Meet the Crashers

The Crashers are:
Cara Aronson, Kelsey Balcaitis, Kristina Benson, Matt Davis, Dan Emery, Derek Garcia, Mikal Gilliat, Damien Hammond, Kristal Hayes, Matt Davis, Chad Helminak, Heidi Hodgson, Kerri Holden, Kelli Martin, Ricky Majewski, Bo McDonald, Jen Shefner, Mackenzie Snyder, Matt Vance, Adam VanCleave, Josh Williams, Corlinda Wooden, Ken Worthey, Jr., Robbie Wright, Braden Young, and Brent Dixon

Cara Aronson

Age: 22
Organization: The Filene Research Institute

My name is Cara and I am a 22 year old University of Wisconsin Madison senior. I will be graduating in May 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Consumer Affairs.

I am currently one of the two interns at Filene Research Institute, I can honestly say it is the best job I have had in my 22 years of life! After I graduate I hope to continue working in the credit union field and later down the road I plan on attending law school.

Outside of school and work I enjoy doing community service, hanging out with friends and family and doing origami.
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Kelsey Balcaitis

Age: 23
Organization: A+ Federal Credit Union

My name is Kelsey, I’m 23 years old, and I’m currently the Community Education Specialist with A+ Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas. I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in personal finance. I have interned with Filene Research Institute and with CUNA working on Googolplex and MoneyMix. I am very fortunate with my work because I get to do what I love on a daily basis—I get to educate young people about personal finance issues relevant to our generation. I have also become very passionate about social media and manage the social media efforts for A+. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, catching up with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Ted and Oz.
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Kristina Benson

Age: 26
Organization: Fort Lee Federal Credit Union

My name is Kristina Benson and I have been with the credit union for 6 ½ years. I started as a teller in 2002 and my current position is Account Service Specialist. I am responsible for back office operations on credit & debit cards (including fraud claims so you can imagine the migraines I go home with), staff training on products & services and financial education in the community.

I host monthly youth & parent money management workshops and speak at local high schools in our field of membership. I was the Youth Advocate of the Year in 2008 for VA Credit Union League.

I have a strong passion for the credit union movement and hope to work my way to Operations Manager (but don’t tell my boss b/c that’s her position!).

When I’m not working I am wither shopping or hanging out with my husband and forcing him to watch reality TV with me!
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Dan Emery

Age: 27
Organization: Maine State Credit Union

After graduating from Erskine Academy in South China, Maine I attended college at The Golf Academy of the Carolinas in Myrtle Beach, SC. I received my Associates Degree in Business with a focus on Golf Complex Operations.

My professional career began at The Augusta Country Club in Manchester, ME where I worked as the Assistant Golf Professional for 4 years.

I left the country club in 2006 to work for Maine State CU. After 3 years as a teller, I was promoted to Marketing Specialist.

I have a strong passion for the credit union movement, education and community improvement and was awarded the 2008 and 2009 Outstanding Service Award for my commitment to “People Helping People”.

I am involved with:

CUNA as a certified financial counselor; the MSCU Social Responsibility Committee, which focuses on raising money for Ending Hunger in Maine; the Junior Achievement financial literacy program as a board member and Chair of the Fundraising Committee; Colonial Theater, INC, a non-profit organization, working on renovating and restoring the historic Colonial Theater in Downtown Augusta, as Treasurer; I am also a member of the Maine CU League’s Ending Hunger Committee, Marketing Steering Committee and the Maine CU Financial Literacy Council.

This isn’t industry related, but I also enjoy playing music, singing karaoke, playing any type of sport, snowboarding, camping, sky diving, rock climbing, reading, hanging out with my friends and cake (but only with certain frosting). I’ll try just about anything once. Except bungee jumping; I won’t try that. Carpe Diem, Baby!
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Jen Shefner

Age: 29
Organization: Columbia Credit Union

Valued for her creative ideas and technical skills, Jen Shefner continually looks for ways to benefit members and leverage online channels, social media and traditional touch points to reach credit union goals. As Columbia Credit Union’s Electronic Communications Specialist, Shefner’s work has garnered numerous awards from CUNA, CUES and the Washington Credit Union League. Using strengths in design, copy writing and web development, Shefner created promotional websites WinLoanPayment.com and Win2008SmartCar.com; in November 2009 she launched Columbia onto Twitter; and her results-oriented focus consistently helps Columbia maximize online advertising and email campaigns bringing in millions of dollars in new loans and deposits. Aspiring toward an MBA, Shefner recently started taking graduate business classes. She lives in Vancouver, WA with her husband TJ and enjoys hiking, gardening and designing jewelry.
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Mackenzie Snyder

Age: 22
Organization: Consumers Credit Union

Mackenzie Snyder is Latino Market Research Specialist at Consumers Credit Union in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where her primary role is to serve and expand the credit union’s Hispanic market. Snyder’s responsibilities include developing products and strategies to serve Spanish speaking members, coordinating Hispanic market research, and initiating culturally relevant communication pieces. She also serves as interpreter for both members and employees.

Snyder, a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan, has studied extensively abroad, including the Cuernavaca Language School, in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and the Universidad de Chile, in Santiago, Chile.

Snyder is also affiliated with the Hispanic American Council, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she coordinates financial education, aids in “English as a Second Language” classes, and helps with the organization of community events.
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Matt Vance

Age: 28
Organization: Industrial Credit Union

I’ve has been running the marketing and community relations department at Industrial Credit Union for 5 years. Shortly before arriving at Industrial CU I was a public relations intern at the Washington Credit Union League. I am a graduate of Western Washington University, where in 2004 I earned a BA in marketing.

I have a huge passion for credit unions and advancing our movement into the future. This past July I became a certified Credit Union Development Educator (if you don’t know what that is…I’d love to talk to you about it). This experience has helped me realize and reaffirm I work for an industry that is truly about people and puts their needs first. I’ve found an industry that I plan to make into a lifelong career, for that I’m extremely thankful.
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Matt Davis

Age: 30
Organization: The Filene Research Institute

Matt is an advisor specializing in implementation. The Filene Research Institute has partnered with Matt to present, advise, and complete project work with credit unions based on our i3 ideas and innovative processes.

Prior to this engagement, Matt was a member of the Filene Research Institute’s inaugural 30 Under 30 group and author of “The Credit Union Warrior” blog. Matt has been at the center of credit union innovation since 2004. Projects such as What are you saving for? and Football Pick’em have earned Matt international recognition, including features in Fast Company, Yahoo! Finance, Bankrate.com, and credit union trade press. He is an accomplished public speaker, frequently presenting to credit union professionals across the country. In February 2009, Matt was named one of the Triad Business Journal’s 40 Business Leaders Under 40 (N.C.).

Matt earned a degree in marketing from the College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA), and completed Basic Cadet Training at the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO). Matt earned his CUDE designation from the National Credit Union Foundation in 2009.
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Adam VanCleave

Age: 23
Organization: Chetco Federal Credit Union

Adam VanCleave is the Youth Operations Coordinator for Chetco Federal Credit Union (CFCU) in Brookings, Oregon. At the age of 23, Adam has been in the Credit Union industry for almost 8 years. By the time Adam graduated high school in 2005; he had worked for CFCU for 4 years as a Graphic Design intern in the Marketing department and was responsible for the implementation of marketing programs for local schools. After high school, Adam spent a year attending the Art Institute of Portland only to return to his roots in Brookings in 2007. After establishing a youth outreach program for CFCU, 13 student branches are now up and running in Elementary, Middle, and High Schools along the Southern Oregon Coast. Adam now coordinates all Community Outreach programs forCFCU.

Adam currently serves as the Northwest Regional Coordinator and Media Manager for the National Youth Involvement Board (NYIB). He also serves on the Financial Literacy Committee for the Credit Union Association of Oregon (CUAO). In 2008 Adam co-created the Concert for Financial Literacy concept that is now being used across the country as a way to get Credit Unions in front of Gen-Y using the language that Gen-Y hears – music.
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Josh Williams

Age: 27
Organization: MUNA Federal

Alright so a quick little bio of me. Ummm well I’m from Pensacola, FL!! Love the beach, surf and sand. Went to Florida State Universtiy, GO NOLES, and was a cheerleader there all 4 years I was there, yes thats right 4 years, unlike most of my fraternity bro’s that spent 5-7 years.. Been all over, worked all sorts of jobs, from being a child abuse investigator in Alabama, to selling Insurance, and now working in the financial industry. Moved to Meridian, MS and took a job at a wonderful credit union here, MUNA Federal, and has turned into a career that I am passionate about. And then moved back to Pcola and and worked for another credit union that wont be named because they are of the devil, so came back to my MUNA family in Mississippi and stay in MS during the week and go home to my house in Pcola on the weekends!!! I dont really have a specific job description, I’m kinda the training cooridator, webmaster, assistant to the CEO, and fill in where ever else needed cause I’m a back up for everyone… Look forward to meeting everyone.
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Heidi Hodgson

Age: 29
Organization: CUNA Mutual Group
Bio: (Send us a bio, Heidi!)
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Kerri Holden

Age: 25
Organization: People’s Advantage Federal Credit Union
Bio: (Send us a bio, Kerri!)
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Kelli Martin

Age: 29
Organization: Chesterfield Federal Credit Union

My name is Kelli Martin, I am from Williamsburg, VA. Moved to the lovely capital of Virginia in 2007. I graduated from Longwood University with a bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. I am new to the credit union world. I started my Business Development position with Chesterfield Federal Credit Union in March of 2009. I have an awesome yellow lab named Jackson and pretty much take care of my roommates spaz lab/doberman mix Georgia. I have a small addiction to Yankee Candles, my favorite food is scallops, I am still deathly afraid of clowns to this day, sadly I have never been to Florida, I love red wine and beer (although not mixed) and like most Americans, I could not live without Reality TV.
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Ricky Majewski

Age: 25
Organization: Fort Lee Federal Credit Union

Title – Member Service Representative/Loan Officer

Education – BBA in Marketing from James Madison University

Work Experience – I have been actively involved with the credit union movement for the past three years. A few of my contributions include:

• Collaborating with a team of three employees and creating an online account opening program that has successfully attracted and increased credit union membership.
• Marketing an on-boarding program to increase member use of credit union products and help with retention.
• Delivering presentations at the Army Community Service center on how to improve your credit score.
• Volunteering at the local Holiday High School Basketball Tournament.
• Wrapping presents for our soldiers in Fort Lee’s Holiday Helper Program.
• Attending the Fort Lee Health Fair to promote financial well being.

Hobbies – Playing soccer and dodgeball.
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Bo McDonald

Age: 28
Organization: your marketing co
Bio: (Send us a bio, Bo!)
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Derek Garcia

Age: 27
Organization: CTCE Federal Credit Union
Bio: (Send us a bio, Derek!)
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Mikal Gilliat

Age: 26
Organization: Brewery Credit Union

In southside Chicago, born and raised,

on the playground, was where I spend

most of my days.

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool,

And shooting some b-ball outside of the school.

Now, livin’ in a town of liquid gold.

Where I work and live in a Brewery.

Singing, “Sweet Home Milwaukee,” every night.

Mikal’s accomplishments include but, are not limited to: Rank of Eagle Scout, BSA(2000), Bachelors degree from Marquette University (2006), Account Executive for Marquette Men’s NCAA Basketball (2006), , Marketing Director for Brewery Credit Union (2008), Credit Union Development Educator (2009) and “crashing” the GAC (2010).

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Damien Hammond

Age: 25
Organization: Fort Lee Federal Credit Union

My name is Damien Hammond. I was born November 27th, 1984 and raised in the mean streets of Prince George Co., Virginia. I grew up with my mother and two older sisters so I’m sure you can imagine the level of bulliness I had to endure in my upbringing. After I finished high school, I enrolled at Richard Bland Community College in which I received an Associate’s Degree in Business. At the same time, I was working two jobs; one at GameStop (the video game retailer) and one at a local supermarket as a produce specialist. It was after I finished up with school, I started working here at Fort Lee Federal Credit Union as a teller. At the time, all I knew about the credit union besides having an account there since I was born was that it was only for a select group of people that were eligible…sorta like The Skulls or something. But I eventually came to realize that it wasn’t much different than the local supermarket that I worked at in that the majority of the people that came in were there on a daily or weekly basis. I will say that like any job there are goods and bads that go along with them; however with the credit union, I have enjoyed and am still enjoying my time here. My job description is very simple…I basically help any members with anything that is not a loan or IRA product. I love it because I get to introduce members to the credit union’s services and I also get to receive tons of feedback on if the services are helpful. It is actually kind of funny because our members are brutally honest and spoiled but with growing up in a house full of women, I’ve learned that a cool head and respect will get you out of any situation.

I’m pumped about going to Crash the GAC because I have put my hopes aside of one day being G.M. of the Dallas Cowboys to work my way up the ranks at the credit union. Hopefully, I will learn a great deal of information and will get to make connections with other credit union leaders such as myself. I can’t wait for the experience!

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Kristal Hayes

Age: 29
Organization: People’s Advantage Federal Credit Union
Bio: (Send us a bio, Kristal!)
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Chad Helminak

Age: 27
Organization: Wisconsin Credit Union League

Chad Helminak is the Web Producer and Media Relations Manager at The Wisconsin Credit Union League. In this role, he provides communications and web support to advance Wisconsin credit unions’ statewide advocacy goals, and works closely with credit unions to enhance and promote their REAL Solutions efforts.

Chad is a 2009 Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) training graduate and also serves as liaison to The League’s Young Professional Council – an advisory group made up of young credit union employees who guide the League’s youth outreach efforts. He is also a member of The Disclosures – a Madison-based “thrift rock” duo made up of individuals from credit union organizations.

Helminak has been with The League since 2006. Prior to joining The League, he worked at a Milwaukee-based advertising agency and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a BA in Communication.
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Corlinda Wooden

Age: 29
Organization: Unitus Community Credit Union

I joined Unitus Community Credit Union in August of 2007 as the Mall 205 Branch Manager. I became the Regional Branch Manager in December of 2007 and have been in this role since. I manage and oversee our 8 branch locations. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management & Information Systems and Qualitative Analysis from Portland State University. I volunteer with SMART and with Vestal Elementary School.
Prior to joining Unitus I held several positions within retail banking at Wells Fargo. I started as a part-time teller while going to college and worked my way up the branches to an Assistant Manager position. After graduating college I moved over into the corporate training department and became a Learning and Development Consultant for the retail branches and then a Sales Development Consultant supporting the entire state of Oregon.
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Ken Worthey, Jr.

Age: 22
Organization: Belvoir Federal Credit Union

Marketing Specialist
Belvoir Federal Credit Union
In Credit Union Industry: 5 Years
I am currently a senior at George Mason University working full-time at Belvoir Federal Credit Union as the Marketing Specialist. As Marketing Specialist I assist with planning, organizing, and implementing the Credit Union’s advertising, marketing, educational and member relations functions. I joined Belvoir Federal in 2005 when I was selected as one of the inaugural student tellers at the Credit Unions’ first in school branch at Gar-Field Senior High School. After graduating I stayed with Belvoir Federal working as a Member Service Specialist. While in college, I was promoted to School Branch Coordinator overseeing Belvoir Federal’s school branches in Prince William County, VA. Eager to learn and do more for Belvoir Federal members and the credit union industry, I was promoted to the position of Marketing Specialist. It is truly an honor to be a part of an industry that puts people first, not profit.
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Robbie Wright

Age: 27
Organization: CU Innovators
Bio: (Send us a bio, Robbie!)
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Braden Young

Age: 27
Organization: Bucks First Federal Credit Union

Braden Young is a social outcast, wears glasses and is intelligent, with a strong interest in Advertising and People Watching.

Dubbed a Word of Mouth Supergenius by Andy Sernovitz, Braden has focused on being non-traditional in his creativity.

His current role is the Marketing Facilitator for Bucks First FCU.

In addition to wearing glasses, Braden typically wears short sleeve shirts under long sleeve shirts under short sleeve shirts. He also wears blue jeans and chuck taylors.

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Brent Dixon

Age: 27
Organization: The Filene Research Institute, The Haberdashery, & REAL Solutions

Hi, I’m Brent Dixon. I like people, art, music, and words.

I spend most of my time as a Young Adult Advisor with the Filene Research Institute, and help credit unions use Filene’s young adult research to reach Generation Y. I also work on web strategy with the NCUF’s REAL Solutions, and founded the creative studio The Haberdashery.

The Haberdashery is out of Brooklyn. We design things that solve problems and make people happy and help clients use new technology to act more like humans.

And like most people, I have a neglected, asthmatic blog that I sometimes write on.
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