Steven Dahlstrom, Robert Fenner and Randy Thompson Join CU Breakthrough Team
For Immediate Release
New York, NY - (January 16, 2014) - The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions has added three industry experts to its network of CU Breakthrough consultants--Steven Dahlstrom, Robert Fenner and Randy Thompson. CU Breakthrough is the Federation's consulting arm, dedicated to helping credit unions identify and implement sustainable solutions to increase financial independence among low- and moderate-income consumers. CU Breakthrough is the largest network of consultants specialized in community development and financial inclusion available to the credit union industry.
"We welcome them to our growing network of CU Breakthrough consultants, " said Pablo DeFilippi, Director of Membership and CU Breakthrough Director at the Federation. "These are extraordinarily talented individuals, committed to financial inclusion, widely recognized in the credit union system, who bring unique expertise and experience to our team."
Steven L. Dalhstrom is the recently retired CEO of the Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU). Over his 30 year career at STCU, Dahlstrom guided the credit union's growth from $20 million to over $1.5 billion in assets. Dahlstrom's accomplishments range from his tenure on CUNA's Board of Directors to being named Credit Union Professional of the Year by the Washington Credit Union League. Dahlstrom is available to CU Breakthrough clients to consult on executive coaching, strategic planning, organizational development and project planning. Dahlstrom is the principal of S. L. Dahlstrom Consulting.
Robert Fenner's experience includes 37 years as an attorney for the NCUA, the last 27 of those years as NCUA's chief legal officer. Fenner's experience in credit union law and regulation as well as examination and supervisory issues is unparalleled. Professional recognition includes the NCUA Board's Gold Medal for Meritorious Service and the Federal Bar Association's Banking Law Committee's Richard Peterson Award for contributions to financial institutions law and policy. Fenner is available to consult on strategic planning, the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of directors and officers, regulatory compliance, FOM expansion, low income designation and applications to state and federal regulators. Fenner is the President and CEO of RMF Consulting.
Since 1987, Randy C. Thompson has been providing commercial lending training and support to credit unions throughout the US, including training through the state Credit Union Leagues of Utah and Idaho. In 2013 Thompson received the Kim Bannon Eternal Flame award from the California Credit Union League in recognition of his service and support to credit unions. Thompson is available to consult on asset liability management, assessment of lending programs, profitability models, strategic planning, marketing and training. Thompson is President/CEO of Thompson Consulting & Training, Inc.
To learn more about CU Breakthrough engagements with Steven Dahlstrom, Robert Fenner or Randy Thompson contact us at CUBreakthrough@inclusiv.org.
About CU Breakthrough:
The Federation is a CDFI Intermediary and the leading advocate and liaison for credit unions to the US Treasury Department's CDFI Fund, the dominant source of grant capital for community development finance. The Federation's CU Breakthrough group has intimate knowledge of certification requirements and processes, ensuring efficient and effective applications. The Federation certification process focuses on the essential tests applicable to credit unions and offers pre-screens to interested credit unions uncertain of their eligibility.
In response to the Federation's recently announced CDFI Certification Challenge that seeks to certify a record number of credit unions in 2014, CU Breakthrough is providing assistance to credit unions interested in submitting applications for NCUA Technical Assistance Grants. The NCUA grants of $2,500 each to as many as 40 credit unions seeking certification are new this year, a result of the Federation's advocacy for increasing the number of credit unions certified and therefore eligible to receive future CDFI grants.
Media Contact: Clarissa Ritter, 212-809-1850, ext. 210 or critter@inclusiv.org.
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