Cynthia Campbell
Mentor | CEO
Soul Path Leadership
Cynthia Campbell is a strategist, a corporate communicator, and a project executor. Cynthia previously oversaw BALANCE's financial coaching and housing counseling teams, training, HR, marketing, and business intelligence departments. She also served as the COO of BALANCE, the VP of Innovation and Strategy at Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Director of Innovation Labs at the Filene Research Institute, and VP of Financial Empowerment at Tinker Federal Credit Union. Her entire career has been focused on financial health, with a particular focus on the under-resourced.
Cynthia holds a BS in Business Administration and an MBA from Elmhurst College in Illinois, a master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and has her Senior Certified Professional Human Resources designation. She is passionate about financial capability, innovation, user experience, growing her own food, yoga, and dogs.
Credit Union Values + Data-Driven Decision Making = Success for Lending and Collections
Mentor | CEO
Soul Path Leadership
Cynthia Campbell is a strategist, a corporate communicator, and a project executor. Cynthia previously oversaw BALANCE's financial coaching and housing counseling teams, training, HR, marketing, and business intelligence departments. She also served as the COO of BALANCE, the VP of Innovation and Strategy at Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Director of Innovation Labs at the Filene Research Institute, and VP of Financial Empowerment at Tinker Federal Credit Union. Her entire career has been focused on financial health, with a particular focus on the under-resourced.
Cynthia holds a BS in Business Administration and an MBA from Elmhurst College in Illinois, a master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and has her Senior Certified Professional Human Resources designation. She is passionate about financial capability, innovation, user experience, growing her own food, yoga, and dogs.
Credit Union Values + Data-Driven Decision Making = Success for Lending and Collections
Jennifer Esperanza
Sr. Director, Organizational Culture and Strategy
Coopera Consulting
Dr. Jennifer Esperanza serves as senior director of organizational culture and strategy at Coopera Consulting, where she champions financial inclusion for underserved communities, working with credit unions to ensure equitable and culturally relevant financial services. With a Ph.D. in economic anthropology, Esperanza leverages her two decades of research and teaching experience to drive impactful DEI and financial inclusion initiatives. Her expertise extends to demographic research on economic cooperatives and immigrant populations.
Prior to joining Coopera, Esperanza spent 17 years as a university professor, teaching courses in cultural anthropology, immigration, and consumer culture at North Carolina State University, Southwestern University, and Beloit College. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion was recognized with achieving tenure and promotion, making her the first Asian American woman to achieve this milestone at Beloit College.
Her passion for teaching, storytelling, and public speaking has led her to engage audiences on topics such as immigration, DEI, and organizational change. She serves on the Board of the Wisconsin Humanities Council and as a co-founder of HAPICUP—the Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander Credit Union Professionals group.
From Theory to Practice: DEI in the Credit Union Industry
Sr. Director, Organizational Culture and Strategy
Coopera Consulting
Dr. Jennifer Esperanza serves as senior director of organizational culture and strategy at Coopera Consulting, where she champions financial inclusion for underserved communities, working with credit unions to ensure equitable and culturally relevant financial services. With a Ph.D. in economic anthropology, Esperanza leverages her two decades of research and teaching experience to drive impactful DEI and financial inclusion initiatives. Her expertise extends to demographic research on economic cooperatives and immigrant populations.
Prior to joining Coopera, Esperanza spent 17 years as a university professor, teaching courses in cultural anthropology, immigration, and consumer culture at North Carolina State University, Southwestern University, and Beloit College. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion was recognized with achieving tenure and promotion, making her the first Asian American woman to achieve this milestone at Beloit College.
Her passion for teaching, storytelling, and public speaking has led her to engage audiences on topics such as immigration, DEI, and organizational change. She serves on the Board of the Wisconsin Humanities Council and as a co-founder of HAPICUP—the Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islander Credit Union Professionals group.
From Theory to Practice: DEI in the Credit Union Industry
Ashley Esquibel
Chief Administrative Officer
Envista Federal Credit Union
Ashley Esquibel is the chief administrative officer at Envista Federal Credit Union with over 17 years’ experience in human resources. She is a Certified Credit Union HR Compliance Professional (CUHRCP), Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE), and a Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Esquibel made notable contributions to the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Topeka Chapter on its board. She is currently the chapter's Past Presidents Committee chair and certification director. Esquibel holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Science in HR development.
FSLA Job Description Review Panel
Chief Administrative Officer
Envista Federal Credit Union
Ashley Esquibel is the chief administrative officer at Envista Federal Credit Union with over 17 years’ experience in human resources. She is a Certified Credit Union HR Compliance Professional (CUHRCP), Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE), and a Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Esquibel made notable contributions to the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Topeka Chapter on its board. She is currently the chapter's Past Presidents Committee chair and certification director. Esquibel holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Science in HR development.
FSLA Job Description Review Panel
Michael Flaxbeard
Director
Forvis Mazars
With over a decade of experience in public accounting and advisory services, Michael Flaxbeard currently serves as a Director at Forvis Mazars U.S. Michael began his career at BKD CPAs & Advisors in 2011, where he spent nearly a decade advancing through various roles, including Audit Manager, Senior Manager, and ultimately Director. He then served as a Director at FORVIS from June 2022 to May 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) and an MBA from Rockhurst University, graduating magna cum laude.
Regulatory and Accounting Update for Financial Services
Director
Forvis Mazars
With over a decade of experience in public accounting and advisory services, Michael Flaxbeard currently serves as a Director at Forvis Mazars U.S. Michael began his career at BKD CPAs & Advisors in 2011, where he spent nearly a decade advancing through various roles, including Audit Manager, Senior Manager, and ultimately Director. He then served as a Director at FORVIS from June 2022 to May 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) and an MBA from Rockhurst University, graduating magna cum laude.
Regulatory and Accounting Update for Financial Services
John Innarelli
CEO
The Voice of Cyber & Security
John Iannarelli served 20 years as an FBI Special Agent and was the FBI’s national spokesperson. His investigative work included the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 9/11 attack, the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the Sony hack. He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Computer Science. After retiring from the FBI, John was an NFL Security Representative, overseeing game-day security of players, fans, and the stadium throughout the football season and during the Super Bowl.
John is a former Police Officer, attorney, author of five books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international audiences, the United Nations, and the Vatican, where he has personally met on several occasions with Pope Francis.
Preventing Cyber Fraud: From the Perspective of the FBI
CEO
The Voice of Cyber & Security
John Iannarelli served 20 years as an FBI Special Agent and was the FBI’s national spokesperson. His investigative work included the Oklahoma City Bombing, the 9/11 attack, the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the Sony hack. He is the recipient of the FBI Director’s Distinguished Service Award, as well as an Honorary Doctor of Computer Science. After retiring from the FBI, John was an NFL Security Representative, overseeing game-day security of players, fans, and the stadium throughout the football season and during the Super Bowl.
John is a former Police Officer, attorney, author of five books and a highly sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to Fortune 500 companies, domestic and international audiences, the United Nations, and the Vatican, where he has personally met on several occasions with Pope Francis.
Preventing Cyber Fraud: From the Perspective of the FBI
Laura Loy
Experience Director
On The Mark Strategies
Laura Loy is the Experience Director at On The Mark Strategies, a Dallas-based consultancy that boasts a team of superheroes helping local financial organizations fight against the top 10 big banks in the country. Laura has nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, training and management, including 10 years abroad in Japan and Latin America.
Most recently, Laura served as vice president of marketing & business development for Zia Credit Union, a $205M credit union in New Mexico. At Zia, Laura led the communications initiative for members and staff during a core conversion, was responsible for a new website redesign and development, and led Zia a comprehensive rebrand project in partnership with On The Mark Strategies.
Laura is an America’s Credit Unions’ Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive (CUCME). She has a M.A. in International Business from UC San Diego and a B.A. in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara.
5 Keys to Engaging Your Staff in Business Development
Experience Director
On The Mark Strategies
Laura Loy is the Experience Director at On The Mark Strategies, a Dallas-based consultancy that boasts a team of superheroes helping local financial organizations fight against the top 10 big banks in the country. Laura has nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, training and management, including 10 years abroad in Japan and Latin America.
Most recently, Laura served as vice president of marketing & business development for Zia Credit Union, a $205M credit union in New Mexico. At Zia, Laura led the communications initiative for members and staff during a core conversion, was responsible for a new website redesign and development, and led Zia a comprehensive rebrand project in partnership with On The Mark Strategies.
Laura is an America’s Credit Unions’ Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive (CUCME). She has a M.A. in International Business from UC San Diego and a B.A. in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara.
5 Keys to Engaging Your Staff in Business Development
Andria McCollough
Chief Administration Officer
Truity Credit Union
Andria McCollough is the chief administrative officer at Truity Credit Union. She oversees culture and operations through human resources and organizational development, facilities services, project management, process improvement, and executive operations. Since joining Truity in 2007, McCollough has shaped the organization's culture and internal communications projects. She brings 30 years of HR experience and a background in nonprofits, blending a people-focused approach with strong business acumen. She is passionate about project management, thriving on developing team leaders to their fullest potential and aligning their efforts with corporate strategies. She has served as dean for the CULead Academy, vice chair for the HR Council, and chair of the HR and Training Council.
FSLA Job Description Review Panel
Chief Administration Officer
Truity Credit Union
Andria McCollough is the chief administrative officer at Truity Credit Union. She oversees culture and operations through human resources and organizational development, facilities services, project management, process improvement, and executive operations. Since joining Truity in 2007, McCollough has shaped the organization's culture and internal communications projects. She brings 30 years of HR experience and a background in nonprofits, blending a people-focused approach with strong business acumen. She is passionate about project management, thriving on developing team leaders to their fullest potential and aligning their efforts with corporate strategies. She has served as dean for the CULead Academy, vice chair for the HR Council, and chair of the HR and Training Council.
FSLA Job Description Review Panel
Andrew Morris
Director of Innovation and Technology
America’s Credit Unions
Update from America’s Credit Unions on Payments Issues
Director of Innovation and Technology
America’s Credit Unions
Update from America’s Credit Unions on Payments Issues
Suzanne Vesper
Attorney
Sherpy & Jones PA
A 1998 graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland Law School, Suzanne Diffley Vesper is admitted to practice in the state courts of Georgia, South Carolina, the United States District Court Northern District of Georgia, and the United States Court of Appeals Eleventh District.
After law school, Suzanne practiced law as in-house counsel for a variety of industries, providing assistance with regulatory, liability, and other general business issues. In 2008, she joined the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates as a Compliance Specialist and served The Coca-Cola Company Family Federal Credit Union in Atlanta before joining Sherpy and Jones in 2010.
Vendor Contract Reviews/Standards
Attorney
Sherpy & Jones PA
A 1998 graduate of Samford University’s Cumberland Law School, Suzanne Diffley Vesper is admitted to practice in the state courts of Georgia, South Carolina, the United States District Court Northern District of Georgia, and the United States Court of Appeals Eleventh District.
After law school, Suzanne practiced law as in-house counsel for a variety of industries, providing assistance with regulatory, liability, and other general business issues. In 2008, she joined the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates as a Compliance Specialist and served The Coca-Cola Company Family Federal Credit Union in Atlanta before joining Sherpy and Jones in 2010.
Vendor Contract Reviews/Standards
Paul Withey
CEO
Withey Consulting Group
Dr. Paul Withey has worked in the credit union industry since 1997 as an employee, board member, and consultant. He is currently CEO of Withey Consulting Group, where he assists several organizations with strategic business development and operations. He has extensive experience in the financial industry, non-profit and for-profit organizations, political campaigns, the healthcare industry, public relations/marketing, financial services/investment, product/strategy development, demographic analysis, insurance, database management, database mining, report writing, and IT system analysis and development.
Dr. Withey earned his Ph.D. in Management and Organizational Leadership in 2012. He has taught as an adjunct professor, authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at numerous seminars and conferences, and published a book on chaos theory and leadership practices.
He has served on several Cornerstone League boards and committees including the League Board, League Audit Committee, Texas Governmental Affairs Subcommittee, Houston Chapter of Credit Unions, and much more credit union involvement and healthcare involvement. Dr. Withey also served as a board member, committee member, and the Vice Chairman of Members Choice Credit Union's Board of Directors from 2014 to 2023.
Board Governance
CEO
Withey Consulting Group
Dr. Paul Withey has worked in the credit union industry since 1997 as an employee, board member, and consultant. He is currently CEO of Withey Consulting Group, where he assists several organizations with strategic business development and operations. He has extensive experience in the financial industry, non-profit and for-profit organizations, political campaigns, the healthcare industry, public relations/marketing, financial services/investment, product/strategy development, demographic analysis, insurance, database management, database mining, report writing, and IT system analysis and development.
Dr. Withey earned his Ph.D. in Management and Organizational Leadership in 2012. He has taught as an adjunct professor, authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at numerous seminars and conferences, and published a book on chaos theory and leadership practices.
He has served on several Cornerstone League boards and committees including the League Board, League Audit Committee, Texas Governmental Affairs Subcommittee, Houston Chapter of Credit Unions, and much more credit union involvement and healthcare involvement. Dr. Withey also served as a board member, committee member, and the Vice Chairman of Members Choice Credit Union's Board of Directors from 2014 to 2023.
Board Governance
Chris Wolgamott
Director of Financial Wellbeing
Financial Wellness Executive Committee:
CHRIS WOLGAMOTT, Committee Chair, Director of Financial Well-Being, Meritrust Credit Union, Kansas.
Chris has been in the credit union industry for 26 years and leads the financial coaching team at Meritrust, working with organizations and schools to provide financial education training. A national speaker with America’s Credit Unions, he has also helped author several training books. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from Wichita State University and a Masters of Adult Education from Kansas State University. He has been recognized as a Wichita 40 under 40 recipient, A Credit Union Times Trailblazer under 40 and has had the opportunity to testify on behalf of the credit union industry to a House of Representatives subcommittee and a Kansas Senate hearing.
COLTEN HIBBS, Financial Health Coordinator, Education Credit Union, Texas.
Colton presents and teaches financial literacy curriculum and training across the Texas panhandle and is responsible for Education Credit Union’s Financial Counseling program. He also leads ECU’s involvement with the VITA program sponsored by the IRS to provide free tax preparation services in the communities they serve.
ANDRES ACOSTA, - Business Development Coordinator, TruService Community Federal Credit Union, Arkansas.
Andres applies his expertise as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) to enhance economic outcomes for community members and has pioneered a targeted initiative for the underserved and underbanked Hispanic community in Central Arkansas. Andres brings expertise in nonprofit grant management, finance, and business development. He is the architect of Emprende, a City of Little Rock entrepreneur cohort designed for Hispanic business owners, and Emprendiendo, an initiative at El Centro Hispano in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Andres earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from Arkansas State University, is proficient in QuickBooks, and holds the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) certification.
JENNIFER WEBB, Vice President and Community Development Officer, UP Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arkansas
With over 16 years of experience, Jenniver is a passionate financial literacy advocate and actively fosters partnerships with local schools and organizes community events to empower individuals with essential financial knowledge. As a Certified Financial Counselor, Jennifer mentors aspiring counselors, and spearheads Financial Wellness Initiatives within her credit union, and is deeply committed to community development and effecting positive change.
KRIS KELLER , Director of Relationship Development, Multipli Credit Union, Missouri
Kris is an expert communicator and relationship builder. He uses financial wellbeing as a path for business development in a market overly saturated with financial institutions. Kris He builds and strengthens relationships between Multipli Credit Union, employer partners, non-profit community organizations, and Multipli team members through financial education and coaching, making connections, and building solutions to match our community’s needs.
JAMES MERRIMAN, Member Experience Leader, Mazuma Credit Union, Missouri.
James leads a team that is tasked with community development and workplace banking. He focuses on finding ways to deepen the credit union's connection with the Kansas City metro community through financial well-being education and believes that relationships are the key to success in business and in life. James serves as chair for the board of EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS INC., a non-profit organization whose passion is empowering people of all ages to take control of their financial futures and achieve their dreams.
Engaging the Community for Financial Wellness
Director of Financial Wellbeing
Financial Wellness Executive Committee:
CHRIS WOLGAMOTT, Committee Chair, Director of Financial Well-Being, Meritrust Credit Union, Kansas.
Chris has been in the credit union industry for 26 years and leads the financial coaching team at Meritrust, working with organizations and schools to provide financial education training. A national speaker with America’s Credit Unions, he has also helped author several training books. Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from Wichita State University and a Masters of Adult Education from Kansas State University. He has been recognized as a Wichita 40 under 40 recipient, A Credit Union Times Trailblazer under 40 and has had the opportunity to testify on behalf of the credit union industry to a House of Representatives subcommittee and a Kansas Senate hearing.
COLTEN HIBBS, Financial Health Coordinator, Education Credit Union, Texas.
Colton presents and teaches financial literacy curriculum and training across the Texas panhandle and is responsible for Education Credit Union’s Financial Counseling program. He also leads ECU’s involvement with the VITA program sponsored by the IRS to provide free tax preparation services in the communities they serve.
ANDRES ACOSTA, - Business Development Coordinator, TruService Community Federal Credit Union, Arkansas.
Andres applies his expertise as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) to enhance economic outcomes for community members and has pioneered a targeted initiative for the underserved and underbanked Hispanic community in Central Arkansas. Andres brings expertise in nonprofit grant management, finance, and business development. He is the architect of Emprende, a City of Little Rock entrepreneur cohort designed for Hispanic business owners, and Emprendiendo, an initiative at El Centro Hispano in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Andres earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from Arkansas State University, is proficient in QuickBooks, and holds the IRS’s Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) certification.
JENNIFER WEBB, Vice President and Community Development Officer, UP Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arkansas
With over 16 years of experience, Jenniver is a passionate financial literacy advocate and actively fosters partnerships with local schools and organizes community events to empower individuals with essential financial knowledge. As a Certified Financial Counselor, Jennifer mentors aspiring counselors, and spearheads Financial Wellness Initiatives within her credit union, and is deeply committed to community development and effecting positive change.
KRIS KELLER , Director of Relationship Development, Multipli Credit Union, Missouri
Kris is an expert communicator and relationship builder. He uses financial wellbeing as a path for business development in a market overly saturated with financial institutions. Kris He builds and strengthens relationships between Multipli Credit Union, employer partners, non-profit community organizations, and Multipli team members through financial education and coaching, making connections, and building solutions to match our community’s needs.
JAMES MERRIMAN, Member Experience Leader, Mazuma Credit Union, Missouri.
James leads a team that is tasked with community development and workplace banking. He focuses on finding ways to deepen the credit union's connection with the Kansas City metro community through financial well-being education and believes that relationships are the key to success in business and in life. James serves as chair for the board of EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS INC., a non-profit organization whose passion is empowering people of all ages to take control of their financial futures and achieve their dreams.
Engaging the Community for Financial Wellness
Corlinda Wooden
President
Wooden Consulting, LLC
Corlinda Wooden is the President of Wooden Consulting, LLC, and a passionate leader within the credit union movement. She specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, strengthening sales and service cultures, and driving innovative approaches to achieve bottom-line results. Recently named one of American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions, Corlinda's passion for helping people succeed, combined with her creativity and over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, has propelled the teams she has worked with to new heights. When not working, Corlinda enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, a pandemic puppy, and two fluffy cats. “Work hard, play hard, and rest hard” is a guiding principle in her household.
Bring Out the Leader in You
Workplace Wellness: Thriving Professionally, Emotionally, and Intellectually
President
Wooden Consulting, LLC
Corlinda Wooden is the President of Wooden Consulting, LLC, and a passionate leader within the credit union movement. She specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, strengthening sales and service cultures, and driving innovative approaches to achieve bottom-line results. Recently named one of American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions, Corlinda's passion for helping people succeed, combined with her creativity and over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, has propelled the teams she has worked with to new heights. When not working, Corlinda enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, a pandemic puppy, and two fluffy cats. “Work hard, play hard, and rest hard” is a guiding principle in her household.
Bring Out the Leader in You
Workplace Wellness: Thriving Professionally, Emotionally, and Intellectually