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In this episode of Leaders in Lending, Adam Landsverk, Chief Lending Officer at FOXCU, joins host Barry Roach to discuss leadership, responsibility, and what it really means to serve members in today’s lending environment. With decades of experience across consumer lending, mortgage, commercial banking, and wealth management, Adam shares his journey from traditional banking into the credit union space — and why that transition reshaped how he thinks about decision-making, diversification, and community impact.  The conversation explores how credit unions differ from large financial institutions, why local autonomy matters, and how lending leaders can balance growth, risk, and member value. Adam also shares insights on housing market conditions, home equity demand, and what community-based lenders should be preparing for as we move through 2026. In this episode, you’ll hear about:Adam Landsverk’s path from banking to credit unionsThe role of a Chief Lending Officer in local decision-makingHow credit unions approach diversification across lending productsHousing market trends and home equity opportunitiesBalancing economics with member valueLeadership lessons for community-based lendersThis episode of Leaders in Lending offers a thoughtful, experience-driven perspective on why community-focused lenders continue to succeed where scale alone falls short. 🎧 Leaders in Lending features conversations with executives shaping the future of lending, banking, and credit unions.

In this special year-end edition of Leaders in Lending, Drew Megrey, Barry Roach, and Lynn Sautter Beal reflect on the most impactful conversations from 2025. As lending leaders navigated a year defined by uncertainty, rapid technological change, and evolving regulatory landscapes, this episode revisits the insights that shaped the industry. From credit risk strategy and AI model governance to new member engagement and the future of servicing, hear the best moments from standout episodes featuring voices across the financial ecosystem. Whether you're planning for 2026 or looking back on lessons learned, this compilation captures the defining themes of the year in lending.

In this episode of Leaders in Lending, host Barry Roach sits down with Lisa Highley, Chief Lending Officer at the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, for a candid conversation about what truly separates managing from leading in today’s lending environment. Highley shares her unconventional rise from part-time teller to executive leader and recalls the moment she realized that operational skill and technical expertise do not automatically translate into effective leadership. The discussion also highlights UKFCU’s period of rapid transformation, including the launch of a mortgage department, the expansion of commercial lending, major investments in digital channels, and the use of AI-driven underwriting technology to serve members more effectively. Barry and Highley explore servant leadership, building trust across lending teams, and how credit union leaders can prepare their organizations for the future while maintaining a strong focus on culture, accountability and the member experience.

Managing $10 billion in loans teaches you a lot about what truly drives repayment and performance. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, host Lynn Sautter Beal sits down with Jesse Obbink, vice president and general manager of servicing at Upstart, to break down the operational, analytical and human insights that matter most once a loan is on the books. Jesse shares why servicing is “underwriting with an operational twist,” how data and machine learning help shape borrower outcomes and why empathy often outperforms traditional collections tactics. They also discuss what scale unlocks, how to manage dozens of vendor relationships effectively and how LLMs are transforming frontline agent workflows. Whether you lead a credit union, bank or fintech, this conversation reframes servicing as a strategic lever for reducing losses, improving repayment and strengthening long-term performance.

The economy is shifting fast, and your lending strategy cannot afford to lag. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Barry Roach and Drew Megrey explore how scenario planning helps financial leaders stay ahead of market volatility. Learn how top executives are navigating uncertainty, managing technology risks such as AI and cybersecurity, and making bold decisions that could define 2026. Whether you are a credit union executive, bank leader or fintech strategist, this episode offers insights to build resilience and growth. The lending landscape is changing. Do not just react to it. Plan to win. In this episode, you will learn: Why scenario planning is the most important skill for 2026How smart leaders use AI tools to forecast, mitigate risk and act fasterWhat is really happening with consumer behavior and spending patternsHow rising delinquencies and tightening credit standards are shaping lender appetiteWhy Buy Now, Pay Later could become a silent threat to credit qualityHow to balance cybersecurity spending with innovation and digital growthDo not risk being caught off guard in 2026. Learn how to plan, pivot and outperform starting today. Subscribe now so you never miss a strategy that keeps you ahead.

Credit unions are operating in a new lending environment defined by risk, regulation and rapid innovation. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Barry Roach, Drew Megrey and Lynn Sautter Beal share how forward-thinking credit unions are adapting to win. They explore how to build confidence in AI-driven models, balance compliance with growth, and strengthen governance through smarter data. The hosts also discuss why being too conservative on credit can cost market share, how approval experience matters more than rates and why data-driven models now outperform traditional underwriting. From model oversight to regulatory readiness, this conversation gives credit union leaders practical strategies to stay competitive, confident and compliant in today’s lending landscape. Don’t risk falling behind. Learn how to strengthen your governance, leverage smarter data, and prepare for the future of lending today.

Credit union membership growth is shrinking as per TruStage research, and the competition isn’t slowing down. In this episode of Leaders in Lending, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach dig into the hard truths about why CUs are losing members—and what can be done to turn the tide. They explore how fintech partnerships, smarter onboarding, and personalized member experiences can help credit unions thrive in a digital-first world. This isn’t a list of quick fixes; it’s a new way of thinking about building lifelong member relationships.

2025 has been all about the crunch. Credit is tight, uncertainty is everywhere and lenders are asking: is this the new normal or just another cycle? In this episode, we unpack what’s driving the squeeze, from regulation and rates to global risk, and how smart institutions are staying ahead. We also look forward. 2026 will not be business as usual. AI, new lending models and shifting borrower behavior could reshape the landscape. Hear how leaders are finding opportunity in a market defined by uncertainty. 00:00 Anticipating a Fed Rate Cut 03:48 Embracing a New Financial Normal 08:48 Model Accuracy Relies on Recent Data 12:14 Advocating for Participation Loans 14:39 Credit Union Credit Builder Insights 19:16 Economic Uncertainty and Market Resilience 20:04 "Seizing High Yield Opportunities"

Auto loan rates are high, millions of borrowers are rate-locked, and a refinancing wave is on the horizon. In this episode, co-hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach break down why credit unions are uniquely positioned to win the auto refi surge. They dig into smarter underwriting, targeted outreach, and the fintech tools helping CUs capture opportunity at scale. This isn’t a “wait and see” conversation; it’s a roadmap for owning the next big lending moment.

What if the next conference you attended didn’t just inspire ideas, but actually drove change? In this episode of Leaders in Lending, hosts Lynn Sautter Beal, Drew Megrey, and Barry Roach share practical strategies for turning insights from ACU Strategic Growth Conference into meaningful action. They explore how credit unions can prioritize takeaways, implement initiatives, and keep momentum going long after the event ends. From selecting the right vendor partners to engaging frontline staff, this conversation is packed with tactical advice. Plus, they challenge common assumptions about the value a conference can translate to in business.

Access to credit can be life-changing, but for many members, the process still feels out of reach. Great Lakes Credit Union is working to change that with practical solutions that meet people where they are.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Steve Bugg, President and CEO of GLCU, to talk about how his team is rethinking lending through small-dollar loans, credit builder programs, and face-to-face financial coaching. Steve shares how they’re making a difference for underserved members while keeping risk low and impact high. Join us as we discuss: How GLCU uses $300 loans to create long-term financial confidenceWhy second-chance lending isn’t as risky as most thinkWhere mobile tools and in-branch service come togetherHow community partnerships and DEI efforts support sustainable lendingWhat it means to put trust at the center of the loan process

Technology is reshaping every corner of financial services. For credit unions, the challenge isn’t just keeping up, it’s choosing the right tools, partners, and processes to stay ahead without losing sight of the member experience.In this episode, host Drew Megrey sits down with Bill Clancy, Vice President of Consumer Lending at Advia Credit Union, to explore how his team navigates digital transformation while maintaining the high-touch service members expect. From managing 50+ lending technology systems and partners to empowering older members with mobile banking, Bill shares how Advia strikes the balance between innovation and relationships.Join us as we discuss: How Advia curates a tech stack to match rising member expectations.Why digital adoption looks different across age groups—and what to do about it.Where AI decisioning fits into a long-term lending strategy.How to bring automation into lending without losing the human touch.What a frictionless future for loans could actually look like.

Rising vehicle prices, longer loan terms, and shrinking margins. As credit unions adapt, standing out requires more than competitive rates. It takes consistency, clarity, and a lending team built for speed and service.In this episode, host Barry Roach sits down with Adam Brice, Chief Lending Officer at EFCU Financial, to unpack how his team reimagined consumer lending from the ground up. From creating a centralized loan contact center to balancing common sense with emerging tech, Adam shares what it really takes to grow a high-performing, resilient lending strategy.Join us as we discuss: What happens when you move your best loan officers out of branches.How EFCU maintained low charge-offs while doubling down on auto.The ripple effects of extended terms and negative equity.How AI can strengthen, not replace, sound underwriting.Why NIL deals and financial literacy can drive deeper community impact.

As credit unions grapple with an increasingly digital-first market, the path to growth lies in strategic partnerships, streamlined onboarding, and data-driven cross-sell strategies. In this episode, host Matt Snow sits down with Kirk Drake—author, entrepreneur, and founder of CU 2.0—to explore how credit unions can stay relevant in a fast-changing financial landscape. Drawing on decades of experience in FinTech and community banking, Kirk shares practical insights on building strategic partnerships, leveraging emerging tech like crypto and transforming credit unions into digitally driven community hubs. Join us as we discuss: Why credit unions must embrace AI to meet evolving member expectationsThe growing importance of FinTech collaboration in driving innovationHow shifting consumer behavior is reshaping onboarding and engagementStrategies for serving both traditional and non-traditional demographicsWhat it takes to future-proof credit unions in a digital-first world

As the regulatory environment continues to shift and technology reshapes the compliance landscape, today’s lending leaders are under increasing pressure to stay agile and forward-thinking.  In this episode, recorded live at CBA Live 2025 in Orlando, host Lynn Sautter Beal sits down with Aaron Rykowski, Chief Compliance Officer at WesBanco, and Mikey Reynolds, Director of Compliance at Zions Bank Corporation. Both serve on the CBA’s CFPB Committee and share how their institutions are responding to growing uncertainty—from changes in CFPB leadership and examiner shortages to the fast-moving rise of AI in compliance. Join us as we discuss:How shifts at the CFPB are shaping compliance strategiesThe challenges of operating with fewer examiners and less regulatory clarity Where AI and emerging tech fit into modern compliance programsWhat lenders need to know about the final 1071 and 1033 rulesWhy collaboration and proactive engagement are essential in today’s environment