January 5, 2026
Credit Unions First is proud to announce the formation of its Advisory Board, a group of respected industry leaders who will provide strategic insight, thoughtful feedback, and industry perspective as the company continues to grow and evolve.
The Advisory Board was created to support Credit Unions First’s long-term vision by serving as a sounding board for new initiatives, services, and partnerships. The Board will help ensure the organization remain focused on delivering meaningful value to credit unions, CUSOs, and industry stakeholders — empowering partners to Keep More, Earn More, Serve Better.
“We are deeply grateful that these leaders chose to invest their time, experience, and voices in Credit Unions First,” said Melanie Munsey, CEO of Credit Unions First. “Their guidance strengthens our decision-making today and gives us great confidence as we look ahead to 2026.”
As Credit Unions First enters its next phase of growth, the Advisory Board will play a critical role in shaping strategy, evaluating opportunities, and keeping the organization aligned with the needs of the credit union movement.
Advisory Board Members
Alice Stevens
Vice President of Consumer Lending, Product Innovation, and Credit Analytics, VyStar Credit Union
Alice Stevens brings 38 years of financial services experience, with leadership across consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending, enterprise risk management, and operational strategy. Her deep expertise in lending, analytics, and innovation provides invaluable insight as Credit Unions First expands its offerings.
Nate Anderson
President & CEO, rekindle
Nate Anderson is the President and CEO of rekindle, a CUSO dedicated to helping small credit unions thrive through shared knowledge and collaboration. His experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and successful exits brings a practical, strategic lens to Credit Unions First’s initiatives.
Gary Lund
Retired Senior Vice President, Financial Institutions Group, NFP (Aon)
Gary Lund offers more than 50 years of experience in loan-related insurance and risk management for financial institutions. His background spans underwriting, product development, executive leadership, and ownership, providing deep perspective on risk, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Josh Evans
Chief Sales Officer, Woop Insurance
Josh Evans leads strategic growth and national distribution for Woop Insurance, bringing over 15 years of experience scaling teams, partnerships, and technology solutions across startups and Fortune 500 organizations. His focus on innovation and member financial well-being aligns strongly with Credit Unions First’s mission.
Denise Wymore
Director of Mission and Impact, your marketing co.
A lifelong credit union professional, Denise Wymore brings more than 40 years of experience helping credit unions sharpen their brands, strengthen strategy, and communicate with authenticity. A respected author, speaker, and cooperative advocate, Denise brings a powerful voice for mission-driven growth.
John Riley
EVP Sales and Marketing, FocusOne
John Riley brings more than three decades of experience supporting growth and innovation across the credit union ecosystem. He began his career in strategic marketing before moving into early web-based technology solutions serving credit unions and automotive dealers.
A co-founder of Dealer Direct, a member car-buying program designed to align lending strategy, dealer relationships, and member experience, John later joined FocusOne in 2000. There, he helped guide the organization’s national expansion in indirect auto and mortgage lending. Today, John leads marketing and sales strategy, oversees insurance product lines, and drives new business development, with a focus on scalable, credit-union-centric solutions.
The Credit Unions First team extends its sincere gratitude to each Advisory Board member for their leadership, generosity, and commitment to the cooperative movement. Their partnership marks an exciting chapter in the company’s continued growth and impact.