news.cuna.org/articles/122577-photo-gallery-2023-cuna-finance-council-conference
2023_FCC_other-1

Photo gallery: 2023 CUNA Finance Council Conference

CFOs contend with liquidity and noninterest income pressures, and a host of other issues.

Bill Merrick
May 25, 2023

Roughly 450 finance leaders gathered in Anaheim, Calif., May 21-24 for the 2023 CUNA Finance Council Conference.

Pressures on liquidity and noninterest income dominated discussion, as well as credit unions’ readiness for the current expected credit losses (CECL) standard, which went into effect Jan. 1, for most credit unions.

Here are scenes from the conference:

 

  • Slide 01

    A mix of finance and other leaders offered insights into budgeting. From left: Willis Chang, digital transformation officer at Kinecta Federal Credit Union; Brandon Smith, CEO at Reliant Federal Credit Union; Ashley Vandermause, chief financial officer (CFO) at UnitedOne Credit Union; and Jay Scungio, senior vice president (SVP)/CFO at Freedom Credit Union.

  • Slide 02

    Succession planning will be a top priority for the next generation of CFOs, according to (from left) Jeff Welch, CFO at FORUM Credit Union; Laura Fielding, chief human resources officer at UnitedOne Credit Union; and Lindsey Myhre, executive vice president (EVP)/CFO at STCU.

  • Slide 03

    It’s not just on CFOs to address liquidity pressures, says Amber Cisneros, chief member experience officer at Orange County’s Credit Union. She advises making people throughout the organization accountable for deposit growth. From left: Amy McGraw, vice president/chief experience officer at Tropical Financial Credit Union; Catherine Berman, co-founder/CEO at CNote; Cisneros; and Sam Das, managing director at TruStage Ventures.

  • Slide 04

    Panelists discuss the finer points of CECL, including modeling techniques and implications for governance and ongoing operations. From left: Bud Hollenkampo, partner at FORVIS LLP; Alexis Fitzpatrick, EVP/CFO, SAFE Credit Union; Ed Lis, CFO, First Choice Financial Federal Credit Union; and Steve Arbaugh, CFO at SECU of Maryland.

  • Slide 05

    Appearing via livestream, NCUA Board Member Rodney Hood praised credit unions’ strong loan, membership, and asset growth. Brad Barnes, CFO at Air Academy Credit Union, and Amy McGraw, vice president/chief experience officer at Tropical Financial Credit Union, moderated the session.

  • Slide 06

    Bowling was right up attendees’ alley during Monday’s social event at Splitsville in the Downtown Disney District.

  • Slide 07

    A panel of economists see earnings struggles, liquidity pressures, and high inflation ahead. From left: Amy McGraw, vice president/chief experience officer, Tropical Financial Credit Union; Christine Messer, CFO/SVP at Heritage Family Credit Union; Lindsey Piegza, chief economist at Stifel; Marisa DiNatale, senior director at Moody’s Analytics; and Bill Hampel, consultant at MDB Hampel LLC.

  • Slide 08

    Songs have the power to change the way people think and feel, says speaker and author Lee Silber.

  • Slide 09

    The conference registration area did brisk business on Sunday.

  • Slide 10

    This was the last conference for CUNA Councils Senior Coordinator Deb Verdecchia before she retires. The CUNA Councils crew from left: Megan McKee, Jamie Wigand, Sunny Schomaker, Verdecchia, Cindy Parker, and David Rohn. We wish her the best.