We Help Credit Unions Adapt, Grow, and Succeed Long Term in Fulfilling Their Missions

Abigail Pereira brings nearly 10 years of product management experience across various industries, including adtech, fintech, and healthtech. She has primarily focused on early to growth-stage companies, leading the development and go-to-market strategies for 0 to 1 products that have generated millions of dollars in ARR. Abigail is excited to join CU Collaborate and contribute to its mission of supporting Credit Unions. Her journey and passion for finance began at the age of 11 when she received her first credit card from her local credit union. In her free time, Abigail enjoys interior design and spending time with her husband and their two cats, Goose and Andy.

Addison is a double graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where she earned both her undergraduate degree and a master’s in accounting. In her professional experience with Grant Thornton and Guidehouse, she worked with governments at all levels—state, local, and federal—helping them navigate compliance with evolving financial standards and improving internal processes within federal agencies. Outside of work, Addison is a big soccer fan and enjoys both playing and watching the sport.

Allison joins CUCollaborate with experience in Healthcare IT and customer experience. In past roles, she has worked with EMR vendors and provided new user demonstrations and trainings. Allison is passionate about helping others grow and finding their passions. Allison is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and currently resides in Columbus Ohio. Outside of work, she loves to travel, bake, and go to sporting events.

Ana is a M.Sc. with over 12 years of experience in management and consulting. Her career trajectory unfolded from industry then academia then software development. Her main focus is crafting top-notch software products, that not only deliver tangible business value, but also enhance user experiences, making their lives easier. Outside of work she loves traveling, is a coffee enthusiast, a mom, a wife, and a new Swiftie.

Anastasiia was born, raised, and still lives in Lviv, Ukraine, where she pursued her studies at the Ukrainian Catholic University, focusing on humanities. Despite her academic background, her fascination continues to be statistics and data processing. It was through her engagement with CUCollaborate that she discovered and embraced her true potential in data analysis. Outside of her professional pursuits, she finds joy in spending time with her cat and taking long, reflective walks around her beloved city

Anastasiia obtained her master's degree in Social Psychology from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and has been a valuable member of CUCollaborate since 2020. She brings effective leadership to the Research Department, ensuring smooth internal communication and coordination with key stakeholders in the organization. Residing in Lviv, Ukraine, Anastasiia has also gained international experience through her tenure in our Croatian office in 2022. Outside of her professional life, Anastasiia is passionate about photography and travel. She enjoys her leisure time with her cat (Sphynx, named Nicole), her family, and friends.

Andrii is responsible for leading the product development process, ensuring the success of the product by combining technology and design to solve real customer problems.

Ben is the Director of Partnerships at CUCollaborate, bringing over twelve years of experience in the credit union industry. In his current role, he leads partnerships, manages special projects, and supports account management. Ben is also an organizer of Arise Community Credit Union, a de novo credit union, and serves on the board of the Association for Black Economic Power. His career includes roles at a credit union and the state league in Minnesota. Ben graduated from the University of Minnesota and has been honored with the AACUC Commitment to Change Young Professional Leadership Award and recognized as a Credit Union Rockstar.

Chris has more than 11 years of experience in consulting with a focus on data analytics, managerial cost accounting, workload modeling, performance and financial management. Before joining CUCollaborate, Chris helped clients develop and mature analytical capabilities to inform strategic business decisions at Grant Thornton, Deloitte and Callahan & Associates.

Coquise comes to CUCollaborate from Challenger, the B2B sales and marketing transformation organization. During her time at Challenger, she partnered with startup organizations to embed the Challenger methodology in their revenue-generating teams. She is excited to bring her experience in sales to CUCollaborate to enable Credit Unions to better serve their communities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, and going to art museums.

Denys is an accomplished professional in the field of Business Analysis. Holding a Master's degree in Computer Science, he has extensive experience across Public Services, Government, and FinTech domains. Joining CUCollaborate initially as a Business Analyst, Denys has since ascended to the role of Product Manager, specializing in beneficial regulatory programs such as CDFI, LID, ECIP, etc. Outside of the professional realm, Denys is an avid enthusiast of recreational activities, engaging in pursuits like table tennis, tennis, and swimming.

Dom Patacsil believes in the power of stories. Whether that's data analysis or a work of fiction, he contends that stories help us make sense of the world and act toward greater growth. He has experience in administrative and operational consulting, with a focus on performance assessment. At CUCollaborate, Dom aspires to help credit unions empower the communities they serve through data-informed decision-making and long-term strategy.

Emil brings a strong background in community development, management consulting, federal grants, and compliance to CUCollaborate. With a BA in Political Science from Baruch College and an MA in International Affairs from the New School, Emil has participated in leadership programs at Universidad de Los Andes in Chile and Charles University in Prague. Emil's experience includes roles at the United Nations, the US Small Business Administration, and the New York State Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, where he managed affordable housing projects across the state of New York. In his previous roles, he introduced innovative tools to streamline processes, significantly improving efficiency in grant writing and compliance with federal grants. Emil is passionate about green and renewable energy and has led initiatives to help CDFIs develop green financial products and support CDFIs in preparing for capitalization funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in line with the Justice40 Initiative. Fluent in Turkish, Russian, Azerbaijani and English, Emil is passionate about leveraging technology to lift people up. In his free time, he volunteers at local community organizations, enjoys cooking, spending time with his pets, and gardening at his home in Queens, New York.

With a master’s degree from the O'Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs, Emily has experience working in local governments, with non-profit and community partners, and large federal agencies. Prior to joining CUCollaborate, Emily built managerial cost accounting models and oversaw increasing adoption of data modeling to improve transparency and business processes in federal budgeting. Emily strives to make her clients feel heard and aims to foster collaborative adoption and application of data and technology that enable credit unions to better serve local communities and achieve their missions.

A seasoned Software Developer since 2006, with extensive expertise in information technology, Igor has been a computer enthusiast (casual PC Gamer) ever since he got his first computer in 1995. He enjoys discovering new technologies and challenges in the forever evolving IT industry. A drummer and passionate music lover since his teenage years, Igor still enjoys hitting rehearsals and splitting time between his hometown, Kutina, and Zagreb, Croatia's capital.

Entrepreneur, CTO, and Tech Investor with over 25 years of experience in software development, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, Jason has built multiple successful SaaS startups that have become profitable companies or been acquired by a public company. He enjoys traveling around the world and exploring new cultures.

Jason has over 12 years of experience in consulting, with a focus on financial and performance management, data analytics, business process improvement, and organizational change management. Before joining CUCollaborate, Jason helped clients develop analytical tools and strengthen program management practices to improve operations and better manage resources at Booz Allen Hamilton and Grant Thornton. He is excited to bring his varied consulting experience to CUCollaborate to help credit unions grow and better serve their communities.

Jeff brings a decade of CDFI experience to his role at CUCollaborate. Previously, he was a Senior Consultant guiding all aspects of CDFI programming for a boutique consulting firm, providing certification, compliance, award application, and strategic planning services to CDFI clients across the country. In this role he raised over $20 million in award funds for clients from the CDFI Fund. Prior to serving as a consultant, Jeff worked as a lender for CDFIs that focused on small business and affordable housing lending in the Pacific Northwest. Jeff served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Azerbaijan and has a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. He lives with his family in Vancouver, Washington.

Jenna joins CUCollaborate with experience in Healthcare IT and as a liaison working with adults with developmental disabilities. In past roles, Jenna has provided support to EMR Vendors as well as organized and trained those she worked with. She is passionate about helping others accomplish their goals and grow as she continues to pursue her goals as well. Jenna is a graduate of The Ohio State University and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. Outside of work, she loves to travel, including visiting her family in New Jersey and Florida, spending time with her cat, Dracula, reading, and cooking.

Jeremy is a well seasoned accountant with experience in a multitude of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Fintech, and Logistics. He brings full cycle accounting experience with a focus on automating and creating efficiencies within processes. When not digging deep into the books, you can find him with his four dogs and fiancé.

Jordyn comes to CUCollaborate from a high-growth swag start-up where she achieved yearly revenue milestones and led a team of Customer Success Managers. She started her career at well-known companies such as Yelp and WeWork, which bred her passion for building authentic relationships with her clients and coworkers. Jordyn is born and raised in Brooklyn, NY but currently resides in Columbus, OH (Go Buckeyes)! In her off time, Jordyn loves to try new foods and restaurants, hang out with her two dogs, and have family movie nights. She can't wait to get to know you!

Keelin joins CUCollaborate from a leading customer engagement platform where she exceeded sales targets and catalyzed sales on a high-performing team. She has a passion for sales and thrives on helping clients reach their wild growth goals through exceptional tech products. Outside of CUCollaborate, Keelin is a fitness enthusiast and spends her time with her dog Koko, running, training clients, trying new restaurants and with friends and family.

Kevin is a senior financial executive with nearly 30 years experience providing corporate strategic advice and operational leadership to financial services companies, mainly depository institutions. His extensive investment banking background at JPMorgan and KBW, coupled with first-hand experience in financial and operational management within credit unions and banks, allows him to dive into the development of corporate and financial strategies for business model transformation, strategic market entry and exit, M&A management, regulatory relations, P&L/budgeting, financial analysis, restructuring, credit risk management, and due diligence. He earned a B.S. in Accounting from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. He lives in Westchester County, NY. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, golfing, and going to the beach with his three children.

Lara brings a diverse work history to the team, initially starting her career in international development and nonprofits. After completing a Fulbright grant in Rwanda, she earned her MPA from the Maxwell School and most recently worked in budget analysis at the Executive Office of US Attorneys. Lara's goal is to find creative solutions to problems and build strong collaborative relationships. When she's not working, she's spending time with her dog, Benny, playing violin, or trying very hard to keep her houseplants alive.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Leslie leads by the motto "Spartans Will," embracing challenges as opportunities to find a better way. The majority of Leslie’s career has been spent working as a Mortgage Loan Originator, assisting clients with their home loan refinance applications. Her dedication to outstanding service earned her the “Love Our Clients” Award from Rocket Mortgage in June 2019. She also has consulting experience, having supported the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program. She is thrilled to bring her talents and experience to CUCollaborate. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, cooking and cheering on the Tottenham Hotspurs.

Lilya is a Software Engineer with 2.5 years of experience at CUCollaborate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Credit from Lviv Financial Academy and received software development training from STEP IT Academy. With a strong foundation in finance and specialized skills in software development, Lilya brings a unique perspective to her work, making her a valuable asset in any team.

Luis has over 20 years’ experience researching credit unions, their historical and current call reports, and AIRES files, across a wide variety of topics including: financial sustainability, member-centric performance, asset growth drivers, capital requirements, and credit union openings, mergers, and closures. Before joining CUCollaborate, his clients included, among others, the Filene Research Institute, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), and other research institutions, government agencies, consulting firms, and university professors. At CUCollaborate, Luis’s current focus is developing methodologies that help credit unions use their AIRES files (1) to better measure their member benefits across demographic groups and to better serve the credit needs of their whole communities, (2) to better measure and manage branch performance, (3) to select new branch locations, and (4) to help acquirees in mergers select the acquirers that best fit their members’ needs. Luis received his B.A. in economics and mathematics from the University of Southern Mississippi and his PhD in economics with specializations in statistical analysis and finance from Auburn University, Alabama. His research has been published by the Filene Research Institute, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Opportunity Finance Network, the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, the International Review of Finance, the Corporate Finance Review, Essays in Economic and Business History, and the Cooperative Business Journal.

With 4 years of experience in the fintech sector, Mariia has developed a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of financial applications' complexity. Beyond technical skills, her ability to communicate effectively and to collaborate has been key in identifying and resolving issues swiftly, ensuring high-quality product deliveries. Mariia is committed to continuous learning, adapting to new technologies, and enhancing team dynamics to drive project success in the fast-evolving finance technology landscape.

Marina has worked in Human Resources for over 15 years integrating HR initiatives into business strategy. Focused on improving profitability and building top performing teams, she has extensive background in policies & procedures, learning & development, succession planning, staff engagement, and employment law. Marina received her B.A. From Hofstra University in Psychology, and her M.A. in Psychology from New York University. She is fluent in Italian, loves traveling and spending time with her family. She is an avid tennis player and a huge fan of Formula 1.

As CUCollaborate’s analyst, Marta is largely committed to Field of Membership Expansion initiatives and is involved in various functions with other company departments. In her professional life, Marta is a firm believer in being the best you can be at what you do and she is always searching for ways to perform her work better. Outside of work, Marta likes spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and traveling both in Ukraine and abroad, exploring new cultures and beautiful places.

Moriah is a graduate of Duke University with a degree in statistical science and a passion for all things data. In her free time, she enjoys making data visualizations and producing content on Twitter and Twitch. She is excited to visualize credit union data and help CUCollaborate discover insights that will lead to data-driven decisions.

Nikki joins CUCollaborate with extensive experience in customer-focused roles and a track record of exceeding sales targets. Her background in creative management and retail has equipped her with a keen ability to understand client needs, deliver customized solutions, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Nikki excels at building strong relationships with clients, driving growth through exceptional service, and developing strategies that align with customer goals. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Nikki is based in Philadelphia. Outside of work, she enjoys powerlifting, spending time with her two black cats, and painting portraits at the Jersey Shore.

After obtaining his master's degree in Computer Science in 2006, Oleg has actively worked and further developed his skills as a software engineer, specializing in large-scale ERP solutions. His expertise lies in .NET technologies, and he has a strong passion for SQL databases, algorithms, and data structures, which enables him to model efficient data workloads. During his tenure at his private company, he built numerous websites aimed at promoting local tourist agencies, with the objective of increasing traffic and sales. Later, driven mostly by his technical passion for technologies, he resumed his career as a software engineer focusing on .NET, SQL Server, and Azure. He is currently working on the AnalyzeCU product. In his free time, Oleg pursues photography and operates a small print studio. From this studio, he prints and sells photos of his beloved city of Dubrovnik, where he was born.

Olena has been with CUCollaborate since May 2021, initially as a Data Entry Specialist before progressing to Junior Data Analyst. She holds a degree in Applied Linguistics and thrives on the challenge of extracting actionable insights from complex datasets. Olena is passionate about cooking and exploring new recipes. She lives in Lviv, Ukraine, with her beloved cat, Oleksii, who seems to have developed a keen interest in data analytics himself.

Olga graduated from university with a degree in Applied Linguistics, with a focus on philology and computer technologies. As a member of the Research Team, Olga assists in providing high-class service for clients, including Client Projects tasks in the scope of Consulting Services, data-related tasks for software quality with Software Development Department, Data Analytics, and Data Research tasks. She is passionate about her work, saying "it doesn't feel like a job – it's a continuous learning adventure." Elsewhere, she relaxes and recharges by spending time in the mountains, hiking, and being surrounded by nature. Olga is grateful to CUCollaborate for the benefits that the company provides, for the team, and for the opportunity to constantly learn and develop.

Olga brings a decade of experience in software product development to her role at CUCollaborate. Her forte lies in translating complex technical challenges into user-friendly solutions, ensuring that product development aligns seamlessly with customer needs and business goals. Her trusty chihuahua Naomi is a constant presence by her side during work meetings, symbolizing her approachable and loyal leadership style.

As CUCollaborate's Demand Generation Marketer, Pete Infelise brings nearly 15 years of expertise in marketing and growth, spanning startups, SMBs, and Fortune 500 companies. Throughout his career, Pete has combined strategic insights with creative, out-of-the-box thinking to deliver impactful results for both businesses and clients. In his previous role as Growth Marketing Manager at Manifold Group, a venture holding company in Chicago, he led marketing initiatives for portfolio companies, executed growth strategies for the advisory consultancy, and collaborated with clients to elevate their marketing efforts. Outside of work, Pete is a dedicated Chicago Bulls fan and a passionate fitness and food enthusiast.

Phyllis Lee is a marketing leader in the tech space with 20 years of experience in scaling businesses, from early stage startups to iconic brands. Passionate about strategic, modern marketing driven by data and technology, Phyllis oversees all marketing activities at CUCollaborate as its Chief Marketing Officer. Throughout her career, Phyllis has worked with a number of financial institutions including Citi, Wells Fargo, State Farm, and Guaranty Bank (now BBVA compass). Prior to CUCollaborate, Phyllis led marketing and growth across Manifold Group, a venture holding company, and co-led Manifold’s venture studio, HYPRGRPH, which focused on company building and R&D. Before this, Phyllis was the Chief Marketing Officer of Jiobit, a hardware-enabled SaaS company, which was acquired by Life360. Outside of work, Phyllis serves on early education and healthcare boards, mentors startups and women in tech, and is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Phyllis earned a B.A. from UCLA, is an alum of Stanford’s d.school, and lives in Chicago with her family.

Sam Brownell is the Founder and CEO of CUCollaborate, a company dedicated to empowering credit unions to maximize their impact on members and communities. With over a decade of experience in the credit union industry, Sam is an expert in fields of membership, technology solutions, and growth strategies. His mission is to democratize finance by making credit unions more accessible to all consumers, thereby driving membership growth. In addition to his role at CUCollaborate, Sam serves as an advisor and investor at Credit Mountain. Sam holds a BA in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics from Denison University and is passionate about solving complex problems to create meaningful change in the financial services industry.

Sam Griswold is an experienced writer and translator with a background in literature and linguistics. He loves storytelling in all its forms and is thrilled to be able to bring this passion to CUCollaborate to help credit unions find their voice and tell their story.

Sergii brings nearly a decade of extensive experience across various domains including Quality Assurance, encompassing web, mobile, desktop, database, security, and automation testing, among others. His expertise extends to a diverse array of topics, which he will eagerly share over a cup of tea. A sought-after speaker at numerous international conferences, Sergii also offers consultancy services to engineers seeking skill enhancement and assists companies in conducting comprehensive audits of their QA processes. As the founder of Rusinchuk Consulting, he remains committed to driving excellence in quality assurance practices.

Serhii joined the CUCollaborate team in 2022 as a DevOps Engineer responsible for supporting software development in designing, deploying, hosting, monitoring, protecting, assisting in permissions and identities management, auditing, and ensuring compliance of our software applications. He has experience working as a computer science teacher and has a master's degree in economic cybernetics. Outside of work, he likes to listen to music, watch sports, and travel.

Stas has been fortunate to co-found a software development company and work in tech alongside product teams of highly talented people for over 13 years. Often involved in building products from scratch with very limited resources, he's learned to wear many hats. Throughout the different stages of creating products, he has worked as a Software Engineer, tackled DevOps tasks, analyzed business and user requirements, managed projects and products, led technical teams, overseen software engineers, and even aided with recruiting and office management. This broad skill set has been key in leading projects from a simple idea to successful market launches. In his role as Head of Engineering at CUCollaborate, Stas finds joy and purpose in helping mission-driven financial institutions serve their communities, working with a like-minded team.

Svitlana is a Product Designer with 8 years of experience, dedicated to simplifying the relationship between people and the interactive products they use. Driven by a curiosity for understanding the intricacies of human behavior, Lana constantly seeks to delve deeper into the psychology behind user interactions. She integrates insights gleaned from user feedback and data analysis into her design decisions. Besides her dedication to her work in IT, Svitlana enjoys spending time hiking with friends, cherishing moments with her cat, Moby, diving into books, listening to vinyl records, and exploring documentaries from all over the world.

Sydney joins CUCollaborate with experience in Healthcare IT and Clinical Research. In those roles, she led specialized Electronic Health Record teams and implemented dynamic patient recruitment approaches for Opioid Use Disorder clinical trials. She is passionate about helping members of underserved communities through innovations in technology. Sydney is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington and currently resides is Columbus, Ohio. Outside of work, she loves to crochet, play with her dog, and travel.

Taras is passionate about programming and always eager to dive into new tech challenges. When he's not coding, Taras enjoys snowboarding and being outside in nature.

Despite holding a degree in law, Tatiana has found a true calling as a QA engineer and has over two years of experience at CUCollaborate. Throughout her work, Tatiana has mastered numerous technologies. Residing in Lviv, Ukraine, for nearly nine years, she also enjoys exploring various interests including tennis, dancing, pottery, and hosting themed dinner parties for friends. Tatiana's cat, Nelson, is a cherished pet, with whom she enjoys spending time and taking walks outdoors. Eager to contribute to the mission at CUCollaborate, Tatiana brings a blend of technical expertise and diverse personal interests to the team.

Prior to CUCollaborate, Tom spent 13 years with TruStone Financial Credit Union where he had the opportunity to lead sales, operations, and technology teams. This holistic experience gives him a unique viewpoint originating from the convergence of business, tech, and data. Tom lives in Madison, WI where he and his wife, Jill, attempt to keep the peace between their dog Poppy and cat Leela.

A former golf professional from North Conway, NH, with a degree in Business from Florida Atlantic University, Tyler has maintained a deep passion for golf throughout life. An avid sports enthusiast, Tyler is particularly dedicated to Boston sports. Outside of work, Tyler prioritizes spending quality time with family, including two dogs, Indy and Nala. Known for a competitive nature, Tyler brings the same level of dedication and energy to both professional endeavors and the golf course.

Volodymyr has over a decade of experience in software development. He guides teams through effective communication and has a deep understanding of technology. Volodymyr's track record of delivering impactful solutions showcases his commitment to excellence and continuous growth in helping credit unions and their members find the best solutions.

Volodymyr's expertise fuels the strategic decisions that drive the company forward. With a law degree from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, he brings a unique blend of ethical rigor and analytical insights to his role. Beyond data, Volodymyr's passion for football mirrors his professional values of teamwork and strategic thinking. At CUCollaborate, he is dedicated to leveraging data analytics to enhance operational efficiency, contributing greatly to company goals.

With a robust background in business analytics and data management, Yinan is dedicated to evolving as a data-driven strategist and driving her team’s success. She has facilitated business growth across diverse industries by implementing data-driven marketing initiatives and enhancing user engagement. Proficient in tools such as Python, MySQL, Tableau, and advanced Excel, Yinan has a passion for delving deep into data to uncover key consumer insights and address complex business challenges. Outside of work, Yinan loves traveling the world and making new friends, always eager to learn from different cultures and experiences.