The Corporate Connection
A Note from Chris
Spring is here, bringing with it a renewed sense of energy and the opportunity to come together once again for our annual meeting. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Wisconsin Credit Union League, co-hosting our meetings alongside their annual convention. This collaboration allows us to deepen engagement, strengthen connections, and reinforce the collective impact we have when we work together. Our shared commitment to serving credit unions continues to drive meaningful progress across the industry.
Corporate Central’s 45th Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, WI. Members are welcome to attend in person or participate via live stream. Access details for the live stream will be sent to all members in advance of the meeting.
Please remember to register your delegate by completing the official registration form emailed to each President/CEO on Wednesday, March 4. If you need another copy, please contact us.
We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you and celebrate all that we have accomplished together.
Sincerely,
Chris Felton
President/CEO
Buzz About Beastro
New in 2026: Continued Momentum and Meaningful Enhancements
Beastro started 2026 with a strong pace of enhancements focused on security, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Recent Releases and Platform Enhancements
- Beastro Releases 2026.1, 2026.2, and 2026.3 delivered continued improvements across money movement, investments, reporting, and overall system performance, incorporating member feedback and usability refinements.
- BAI Transaction Export is now rolling out to all members, providing standardized BAI format files to support faster reconciliation, improved cash positioning, and more efficient reporting workflows.
- Business Verification continues to expand adoption, helping credit unions streamline onboarding, due diligence, and compliance with direct access to business entity validation tools within Beastro.
- Ongoing development continues across ACH fraud enhancements, instant payments via FedNow, AI driven capabilities, and the Beastro mobile experience.
As always, members are encouraged to explore the Knowledgebase, review release notes, and share feedback to help shape future enhancements.
Keep Your Beastro User Info Up to Date
A quick monthly review helps ensure smooth operations and timely support.
Authorized Signers and User Administrators are encouraged to regularly verify that user information in Beastro is accurate and current, including:
- Name
- Title
- Email address
- Direct business phone number, optional but helpful for faster support
Security reminder:
All contact updates require dual approval. Additional details are available in the Contacts and Reports articles in the Knowledgebase.
Also important:
- Remove users who no longer require access
- Set a recurring reminder to review user information monthly
Security Keys: Reuse and Reassignment Reminder
Security keys may be reused when reassigned appropriately. If you plan to reissue a key, be sure to remove and reissue any associated credentials, update internal tracking records, and confirm all systems reflect the correct user information. If your credit union uses a credential management system, complete the reassignment steps there as well.
Security Key to Mobile Device Passkey Registration
Android and Apple mobile devices may be utilized as security keys for Beastro login. At this time, users have the option to utilize either the physical security key, or a mobile device - not both. To change the security key type, the user must re-register a new device. This article covers the steps a user must take to change from a physical security key to a mobile device passkey.
For assistance with security keys or user access, contact Member Services at (800) 242-4747 or [email protected].
Quick Reads from the CUMinute
Discover fresh perspectives and practical insights tailored to the credit union community. The CUMinute blog delivers timely education, emerging industry trends, and actionable guidance, all designed to support and empower our members. Read the latest articles below.
Uncommon Paths, Unmatched Impact: The Secret Ingredient in Credit Union Teams
Great credit union teams are not built from identical resumes. They are shaped by diverse experiences and transferable skills that strengthen connection, empathy, and problem solving. In this article, Amy Nowak, Human Resources Generalist, shares how nontraditional career paths become a powerful advantage for credit unions that want to build stronger teams and better serve their members.
Win the Fight Against Fraud and Synthetic Businesses
Fraud is evolving quickly, and traditional business due diligence methods are struggling to keep pace. In this article, Chuck Doherty, Executive Account Manager, explains why modern, automated KYB practices are now essential for protecting credit unions from synthetic businesses, deep fakes, and costly fraud losses, while also improving the onboarding experience for legitimate business members.
Integrated Balance Sheet Intelligence for Stronger Leadership Decisions
As economic conditions shift and balance sheet complexity grows, credit union leaders need more than disconnected reports. In this article, Adam Stone, President of QuantyPhi, explains why integrated balance sheet intelligence across ALM, liquidity, and credit risk is critical for faster, more confident leadership decisions and clearer conversations with boards and regulators.
Being Human in an AI World
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in daily operations, credit unions face an important question about how to preserve the human connection at the heart of the movement. In this article, Shannon Cate, Director of Member Experience, explores why empathy, judgment, and human insight remain essential, and how AI should be used to support people, not replace them.
Momentum 2026
Save the date for our annual Insights, Innovation, and Connection conference!
Momentum 2026 will take place Tuesday, October 13 through Thursday, October 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East in Madison, WI.
Momentum brings credit union leaders together for connection, new ideas, and fresh perspectives that spark meaningful conversations across the movement. This year’s event will build on the energy and success of Momentum 2025, with even more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow together.
We are excited to share that Byron Reese will be joining us as a keynote speaker. Known for exploring the intersection of technology, innovation, and the future of work, Byron brings a forward-looking perspective that aligns well with the evolving needs of credit unions.
Attendees can also look forward to engaging breakout sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and special experiences designed to foster connection, including our popular and highly requested Casino Night networking event.
Registration for Momentum 2026 will open on Monday, April 6, with additional speaker announcements and agenda highlights to follow. We look forward to welcoming you to Madison for another memorable Momentum conference filled with learning, leadership, and connection!
Supporting Tunnel to Towers
This summer, we are coming together to support Tunnel to Towers, an organization that honors the sacrifice of first responders and military heroes and provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families.
Save the date: Our Tunnel to Towers event will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park in Muskego, WI.
Registration will be opening soon. Watch for details and consider joining us or supporting the cause.
Where to Find Us: Upcoming Conventions and Events
We are hitting the road and could not be more excited to connect with credit union leaders from across the country. Whether we are presenting on stage, sponsoring a session, or simply walking the floor, we are here to share ideas, spark conversations, and support the credit union movement. Be sure to swing by the Corporate Central and CUSO booths to explore our latest innovations, chat with our team, and pick up some fun swag!
Here’s where you can find us
April 10—12 - Michigan Credit Union League U.P. Chapter Annual Meeting & Exposition in Harris, MI
May 12—14 - Dakota Credit Union Association DakCU Annual Summit in Box Elder, SD
May 13—15 - Corporate Central’s Annual Meeting and the Wisconsin Credit Union League Annual Convention in Madison, WI
June 2—4 - Michigan Credit Union League ACE26 in Grand Rapids, MI
June 9—10 - Nebraska Credit Union League 2026 Annual Convention in Lincoln, NB
Discover New Learning Opportunities
Join our upcoming webinars for knowledge that empowers your credit union.
Monthly Market Monitor | Webinar Series
Wednesday, April 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT
Stay informed with expert insights on economic trends and market conditions in this monthly update from our Financial Strategists. Join us on the second Wednesday of every month. No registration is required. Tune In
ALM360 Spotlight: Modernizing Balance Sheet Management | Webinar Series
Thursday, April 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. CT
Join QuantyPhi for an in-depth look at ALM360 and discover how this innovative platform is transforming balance sheet management for credit unions. Each session occurs on the second Thursday of every month. Register Today
Strengthening Student Loan Referrals Through Smart Marketing | Webinar
Thursday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. CT
Corporate Central, in partnership with ISL Education Lending, invites you to a focused webinar designed to help credit unions strengthen student loan referrals and increase member engagement through simple, effective marketing strategies. Register Now
Somehow, I Manage to Control My Risk, Part 2 – Check Fraud Risk | Webinar Series
Tuesday, June 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT
Corporate Central is partnering with PaymentsFirst to offer a quarterly webinar series designed to help credit union teams strengthen their risk management practices across today’s primary payment channels. The series provides insights into fraud trends, operational risk considerations, and practical steps your credit union can take to improve detection, prevention, and overall program resilience. Save Your Spot
Corporate Cares
Serving together to multiply our impact against hunger.
The Corporate Cares team volunteered at Hunger Task Force and was proud to support their mission through a donation that helps fight hunger across our communities. Thanks to the generous support of other local businesses, our contribution was matched, doubling the impact for those who need it most. We are proud to stand alongside organizations and partners making a real difference.
Strengthening our community through service and support.
Our team volunteered at the Hope Center in Waukesha, helping organize donated clothing for their free store, a resource that allows individuals and families to shop with dignity. We also proudly supported their mission with a $1,000 donation to help sustain the vital services they provide to those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
Lending a helping hand to families at Children's Hospital.
The Corporate Cares team volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, preparing lunches for the Lunch 2 Go program to support families navigating busy days between appointments at Children’s Hospital. These meals helped provide quick, nourishing options during an already challenging time. Corporate Central also proudly contributed a $1,000 donation to further support the Ronald McDonald House and the essential services they provide to families every day.
What’s New and Who’s Who
Welcome to the Team
We are excited to welcome Nikkita Martino to Corporate Central as our new Relationship Development Manager. Based in the Dallas area, Nikkita brings more than ten years of credit union experience and a strong passion for building meaningful relationships. She will focus on expanding our reach in new growth markets while continuing to support select existing member relationships. When she is not working with credit unions, you may find her creating art, volunteering with animal rescues, or spending time with her dogs, Sam and Olive.
QuantyPhi also welcomed a new team member this quarter. Max Bade joined as ALM and CECL Analyst, strengthening QuantyPhi’s analytical capabilities. Max brings hands on experience in asset liability management, CECL, and financial reporting and is already supporting credit unions with balance sheet strategy and data driven insights. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, playing guitar, and cheering on Michigan sports teams.
Congratulations and Career Milestones
Several team members reached exciting professional milestones this quarter.
Frederick Blask, Vice President of Governance Risk and Compliance, and Sierra Randall, Member Experience Specialist, both earned the Certified Wisconsin Credit Union Leader designation through the Wisconsin Credit Union League Leadership Institute. This achievement reflects their commitment to leadership development and continued service to the credit union movement.
Will Valadez, Human Resources Business Partner, earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources credential, recognizing advanced expertise in strategic human resources leadership and organizational alignment.
We also celebrated a well-earned promotion. Hunter Cliffgard was promoted to Investment Analyst, recognizing his strong contributions, continued growth, and expanding role within our Investments team.
Board Leadership Update
We marked an important transition on our Board of Directors this quarter. After years of dedicated service, Jay Magulski retired from the Corporate Central Board. We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to cooperative principles.
We are pleased to welcome Vikram Israni, CEO of GreenState Credit Union, as a new Director. Vic brings more than twenty five years of financial services experience and a strong belief in the cooperative model. We look forward to his leadership and perspective as he begins this new role.
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