Serial Entrepreneur | NYT Best-Selling Author | Venture Capital Investor
Josh Linkner— a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science. On the business front, he’s been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners – an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he’s helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He’s twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He’s been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world.
His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world’s foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he’s on a mission to help leaders Find A WayTM through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development
The Second City
Kelly Leonard (President & CEO, Kelly Leonard Productions/Creative Advisor, The Second City) has worked at The Second City for nearly three decades in various creative and leadership positions. He has produced shows with such notable talent as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Keegan Michael Key and Steve Carell. He has created shows with Lyric Opera Chicago, The Kennedy Center, Hubbard Street Dance, La Jolla Playhouse and The Actors Theatre in Louisville. He has made deals and led collaborations with Norwegian Cruise Line, Yoshimoto Kogyo of Japan, The Chicago Tribune and Universal Studios. His book, Yes, And: Lessons From The Second City, was published by HarperCollins in 2015 to critical acclaim. Writing in Vanity Fair, author Michael Lewis wrote, “Yes, And is an excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second City’s improv workshops.” Mr. Leonard speaks frequently on the power of improvisation to transform business and personal life, presenting at The Aspen Ideas Festival, The Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School of Business, TEDxBroadway 2016 and TEDxZumbroRiver in Rochester, MN.
CEO and Partner
Paterson Center
With a deep passion for coaching leadership teams and optimizing their performance, Jason is dedicated to empowering clients to achieve significant impact through the effective implementation of strategic planning and resource synergy. He is well-versed in strategic leadership across various sectors, including small and large businesses, ministries, non-profit organizations, schools, and sports teams.
He serves Paterson as CEO, Partner, and master of the perfect sports analogy. He is an alumnus of the University of Iowa Tippie School of Business and has successfully completed the Executive Program for Business Management and Entrepreneurship at the prestigious Wharton School of Business, Pennsylvania University. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Carol Lindsey, and their two children.
VP of Growth
Fintech Insights
(Bio coming soon)
CEO + MDC Board Member
MSUFCU
April Clobes has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union since March of 2015. She joined MSUFCU in 1996 and moved through the organization from a marketing specialist to management and executive positions prior to being named President/CEO.
Ms. Clobes has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts degree from Michigan State University in Advertising, and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Ms. Clobes is an active leader on several industry, community, and university boards. She is currently board chair for Filene Research Institute.
SVP of Strategy and Technology
MDC
Ethan Cunningham is the SVP of Strategy and Technology at MDC, where he focuses on identifying and creating fintech solutions to help credit unions maintain a competitive edge. He has a strong interest in simplifying technology and making innovation accessibility to solve real world problems.
Ethan has held leadership positions within digital banking at Alkami and Digital Insight, as well as on the crpytocurrency team at Intecontinental Exchange. His interest in design thinking and go-to-market strategy has helped introduce valuable new capabilities into digital banking and the financial services landscape.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Ethan lives with his wife and their dog, Zulu. Outside of work he enjoys anything and everything creative, including woodworking and photography. He’s always open to conversations around solving challenges and uncovering new opportunities.
EVP of Strategy & Solutions
StrategyCorps
Dave DeFazio has found great success and satisfaction in exploring the intersection of data, marketing, and technology.
Dave’s extensive financial services experience and continuous research in the field help him ensure that each product and service meets the needs of today’s financial institutions. At StrategyCorps, he leads and manages the company’s strategy-setting efforts related to solution development and evolution, spearheading strategic partnerships, while working directly with financial institutions to design, build, and implement a variety of checking solutions.
Director of Governance
IFTF
As a pioneer of experiential futures and social foresight, Jake Dunagan has been at the forefront of the field for the last two decades. Jake brings both theoretical rigor and hands-on practical knowledge to his work. He teaches foresight and design futures students at leading institutions including the University of Texas’ Center for Integrated Design, California College of the Arts’ Design Strategy MBA program, and CENTRO in Mexico City. Highlights from Jake’s work include the ReConstitutional Convention (a global governance design experiment and toolkit), immersive scenarios for the year 2050 for the State of Hawaii Sustainability Taskforce, a tech and ethics toolkit for the UNDP, artifacts from the future of American cities with the United States Conference of Mayors, exhibitions for the Museum of the Future in Dubai and Telefonica Museum in Madrid, and collaborations with many civic organizations, foundations, and businesses around the world. Jake holds a Ph.D. in Political Science (Alternative Futures) from the University of Hawaii, Manoa; an MA in Anthropology (Visual Communication) from Temple University, and a BA in Anthropology (Radio, TV, Film) from Auburn University.
Director of Products & Growth
CU NextGen
Clark Duncan is an experienced credit union leader with a decade in the industry and a strong focus on driving innovation and member/digital experience. Currently serving as Director of Products & Growth at CU NextGen, Clark began his journey with the company as a Digital Banking Product Manager. Before that, he held diverse roles within a credit union across member service, business development, marketing, training, and branch management, including leading a major digital conversion as Director, Digital Experience.
Clark’s career is fueled by a passion for innovation. He was a finalist in the CUES Next Top Credit Union Executive program for his development of FLIP – the Future Leaders in Innovation Program. He’s been recognized as a CU Rockstar by Credit Union Magazine, as well as by the Kentucky Credit Union League by receiving the Outstanding Young Credit Union Leader Memorial Award. He also shared his insights as a speaker at the CUNA conference, presenting on how innovation can attract and retain millennial members.
He is a Certified Credit Union Manager and a three-time “Mastermind” in the CUES Emerge program, reflecting his ongoing leadership and commitment to advancing the credit union movement through technology and transformation.
SVP, Corporate Strategy & Innovation
Altra CU
(Coming Soon)
Chief Strategy Officer
First Florida CU
Angie Garman is the Chief Strategy Officer at First Florida Credit Union, where she leads enterprise strategy, digital transformation, and innovation for a $1.4 billion organization. With a background in audit and project management, Angie has driven initiatives ranging from robotic process automation and fintech partnerships to launching a real-time data analytics function and redesigning the digital member experience. She serves on internal governance committees including ALCO, Information Security, and 401(k) Investment Committee. Angie is a frequent speaker on innovation, strategy, and data-driven growth in the credit union space.
Chief Growth & Revenue Officer
Vantage Credit Union
Mike Gatrell is the Chief Growth & Revenue Officer at Vantage Credit Union, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on enhancing products and services that drive sustainable growth. With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, Mike brings a deep understanding of financial planning, innovation, and service delivery. His commitment to excellence has been instrumental in crafting strategies that not only increase revenue but also strengthen member relationships and deepen community engagement.
Chief Marketing Officer
Hapax
Kevin Green is the Chief Marketing Officer at Hapax, where he leverages more than 20 years of experience in marketing, product, and sales leadership to drive innovation in the banking sector.
Prior to Hapax, Kevin was the President and CMO of Truent, spearheading initiatives to enhance business interactions with financial institutions through advanced AI-driven platforms.
His extensive background includes key roles at Dell Technologies, where he led global digital marketing strategy and innovation, and projekt202, where he guided digital transformation efforts. Kevin’s strategic insights and leadership have consistently fostered growth and transformation across various industries. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication,
Journalism & Media Studies from Franklin Pierce University.
Business Consultant
MDC
“I love credit unions and their dedication to members and communities. Having the opportunity to work for an organization that supports credit unions and their ability to serve well into the future is so meaningful. I’m energized by thoughtful conversation and can’t wait to share these with our credit union owners.”
Alex joined MDC in the Strategic Execution Office in April 2023 and has a decade of experience in the financial services industry with a background in marketing, community relations, and member experience. She’s experienced in driving process improvements and managing a wide variety of projects that support overarching business objectives. Alex is a proud Boise State University graduate with a BBA in Marketing – Go Broncos!
Head of Business Development
ModernFi
(Bio coming soon)
CEO
Nymbus
Jeffery Kendall, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in technology and financial services, serves as the Executive Chairman and CEO of Nymbus. His career is distinguished by a strategic approach to banking transformation, driving innovation in an industry poised for change. Kendall’s leadership philosophy centers on the belief that financial institutions can thrive by embracing cutting-edge
technologies and innovative business models, viewing progress as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination.
At the helm of Nymbus, Kendall is pioneering a paradigm shift in how financial institutions collaborate with technology providers. He champions a model of shared accountability, where vendors are invested in the long-term success of their solutions. This forward-thinking approach, combined with Kendall’s proven track record of
exponential growth—exemplified by his tenure at Kony DBX where he drove 500% growth in under three years—positions Nymbus as a critical ally for financial institutions seeking to modernize their operations and capture new market opportunities.
Kendall’s vision at Nymbus goes beyond technological upgrades. He emphasizes a comprehensive approach that combines people, processes, products, and market strategies. By challenging industry conventions and exploring new avenues for growth, Kendall has established himself as a thought leader in shaping the future of banking
technology. His strategic insights and commitment to transforming financial services continue to influence the trajectory of the industry, making him a respected voice in boardrooms and at industry forums alike.
CEO
Swaystack
Har Rai Khalsa is on a mission to help credit unions compete with megabank and neobank technology, strengthening the credit union industry and the communities they serve.
He currently serves as the CEO, Co-founder of Swaystack, a gamified onboarding platform that ensures credit union members don’t disappear in the first year.
Har Rai began his career as a lender in 2007, Co-founded MK Decision in 2015 to help credit unions compete with digital account opening, which was acquired by Alkami in 2021.
Har Rai is a visionary leader, expert in product strategy, sales, marketing, and branding with 17+ years experience as a fintech executive.technology. His strategic insights and commitment to transforming financial services continue to influence the trajectory of the industry, making him a respected voice in boardrooms and at industry forums alike.
Co-Founder
Jupid
With over 18 years of experience in the credit union and digital banking space, Anna has led transformative initiatives focused on integrating fintech solutions into the CU ecosystem.
Prior to co-founding Jupid, she served in senior leadership roles at Access Softek, where she built and scaled partnership programs and delivered custom digital banking and fintech integrations for hundreds of credit unions.
Anna deeply understands the challenges CUs face—and the critical role fintechs play in driving innovation, member engagement, and long-term growth. She is passionate about helping credit unions stay competitive in a market increasingly shaped by neo-banks and evolving member expectations.
Anna holds a Master’s in Finance and a Certificate in Information Systems from UC Berkeley.
The happiest Anna is when she’s cooking for her friends and enjoying meaningful conversations, preferably after a long hike.
MDC, CFO
Interim GM, AI Studio
Bryan is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur and executive with specific expertise in digital banking, subprime lending, and retail investment advice and distribution. With over 20 years of experience as an industry leader and early fintech founder, Bryan’s commentary on personal finance and banking technology has been featured in a variety of print and broadcast media, including ABC News, FOX Business and The Wall Street Journal. in 2004, Bryan co-founded SimpliFi, an award-winning online personal financial management (PFM) service that partnered with MDC to bring Brightleaf Financial to credit unions in 2008.
SVP, Strategic Execution Office
MDC
Michelle Mozzar is the Senior Vice President and Head of the Strategic Execution Office at Members Development Company (MDC), where she leads enterprise project strategy and delivers forward-thinking, research-driven solutions that help credit unions stay future-ready in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Her work blends foresight, innovation, and emerging technologies to drive meaningful impact for MDC’s network of owners. With over two decades in financial services, Michelle has held key leadership roles at Wells Fargo, RBC Capital Markets, and Bremer Bank. Her expertise spans strategic planning, project management, leadership development, and operations.
She holds a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University.
COO
MDC
Colleen is what you get when you combine a rainbow and a lightning rod. Her warm demeanor and high-energy approach makes skill building easy, engaging and full of A-HA! moments that you didn’t expect but always enjoy and remember. Clients such as NBCU, Novartis, and Vontier are huge fans of her skill building capabilities and facilitation style.
With deep expertise in creative thinking, leadership training, and storytelling, Colleen inspires FutureThink’s clients to immediately embrace change and reach their potential.
Colleen has designed and facilitated high-energy, humor-filled training programs for global corporations for over a decade. Combining her sales experience in commercial real estate with her experience performing improv and sketch comedy at The Second City, iO Chicago, and The Annoyance Theater in Chicago, Colleen delights in the alchemy of creativity and business. She received her BS in Marketing and Merchandising from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
She’ll never forget your name and leave you in the dust on Trivia Night—especially if game shows from the ’80s are a category. She lives in Los Angeles with her film-editor husband and magical child, always in pursuit of mastering the art of backyard-to-table cuisine and desserts that light on fire.
She holds a doctoral degree in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University.
CEO + MDC Board Chair
Meritrust CU
James Nastars is the President and CEO of Meritrust Credit Union. He has been with Meritrust since 2013 and in the credit union and banking industries for more than 35 years. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Within the Wichita community, he serves on the boards of Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Wichita Foundation, the Greater Wichita Partnership’s Executive Advisory Board, WSU Barton School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, K-State Institute of Personal Financial Planning Advisory Board and the National Advisory Council of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. Within the credit union industry, Nastars serves on the Board of CU NextGen Technologies, and is the Board Chair for Members Development Corporation (MDC).
VP – Business Lending Manager
Royal CU
Mickey has over 30 years of commercial lending experience and has spent over 25 years leading commercial lending and Treasury teams. Mickey has focused a significant portion of his career financing operating companies, especially in manufacturing, and can assist you with business acquisition financing, funding your growing business, and exit strategies. As a prior Certified Treasury Professional, Mickey combines his extensive lending experience with a thorough understanding of Members’ treasury needs.
Mickey has been involved in a number of community and professional organizations including the YMCA and many local non-profit and community Chamber Boards. He is also one of the founders of Angels on the Water, a Wisconsin-based seed investment fund.
Mickey holds an Economics Degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He is originally from the Fox Valley area in Wisconsin and relocated to the Chippewa Valley in 2020. Mickey and his wife live in Eau Claire and have one married adult daughter. He enjoys spending his free time training for triathlons and other endurance events as well as travelling north to a family cabin.
CEO
Harness
Miraj Patel is a visionary entrepreneur with extensive expertise in business, marketing, and impact-focused organizations. As the co-founder and CEO of Harness, he has transformed consumer finance by creating a fintech platform that aligns spending with meaningful causes, bridging the gap between personal values and financial choices. Miraj believes that spending can be a powerful expression of identity, encouraging consumers to take pride in their purchasing decisions as a way to contribute to a better world. Beyond his leadership at Harness, he serves on the board of Tampa Bay Wave, where he fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial community and supports startups through resources and mentorship to drive growth and innovation.
VP of Growth Strategies
Meritrust CU
Emily Stewart leads Meritrust Credit Union’s growth and analytics strategies with deep expertise in bank marketing, customer insights, and marketing technology. With a strong foundation in the credit union industry, she plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing initiatives that drive the organization forward. As the leader in Meritrust’s strategic growth efforts, Emily oversees projects ranging from FinTech innovation to optimizing deposit strategies. Her commitment to leveraging data, market research, and customer intelligence fuels innovation and serves as a cornerstone for many of the credit union’s key initiatives.
CEO
MDC
Ned Tobey is a seasoned fintech leader and digital banking innovator with nearly two decades of executive experience driving industry transformation. He is the new CEO of Members Development Company (MDC), and prior to MDC, he was the Chief Product Officer of Digital Banking at NCR, where Ned played a pivotal role in advancing next-generation banking solutions.
His career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the development of SimpliFi, the first SEC-certified online platform, which earned accolades such as the Finovate Best-in-Show Winner (2009) and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Financial Company in the World (2010). Following SimpliFi’s acquisition by Q2 Digital Banking Solutions, he led retail, payments, and platform product teams through Q2’s successful IPO in 2014, achieving 35% year-over-year growth.
Chief Technology Officer
Advisor Labs
Chris Weidemann is a technology strategist with over 20 years of experience delivering progressive solutions to enterprise clients. Mr. Weidemann is recognized as one of the few who can claim more than 10 years of experience in AI, with his earliest peer-reviewed research in AI being published back in 2013. Chris began working with Credit Unions nearly 10 years ago where he helped some of the largest Credit Unions with member experience and process automation. That led Chris to building custom AI solutions for credit unions as early as 2019. Chris’ experience with credit unions led him to become the CTO of a software product company that builds integrated communications and customer engagement solutions for over 1,500 banks and credit unions.
Anticipating the disruptive potential of AI and Machine Learning, Chris co-founded Advisor Labs, an AI consulting firm, in 2022. In this role, he specializes in guiding clients through the development of custom software solutions that seamlessly integrate AI into their core business systems. Drawing on his extensive background in business systems integration, process and change management, and his deep business acumen, Chris has become an industry leader in intelligent automation. Clients consistently praise his ability to tailor technical solutions that enhance business objectives—rather than forcing organizations to adapt to technology.
CFO
Collins Community CU
Ben Wickum is the CFO at Collins Community Credit Union. He has been with Collins since 2013. He has been working in the financial institution space for the better part of 30 years after getting his feet wet being a part-time teller at a community bank in northeast Minneapolis. He received his undergraduate degree in English from Hamline University (St. Paul, MN) and his graduate degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN). Ben has been very active coaching, formally and informally, his son and daughter in youth sports (baseball, football, basketball, softball, and tennis) for the better part of last 15 years. He has served on boards for youth baseball and youth softball in addition to the March of Dimes. Ben has been an advocate at the credit union in developing CUSOs to help provide deeper member connections and improved financial performance for the credit union. He has a passion for the credit union movement and the collaborative nature of industry.