Nonprofit, independent think and do tank for the consumer finance industry. Examining the future of credit unions, retail banking and cooperative finance.
Filene Fill-in: Clear, Kind, and Ready - Inviting the Next Voice In
In this episode, Cortney Arnold and Kaeshier Fernandez explore leadership and talent development among digitally native, future credit union leaders. Their conversation highlights the importance of creating space for digitally fluent team members, balancing authenticity with professional expectations, and leaning into generational differences as an organizational asset. They also examine how the principle “to be clear is to be kind” strengthens talent development by setting direct expectations while supporting growth. It offers practical perspective for people leaders at all levels and young professionals looking to take their development to the next level.
Following Cortney and Kaeshier’s conversation on authenticity, meeting the next generation where they are at, and providing sound financial advice at the same time, we’re linking our Finfluencer Campaign Playbook which provides a social media toolkit for credit unions and the research to back it up. Find it here: https://www.filene.org/reports/finfluencer-campaign-playbook
For upcoming publications mentioned or more of our work check us out directly at https://Filene.org.
12 Feb 2026
Filene Fill-In: Succession is Strategy with Dr. Amy Hillman
Today, Dr. Amy Hillman reframes succession planning as a core component of strategic execution, not a one-time governance task. She walks through how boards should think about their own skills and composition, why “trust but verify” depends on having the right experience in the room, and how tools like attribute matrices, RACI frameworks, and CEO bench-strength reviews support long-term execution. The conversation offers practical guidance for boards and executives navigating leadership transitions, regulatory expectations, and the growing complexity of credit union strategy.
At the end of the episode, we mention one of our favorite tools to assess your CU’s governance health right now:
Governance Risk Assessment Tool - https://www.filene.org/reports/credit-union-governance-risk-assessment-tool
For upcoming publications mentioned or more of our work check us out directly at https://Filene.org.
15 Jan 2026
Being Remarkable with Mark Meyer
In this episode of the Filene Fill-In, Filene CEO Mark Meyer and Executive Vice President Christie Kimbell reflect on what they heard from credit union leaders in 2025 and what those signals suggest about the road ahead. They unpack the realities of leadership right now, including challenges around pace, courage, and alignment and how these issues are connected to Filene’s 2026 theme, Remarkable. You’ll hear from Mark about what it means for credit unions to be remarkable and some of the top opportunities for leadership to meet these moments. The episode also includes on-the-ground stories from First City Credit Union and East Rise Credit Union that illustrate what it means to be remarkable in their communities.
At the end of the episode we mention a few standout reports related to our conversation today including:
Cooperative Comebacks: https://www.filene.org/reports/cooperative-comebacks-resilience-in-the-face-of-the-hurricane-katrina-catastrophe
Worth Protecting:https://www.filene.org/blog/worth-protecting-credit-union-disaster-research
And our series on Innovations in Affordable Housing: https://www.filene.org/reports/housing-innovation-series
For upcoming publications mentioned or more of our work check us out directly at https://Filene.org.
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