Members First Mindset

About Members First Mindset

Dive into Members First Mindset where hosts Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer of Credit Unions First and Melanie Munsey, Chief Executive Officer, uncover Credit Union industry insights. They tackle trends, policies, and tech advancements, delivering sharp analysis with a members-first approach. It's not just talk; it's about enhancing Credit Union member satisfaction. Join Dan and Mel for an insider's look at the Credit Union world, where they're not shy about asking hard-hitting questions. It's a podcast with a purpose—a blueprint for member-focused success.

Publisher

Credit Unions First

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Nov 2023

Latest episode

20 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Apr 2026

   When, What and Why Do You Let Go of Some of Your Organization's Internal Operations?

   In this episode of Members First Mindset, Dan Daggett and Melanie Munsey sit down with Nate Anderson, President and CEO of Rekindle, and Tony Kitt, CEO of Plexcity, to talk through one of the harder decisions any organization faces: when to stop doing something yourself and trust a partner to handle it. Both guests have built businesses around that question, and Credit Unions First answers it from personal experience, having handed off HR, payroll, and fractional CFO functions to Plexcity. The conversation gets into how both organizations were built, where the shared services model works and where it breaks down, and why CUSOs are as much a fit for this model as credit unions and leagues. Key Topics Discussed: The founding of Rekindle (formerly rkGoBig) by six Pennsylvania-area credit unions in 2014 and how shared services, shared contracting, and shared knowledge form a "rekindle cell" The three core services Rekindle delivers: compliance, cards back office, and ACH and share draft exceptions Why shared services tend to work best for credit unions under approximately $500 million in assets, and what shifts above that threshold The founding of Plexcity in 2015 out of the league system, and how the model grew from three leagues to approximately 60 organizations sharing pieces of their back office How Plexcity helped leagues reduce operational risk, lower costs, and access talent that would have been out of reach as standalone organizations Why shared services aren't just for credit unions and leagues; CUSOs need them too Credit Unions First's own experience transitioning HR/payroll and fractional CFO services to Plexcity What prompted Nate Anderson to join the Credit Unions First advisory board Other shared service organizations in the movement: Xtend, OTS, S3, MSS On This Episode: Dan Daggett - Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Credit Unions First Melanie Munsey - CEO & Co-Founder, Credit Unions First (https://crediunionsfirst.org) Nate Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aguynamednate/) - President & CEO, Rekindle Tony Kitt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-kitt-355a813) - CEO, Plexcity For more information about Credit Unions First, visit creditunionsfirst.org. To learn more about Rekindle, visit rekindlecuso.org. To connect with Plexcity, visit plexcity.org (https://plexcity.org) or email tony.kitt@plexcity.org.

2. 

   16 Mar 2026

   How Credit Unions First Is Fixing What's Broken in Insurance Products

   In this special episode of Members First Mindset, Joshua Barclay (host of Grow Your Credit Union) takes over hosting duties to dive deep into Credit Unions First — the CUSO behind the podcast. Joshua sits down with Dan Daggett, Melanie Munsey, and Emily Jorgensen to illuminate what Credit Unions First does, their mission, and the problems they're solving for credit unions. Key Topics Discussed: The history of credit union insurance alternatives and how Credit Unions First is recreating that model Why 80-90% of credit unions use force-placed insurance without knowing blanket lender single interest products exist The hidden costs of force-placed policies: adding $6,000+ to struggling members' loans and driving 75-80% of repossessions AMOCO Federal Credit Union's results: receiving 78 cents back on every premium dollar vs. 51-52 cents with force-placed How the Navigator platform gives credit unions real-time visibility into their insurance programs The roadmap: collateral protection insurance, vehicle service contracts, accidental death & dismemberment, and GAP products Why Emily Jorgensen was sent to the Credit Union Museum as part of her onboarding Building an advisory board and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you The "easy button" trap and why credit unions need to do the hard work for members On This Episode: Dan Daggett - Co-Founder, Credit Unions First Melanie Munsey - CEO & Co-Founder, Credit Unions First Emily Jorgensen - Director of Operations and Training, Credit Unions First Joshua Barclay - Host, Grow Your Credit Union For more information about Credit Unions First, visit creditunionsfirst.org. Check out their interactive CPI calculator and vehicle service contract calculator to see how much money your credit union could be keeping.

3. 

   22 Oct 2025

   Shouldn't Every Decision Be About the Member?

   Join Dan Daggett and Melanie Munsey as they sit down with Tansley Stearns, CEO of Community Financial Credit Union and recent inductee into the Herstory Exhibit at America's Credit Union Museum. This powerful conversation explores how credit unions can stay relevant by making listening a superpower, creating innovation through member stories, and remembering the humble roots of the cooperative movement. Featured Guest Tansley Stearns - CEO of Community Financial Credit Union, former Filene Research Institute leader, Herstory Exhibit inductee, champion of financial wellness and collaborative innovation Key Topics Covered Listening as a Superpower The Relevance Crisis Innovation Through Collaboration Revenue Diversification and CUSOs The Humility Factor The Chapter Meeting Era vs. Today Mental Health and Financial Well-being Connection The Regulatory Balance Getting Back to Stories Over Scores Success Stories and Initiatives Collaborative Legacy Want to keep more, earn more, and serve better? Discover how Credit Unions First helps credit unions build stronger, more profitable communities at creditunionsfirst.org.

4. 

   11 Sept 2025

   How Are Credit Unions Doing Managing Uninsured Collateral Losses?

   The uninsured driver crisis is creating catastrophic exposure for credit union auto portfolios across America. In the latest episode of the Members First Mindset podcast, hosts Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer at Credit Unions First, and Melanie Munsey, CEO, Credit Unions First speak with Scott Eckerty, President of HUB Financial Services (https://hubfinservices.com/), who brings 33 years of experience helping credit unions manage insurance risks. They reveal the shocking reality that 35.7 million Americans drive without insurance due to affordability issues, while credit unions face $40,000-$75,000 total loss claims on performing loans when borrowers drop coverage. They expose the "teaser pricing" problem plaguing the insurance industry and show how transparent, collaborative partnerships protect credit union portfolios through monthly stewardship and member education. Need transparent insurance partnerships that prioritize your members? Contact Hub Financial Services at HubFinServices.com to learn how their collaborative approach protects credit union portfolios. Want to keep more, earn more, and serve better? Discover how Credit Unions First helps credit unions build stronger, more profitable communities at creditunionsfirst.org.

5. 

   2 Sept 2025

   The Power of Branding and Marketing With the CUSO M3 Group

   Building a powerful brand starts with understanding who you serve and why you exist. In the latest episode of the Members First Mindset podcast, hosts Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer at Credit Unions First, and Melanie Munsey speak with two marketing leaders transforming how credit unions connect with their communities: Tiffany Dowling, CEO of M3 Group, brings 23+ years of credit union marketing expertise and shares her journey from independent agency owner to CUSO leader. Melissa DeMott, Senior Client Strategist at M3 Group, leads their innovative pod system that delivers dedicated marketing teams to credit unions nationwide. They reveal how their M3 Method—Magnify, Motivate, Mobilize—helped Credit Unions First grow from 17 LinkedIn followers to nearly 1,000 in one year. They show how authentic branding rooted in research creates lasting member connections and drives measurable growth. Ready to transform your credit union's marketing? Contact M3 Group at M3group.biz Want to keep more, earn more, and serve better? Discover how Credit Unions First helps credit unions grow stronger communities at creditunionsfirst.com.

6. 

   21 Jul 2025

   Mission-Driven CUSOs: Members Mobile, Reseda Group, and FI SAFE

   Host Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer of Credit Unions First, is joined by guest co-host Emily Jorgensen, Manager of Training and Development at Credit Unions First, for a conversation with two leaders driving innovation in the credit union space: Ben Maxim, Chief Technology Officer at MSU Federal Credit Union and Chief Operating Officer of Reseda Group Jonathan Taylor, Executive Vice President of Partnerships at Members Mobile and founding partner of FI SAFE They explore how Members Mobile started as a way to help domestic violence survivors regain financial control and has grown into a credit union-owned mobile network. Ben shares why Reseda Group invested in the project, seeing it as a new delivery channel for financial services. Together, the group discusses how bundling mobile service with checking accounts and loans can deepen member engagement and improve financial inclusion. Learn more at: membersmobile.com resedagroup.com creditunionsfirst.org

7. 

   27 Jan 2025

   Reimagining Credit Unions: NACUSO's Roadmap for Collaboration and Growth

   In this episode of Members First Mindset, hosts Dan Daggett and Melanie Munsey welcome Adam Lee, Head of Innovation at NACUSO and Ronaldo Hardy, Former President, NACUSO to discuss the future of credit unions, the ever-growing fintech landscape, and how NACUSO’s “Reimagine” approach is setting the stage for 2025 and beyond. From embracing rapid change to supporting diverse leadership, you’ll learn how NACUSO is uniting credit unions, CUSOs, and other industry partners to ensure the movement thrives for decades to come. They also share personal credit union stories that highlight the very real, human impact of putting members first. Points of interest (00:00) Welcome to Members First Mindset (02:07) The Elephant in the Room: Why Credit Unions Struggle (06:35) Leadership & Mindset Shifts (08:55) Reimagine 2025: NACUSO’s Strategic Growth Conference (11:12) Fun, Creativity, and the “Walls-Down Ecosystem” (13:25) Collaboration: NACUSO, Reseda, and CUS (16:15) NACUSO Business Services (21:40) Personal Stories & Member Impact (30:10) Parting Thoughts (32:00) Wrap-Up Disclaimer: This episode featuring Ronaldo Hardy was recorded prior to his departure from NACUSO. We have decided to air this episode in it's entirety as we believe his insights and perspectives remain highly valuable to our audience and the credit union movement. If your credit union is ready to enhance member experience and streamline operations, consider exploring the benefits of Blanket LSI for your collateral protection program. Connect with us to learn how Credit Unions First can help you “Earn more, keep more, and serve better."

8. 

   29 Oct 2024

   Blanket LSI is a Win-Win for Member Experience and Credit Union Growth

   In this follow-up episode of Member’s First Mindset, host Dan Daggett, Chief Strategy Officer, Credit Unions First and guest co-host Jon Jorgenson, Co-Founder, Credit Unions First continue the discussion from "Is Your Collateral Protection Program Hurting Your Members?" Joined again by AMOCO Federal Credit Union's CFO, Jeremy Silva and COO, Ashley Carner, they explore how transitioning from force-placed CPI to Blanket Lender’s Single Interest (LSI) insurance has brought meaningful improvements to member experience, operational ease, and financial outcomes. Dan, Jon, Jeremy, and Ashley share updates on their journey over the past 18 months, focusing on how this innovative program empowers credit unions to “Earn more, keep more, and serve better.” Points of interest 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode 00:21 Meet the Hosts and Guests 01:08 Jon’s Path from Force-Placed Insurance to LSI 03:21 Discovering Blanket LSI: A Solution with Impact 04:30 Building Transparency with the Navigator Platform 05:38 AMOCO’s Transition Journey with Blanket LSI 08:58 Improved Member Experience and Operational Ease 09:49 Financial Impact on Repossession and Loan Performance 10:54 Insights Gained: Reduced Delinquencies and New Efficiencies 13:45 Net Benefit Calculations: Measuring the Financial Impact 14:34 Real-Time Premium Adjustments and Loss Ratio Control 15:51 Reflections on Success and the Road Ahead 18:00 Final Thoughts If your credit union is ready to enhance member experience and streamline operations, consider exploring the benefits of Blanket LSI for your collateral protection program. Connect with us to learn how Credit Unions First can help you “Earn more, keep more, and serve better."

9. 

   12 Aug 2024

   Even If A Business Decision Is Legal, Is It Ethical?

   Join Dan and Mel as they talk about business ethics with industry leader Mike Kelly, President and CEO of TeamOnUp. In this episode, you'll learn about: The challenges credit unions face in making decisions that are both legal and ethical. The complexities of long-term contracts The importance of keeping members at the forefront of decision-making. This discussion spans personal experiences, mission management, and the critical balance between profitability and ethical stewardship. We hope you enjoy.

10. 

    3 Jun 2024

    The Passion Behind The Credit Union Movement

    In this episode Dan and Mel are joined by Jennifer Audette, CEO of Polam Federal Credit Union, and Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of America's Credit Union Museum to discuss the rich history and unwavering passion of the credit union movement, emphasizing the 'people helping people' mantra. Filled with heartfelt anecdotes and reflections, this episode highlights how credit unions make a lasting difference in their communities

11. 

    26 Mar 2024

    NCUA's 2024 Supervisory Priorities: Part 2

    Join Dan and Mel in the second installment of our series on the NCUA’s 2024 Supervisory Priorities, featuring special guest Tyler Gray from Lenders Compliance Technology. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of consumer compliance within credit unions, and hit on: Rhe challenges surrounding GAP insurance State versus federal regulatory expectations Potential repercussions of non-compliance on a credit union's reputation and financial stability And much more Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion. Tune in now to gain valuable insights into the credit union industry!

12. 

    25 Mar 2024

    NUCA's 2024 Supervisory Priorities: Part 1

    In our third episode of the 'Members First Mindset' podcast, Dan and Mel bring on Pam Easley, Chief Risk Officer of Akuvo, and Steve Castagna, Chief Revenue Officer of Akuvo to discuss the NCUA's 2024 supervisory priorities. They explore the impacts of economic conditions on credit unions, including inflation, interest rates, and trends in borrowing and savings. They also hit on: Staffing efficiency Leveraging data for risk management Tailoring member service to navigate current economic challenges. Listen now to learn more!

13. 

    3 Jan 2024

    What Can Be Done to Preserve Our Credit Unions?

    Join Dan and Mel as they dive into a profound discussion on the future of credit unions with guest Denise Wymore, marketing manager for small credit unions, at Zest.AI (http://zest.ai/). In this episode you can expect to learn more about: The reasons behind the declining number of credit unions The challenges faced when trying to start a credit union Solutions to breathe new life and diversity into our industry The trio discuss the power of cooperation and innovation in face of adversity and tell their personal stories underlying the critical importance of credit unions - from a member’s dire need to history of why credit unions were founded in the first place. Listen now!

14. 

    2 Nov 2023

    Is Your Collateral Protection Program Hurting Your Members?

    Join Dan and Mel as they talk about the benefits of Blanket LSI over Force-Placed CPI and interview Ashley and Jeremy of AMOCO to talk about their experience switching from Force-Placed to LSI.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.