One of the newest trends in industry conferences today is to “crash the bash.” And, this year, CO-OP joined the party by offering its first-ever THINK Crashers program, in partnership with Filene Research Institute and the Cooperative Trust.
Well, the competition is over, the votes are in – and we are excited to announce our THINK 18 Crashers.
Representing the industry’s brightest young minds from an outstanding pool of applicants, our 12 THINK 18 Crashers epitomize the enthusiasm, drive and commitment to excellence that define the initiative. Next month, each of our Crashers will receive complimentary registration and lodging at our most dynamic and informative THINK event ever.
Not only will THINK 18 Crashers mingle with the likes of world renowned athlete Michael Phelps, but they will also hear from a powerful line-up of industry titans on the hottest innovations and trends shaping fintech today.
Here is look at our inaugural THINK Crashers Class:
Ryan Eddy, Audit Coordinator
Town and Country Federal Credit Union, Portland, ME
Industry Experience: 3 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Curious, Perceptive, Diplomatic
Why Crash THINK: “I believe that collaboration will be the key to pushing our credit unions and philosophies to undiscovered heights, and I want to contribute to this movement.”
Marlie Russell, Card Service Representative
Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA
Industry Experience: 2 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Positive, Hardworking, Driven
Why Crash THINK: “Being able to take part in such a powerful and inspiring workplace has made my career choice clear – that my heart belongs to the people.”
Michael Miller, Credit Card Portfolio Manager
Towpath Credit Union, Akron, OH
Industry Experience: Less than 1 Year
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Ambitious, Analytical, Curious
Why Crash THINK: “Being able to meet with other young professionals is very important in this current environment to help drive all credit unions into the future as technology advances and we try and reach out to a new generation of members.”
Rieley Koby, Executive Assistant/Plastics/Marketing
Forest Area Federal Credit Union, Fife Lake, MI
Industry Experience: 4 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Delightful, Witty, Outgoing
Why Crash THINK: “I would like to pull our credit union’s senior management and board into the age of social media and electronic payments while forming connections with Millennials and Generation Zs in the newest form of technology.”
Rachel Jones, Digital Solutions Associate
DuPage Credit Union, Naperville, IL
Industry Experience: More than 10 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Committed, Conscientious, Curious
Why Crash THINK: “My desire to create a memorable experience for every member I encounter pushes me to excel in my work. This year’s focus of digital transformation will be informative, supportive and essential to my credit union journey.”
Courtney Mumm, Cash Delivery Systems Coordinator
Public Service Credit Union, Colorado Springs, CO
Industry Experience: 9 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Innovative, Determined, Intuitive
Why Crash THINK: “I’m excited to learn more about keeping members engaged with new technology and better utilizing the data we receive to make decisions.”
Alyssa Horsley, Software Project Manager II
STCU, Spokane, WA
Industry Experience: More than 10 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Enthusiastic, Adaptable, Ambitious
Why Crash THINK: “The digital transformation is especially impactful to my area of work in software development and e-business, and I would love to learn the strengths, opportunities and threats in the credit union landscape.”
Daniela Poulsen, Financial Education Assistant
Numerica Credit Union, Spokane Valley, WA
Industry Experience: 2 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Innovative, Go-Getter, Cooperative
Why Crash THINK: “Working for a credit union means you are part of a family; it is not just a job. Attending the THINK 18 conference would allow me to represent my credit union family and gain valuable knowledge.”
Andrew Chalko, VP of Accounting and Risk Management
Elements Financial Federal Credit Union, Indianapolis, IN
Industry Experience: 2 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Strategic, Driven, Critical Thinker
Why Crash THINK: “I would obtain so much value from this experience – just being able to bring more ideas back to Elements and build strong networking connections to collaborate on future initiatives.”
Derek Smith, Member Solutions Consultant
Family Focus Federal Credit Union, Omaha, NE
Industry Experience: 1 Year
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Enthusiastic, Ingenuity, Determined
Why Crash THINK: “I am eager to continue learning and developing my skills to help bring new ideas to our organization – not only to build a stronger institution for ourselves, but also to further the movement as a whole.”
Amber Soderblom, Project Manager 1
CO-OP Financial Services, Des Moines, IA
Industry Experience: 3 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Fun, Friendly, Self-Motivated
Why Crash THINK: “I believe that being an employee of CO-OP and being able to meet our new and existing clients while CRASHING the party would be a great opportunity to network and learn – and bring it back to share with my fellow coworkers.”
Wyman Davis, ETO Project Coordinator
CO-OP Financial Services, Duluth, GA
Industry Experience: 2 Years
Describe Yourself in 3 Words: Determined, Fun, Passionate
Why Crash THINK: “I love the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and to increase my knowledge base by learning about new products and features. But, most of all I love having fun while doing all of the above.”
There has never been a better time – or place – to be a Crasher. Join these and other rising industry stars May 7th – 10th in Chandler, AZ, by registering for THINK 18 now.
The original article Meet Our THINK 18 Crashers: 12 Industry Leaders of Tomorrow can be found on Insight Vault.
