WCMS Alumni Frogcast

Hosted by WCMSAA

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) is a 3 year educational/training program created to give credit union leaders a deep dive into the purpose and mission of operating a cooperative business model. The Frogcast was created to continue our unique WCMS education, to deepen our connection to the school, each other, and the credit union industry, and maybe spark a memory or two from our time on campus at Pomona College. In this podcast we interview the faculty and alumni of the school on the challenges and opportunities we face. Come along as we jump into a conversation of head and heart!

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60 recent

November 5, 202625 min

Episode 64 - Joseph Perez (November 2026)

This month we have Joe Perez, Manager of Business Development at Credit Union of Southern California. Joe is a member of the most recent class of WCMS graduates (Psi class of 2026), but a 19 year veteran of the credit union industry. Joe is passionate about how financial literacy positively impacts communities, and it is evident in his voice and the stories he shares today. He covers the strategies and programs CU of SoCal uses to help members where they are at, especially for our younger generations. As a recent graduate, Joe reflects on his journey at WCMS and the internal growth and confidence it created. Thank you for sharing your energy and passion with us Joe! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, James Wileman, Jeff Morris, and Ryan Olsen

October 12, 2026Episode 6320 min

Episode 63 - Alen Torosyan (October 2026)

Alen Torosyan, President and CEO of Parishioners Federal Credit Union, joins us to share his perspective of small credit unions and their sustainability. While many in the industry see a limited horizon for the smallest CU’s, including Alen at one point in his career, he has made a 180 since taking the reins at PFCU. Comparing a small CU to a speedboat who can pivot and implement change quickly, he argues that they have an advantage over the big tankers of the industry. Alen goes on to share how PFCU builds relevancy and real relationships by providing personalized experiences and support to meet the needs of his Catholic membership base. A staunch advocate of WCMS and investing in your people, Alen wraps things up by pledging a scholarship to send another small CU’s employee to the school! Interviewers: Bebe Souvannavong and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting cast: Robert York, Shonna Shearson, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, and Ryan Olsen

September 2, 2026Episode 6220 min

Episode 62 - Matt Boness (September 2026)

Matt Boness, Employee Engagement Specialist at Nusenda CU in Albuquerque NM, joins us today to share Nusenda's approach to building culture, engagement, and belonging within their team. The CU just won the USA Today Top Workplace award for the 14th year in a row, so they've got some cred on this topic. They use a multifaceted approach to culture creation, from onboarding to communication and events, benefits, and development resources - all aimed at making their employees feel valued and heard. Matt shares a few examples of this strategy in action, including ERG's (Employee Resource Groups). While these efforts are focused on their employees, the member and community are the ultimate benefactors of the culture. Listen in and learn how Nusenda builds member engagement from the inside-out! Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, and Ryan Olsen.

August 17, 202624 min

Episode 61 - Shawna Acera (August 2026)

After a month off for our 2026 session of WCMS, we are back at it with a new guest and a unique topic. Our guest is Shawna Acera, who is the Process Excellence Manager at Frontwave CU in Oceanside, CA. While we all want to get better for our members every day, Frontwave has gone so far as to create a position entirely focused on producing improvement across every function and process of the CU. Shawna leverages her experience and certifications in lean six sigma, Scrum master, and CU operations to partner with teammates to map the processes they use every day, and improve them along the way. This helps the entire organization think and act as a unit, going beyond the individual responsibilities of a specific team or title. Little improvements can make a big difference when we are all rowing the same direction. Listen in and learn Frontwave's approach to continuous improvement! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Elise Schexnayder Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: James Wileman, Robert York, Nate Burns, Ryan Olsen, and Jeff Morris

July 3, 202622 min

Episode 60 - Chad Shane (June 2026)

For our 60th episode we are joined by Chad Shane, President and CEO of Canvas CU in Colorado. With a strong background in sales and lending, including 8 years at Origence, Chad has taken a unique path to his current role. Relatively new to the CEO seat, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and successes of making the move from CLO and how his indirect lending background has impacted his CU's strategy. Beyond lending, he talks about the progressive investments the credit union has made in AI and people-centered innovation. When not running Canvas, Chad keeps himself healthy as a professional pickle ball player. Listen in to learn what it takes to be competitive on the court and in the financial services industry! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Ryan Kane Producers: Steve Schmidle and Ryan Kane Supporting cast: Nate Burns, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, Robert York, and Original Ryan Olsen

May 30, 202618 min

Episode 59 - Nate Burns (May 2026)

My, how the tables have turned! Our guest this month is none other than our own Nate Burns, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at TruStage. To make it even better, we have the WCMS legend Nancy Wood filling his spot as interviewer! Nate, a graduate of the Iota class of 2011, provides a unique perspective as someone who supports many $1 billion+ CU's every day. He shares with us the insights he has gained working with these CU Executives, covering subjects from CEO recruitment and succession planning to scenario planning and industry sustainability. An ambassador of WCMS, and credit unions, Nate also weaves in the stories and spirit of this industry that we love. PS. Hang on until the end for some great outtakes and bloopers! Interviewers: Nancy Wood and Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, and Original Ryan Olsen

April 28, 202622 min

Episode 58 - Ryan Cash (April 2026)

Our April guest is Ryan Cash, Chief Experience Officer at Bay Federal Credit Union in beautiful Santa Cruz California. With over two decades of industry experience at the intersection of lending, operations, and member experience Ryan has played a key role in evolving how the organization serves its members in an increasingly digital world. He talks about his role, which is relatively new in the industry, and the responsibility he has to deliver on the promises made to Bay FCU's members. Ryan shares his thoughts about the looming death of branches, or lack thereof, and how member engagement requirements have increased in ways that often include branches. High-tech has become high-touch in banking, leading to critical new processes and technologies at Bay FCU. Interesting insights abound in our conversation with Ryan - listen in! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman

March 30, 2026Episode 5717 min

Episode 57 - George San Martin (March 2026)

George San Martin serves as the President & CEO of Novo Credit Union, and as our guest this month. A graduate of our most recent WCMS class, George has served in the industry for multiple decades and volunteers for multiple industry and community organizations. Novo CU is a relatively small CU ($20 million), but making a big impact in their community. George, relatively new in the position, initially focused on assessing the capabilities, experiences, and strategy of the organization. With his first strategic planning session George and the team decided to refocus their efforts on the greatest financial needs of its members, leading to a new loan product aimed at the unique costs associated with employees of their primary sponsor. George goes on to cover other topics including: wearing multiple hats as CEO, merger considerations, expansion opportunities, and the impact of WCMS on his career. His insights provide a unique view on the challenges and opportunities that smaller CU's face every day, as well as ideas and inspirations for CU professionals of all asset sizes. Listen in! Interviewers: Nate Burns and Ryan Kane Producers: Steve Schmidle and Ryan Kane Supporting Cast: Shonna Shearson, Robert York, James Wiseman, Jeff Morris, and Original Ryan Olsen

February 27, 2026Episode 5624 min

Episode 56 - Bonnie Clapp and Cory McDaniel (February 2026)

We are going behind the WCMS curtain today to hear from the school's two new administrative team members, Bonnie Clapp and Cory McDaniel. Bonnie's day job is as a Business Analyst for iQ Credit Union in Vancouver, WA, but also volunteers as the Director of Operational Support for WCMS. Cory, a long-time CU leader, now works for SWIVEL (a subsidiary of SWBC) as its SVP of Business Strategy while volunteering as Director of Campus Activities at WCMS. They have both been able to leverage their student and GA experience to support Brandi Gleason and Dr. Mike Steinberger in the planning and running of the school each Summer. Today Bonnie and Cory share their view on how the industry is evolving, and what the school and curriculum is doing to keep up. They go on to provide a glimpse into how the sausage is made, how this small team pulls off the annual school session, and what has surprised them along the way. It may seem effortless to the students, but behind the scenes this team is hustling to keep the experience and culture alive! Listen in for a new perspective on the the school we all love! Interviewers: Nate Burns and Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman.

January 26, 202622 min

Episode 55 - Ben Greiving (January 2026)

We are kicking off 2026 with a distinguished WCMS alumni, one of only a few to have graduated from the program with Highest Honors. Ben Greiving serves as General Counsel & Chief of Staff at Canvas Credit Union in Colorado where he not only leads the CU's legal, compliance, and policy functions but also strategic planning and advocacy. Ben shares his views regarding the strategic importance legal professionals can play within credit unions, preparing the organization for the challenges and opportunities that laws and regulations may provide. He also covers his advocacy responsibilities while providing a great overview of the philosophies CU leaders tend to use when it comes to the topic of mergers. Looking to learn a lawyer's take on our industry's future? Listen in and learn from one of the best! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson & Steve Schmidle Producers: Ryan Kane & Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Nate Burns, Robert York, Ryan Olsen, Jeff Morris, and James Wileman.