WCMS Alumni Frogcast

Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) is a 3 year educational/training program created to give credit union leaders a deep dive into the purpose and mission of operating a cooperative business model. The Frogcast was created to continue our unique WCMS education, to deepen our connection to the school, each other, and the credit union industry, and maybe spark a memory or two from our time on campus at Pomona College. In this podcast we interview the faculty and alumni of the school on the challenges and opportunities we face. Come along as we jump into a conversation of head and heart!

WCMS Alumni Frogcast is a business podcast hosted by WCMSAA, with 64 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

WCMSAA hosts WCMS Alumni Frogcast, a business show with 64 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  WCMS Alumni Frogcast

  Episode 61 - Shawna Acera (August 2026)

  Aug 17, 202625 min

  After a month off for our 2026 session of WCMS, we are back at it with a new guest and a unique topic. Our guest is Shawna Acera, who is the Process Excellence Manager at Frontwave CU in Oceanside, CA. While we all want to get better for our members every day, Frontwave has gone so far as to create a position entirely focused on producing improvement across every function and process of the CU. Shawna leverages her experience and certifications in lean six sigma, Scrum master, and CU operations to partner with teammates to map the processes they use every day, and improve them along the way. This helps the entire organization think and act as a unit, going beyond the individual responsibilities of a specific team or title. Little improvements can make a big difference when we are all rowing the same direction. Listen in and learn Frontwave's approach to continuous improvement! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Elise Schexnayder Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: James Wileman, Robert York, Nate Burns, Ryan Olsen, and Jeff Morris

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  WCMS Alumni Frogcast

  Episode 60 - Chad Shane (June 2026)

  Jul 3, 202623 min

  For our 60th episode we are joined by Chad Shane, President and CEO of Canvas CU in Colorado. With a strong background in sales and lending, including 8 years at Origence, Chad has taken a unique path to his current role. Relatively new to the CEO seat, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and successes of making the move from CLO and how his indirect lending background has impacted his CU's strategy. Beyond lending, he talks about the progressive investments the credit union has made in AI and people-centered innovation. When not running Canvas, Chad keeps himself healthy as a professional pickle ball player. Listen in to learn what it takes to be competitive on the court and in the financial services industry! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Ryan Kane Producers: Steve Schmidle and Ryan Kane Supporting cast: Nate Burns, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, Robert York, and Original Ryan Olsen

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  WCMS Alumni Frogcast

  Episode 59 - Nate Burns (May 2026)

  May 29, 202619 min

  My, how the tables have turned! Our guest this month is none other than our own Nate Burns, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at TruStage. To make it even better, we have the WCMS legend Nancy Wood filling his spot as interviewer! Nate, a graduate of the Iota class of 2011, provides a unique perspective as someone who supports many $1 billion+ CU's every day. He shares with us the insights he has gained working with these CU Executives, covering subjects from CEO recruitment and succession planning to scenario planning and industry sustainability. An ambassador of WCMS, and credit unions, Nate also weaves in the stories and spirit of this industry that we love. PS. Hang on until the end for some great outtakes and bloopers! Interviewers: Nancy Wood and Shonna Shearson Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting Cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, James Wileman, and Original Ryan Olsen

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  WCMS Alumni Frogcast

  Episode 58 - Ryan Cash (April 2026)

  Apr 28, 202622 min

  Our April guest is Ryan Cash, Chief Experience Officer at Bay Federal Credit Union in beautiful Santa Cruz California. With over two decades of industry experience at the intersection of lending, operations, and member experience Ryan has played a key role in evolving how the organization serves its members in an increasingly digital world. He talks about his role, which is relatively new in the industry, and the responsibility he has to deliver on the promises made to Bay FCU's members. Ryan shares his thoughts about the looming death of branches, or lack thereof, and how member engagement requirements have increased in ways that often include branches. High-tech has become high-touch in banking, leading to critical new processes and technologies at Bay FCU. Interesting insights abound in our conversation with Ryan - listen in! Interviewers: Shonna Shearson and Nate Burns Producers: Ryan Kane and Steve Schmidle Supporting cast: Robert York, Jeff Morris, Ryan Olsen, and James Wileman

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  Episode #57

  Episode 57 - George San Martin (March 2026)

  Mar 30, 202617 minS2026

  George San Martin serves as the President & CEO of Novo Credit Union, and as our guest this month. A graduate of our most recent WCMS class, George has served in the industry for multiple decades and volunteers for multiple industry and community organizations. Novo CU is a relatively small CU ($20 million), but making a big impact in their community. George, relatively new in the position, initially focused on assessing the capabilities, experiences, and strategy of the organization. With his first strategic planning session George and the team decided to refocus their efforts on the greatest financial needs of its members, leading to a new loan product aimed at the unique costs associated with employees of their primary sponsor. George goes on to cover other topics including: wearing multiple hats as CEO, merger considerations, expansion opportunities, and the impact of WCMS on his career. His insights provide a unique view on the challenges and opportunities that smaller CU's face every day, as well as ideas and inspirations for CU professionals of all asset sizes. Listen in! Interviewers: Nate Burns and Ryan Kane Producers: Steve Schmidle and Ryan Kane Supporting Cast: Shonna Shearson, Robert York, James Wiseman, Jeff Morris, and Original Ryan Olsen

  ListenShow Notes

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