocse Federal Credit Union
- Alissa Haines, Altra Federal Credit Union
- Jordan Houghtaling, Altra Federal Credit Union
- Kyle Jerrett, Chartway Credit Union
- Thiri Kyaw, OneAZ Credit Union
- Judd Meche, USALLIANCE Financial
- Carly Mullins, Suncoast Credit Union
- Michael Murdoch, University Credit Union
- Channie Price, Velera
- Seth Ross, Visions Federal Credit Union
- Andrea Roussev, UW Credit Union
- Noreen Schafer, Lake Trust Credit Union
- Shirley Senn, New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- Abigail Smith, Visa
- Thomas Was, Municipal Credit Union
- Sarah Zemke, Christian Financial Credit Union
What’s Next for Wave 22
Wave 22 will begin their one-year development journey at EDGE 2026, in Dallas, TX, May 11-14. 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.
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About Filene Research Institute: Filene Research Institute strengthens organizations through innovative research and incubation to improve consumer financial well-being. As an independent cooperative finance think tank, Filene’s membership network connects a community of leaders and bright minds to change lives through innovation, truth, and cooperation. In addition to delivering cutting-edge, actionable academic research, Filene also provides incubators to test and scale solutions, events to spark organizations into action, and advisory services to help accelerate and implement innovation. For more information, visit filene.org and follow on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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