CUNA Marketing Management School: Part III
Instructors

Instructors

  Kristina Grebener

As director of research & advisory services, Kristina oversees the Credit Union Environment Research unit. She leads a team of analysts providing credit unions with the tools and market analyses needed for strategic planning. She is responsible for CUNA's Credit Union Environmental Scan (E-Scan) and CU360 – CUNA's research portal. Kristina regularly speaks at industry conferences on market research and issues impacting credit unions.

Prior to joining CUNA in 1998, Kristina worked for Hagler Bailly Consulting, Inc., conducting research for electric and gas utilities, governmental agencies, and regulators.

  Jeff Greene

Jeff is the executive director of Client Services for Gold Group. He leads Gold Group's delivery teams in the creation, management, and implementation of cutting-edge marketing programs. With experience in on-and off-line marketing, Jeff has consistently found ways to integrate technology and strategy finding innovative solutions for clients that range from Fortune 500 corporations to nonprofits.

  Mary Johnson

With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, combined with her zest for training, Mary makes learning memorable, practical, and downright fun! From CEO's to frontline tellers, Mary capitalizes on each individual's talents and abilities. In addition to her work with credit unions and the California Credit Union League, Mary has also worked on consulting projects with major companies throughout the U.S. including Ernst & Young and Red Robin Inc. Mary was instrumental in helping these organizations create cultures where employees love to work.

Mary also teaches "Care and Feeding of Corporate Culture" at the University of California at San Diego Extension Program. Prior to beginning her own company, Mary served as a vice president at several large financial institutions including San Diego County Credit Union, San Diego Trust & Savings Bank, and First Interstate Bank.

  Lois Kitsch

Lois is currently the national program manager for REAL Solutions with the National Credit Union Foundation. In her prior role as the director of field projects with the Filene Research Institute, Lois piloted the REAL Solutions program in three leagues which implemented and tested new business models designed to serve new target markets, including young adults, immigrants, and modest income households. Earlier in her career, Lois managed credit union development projects throughout Europe and Asia for the World Council of Credit Unions, and has actively promoted credit union development in almost 40 countries.

  Jeff Rendel

Jeff is president of Rising Above Enterprises, and offers a wealth of knowledge from his experience in the financial services marketplace. In his current position, he works with associations and professionals who want greater professional growth, as well as financial services providers who want deeper market penetration. His mission is to develop excellent leaders – in life, on the job, for your members, and for your credit union. Jeff has held such positions as federal regulator, financial executive, and congressional lobbyist.

  Marc Slutsky

Marc is the chief operating officer of Street Fighter Marketing in Columbus, Ohio. He has been with the Street Fighter organization since its inception over 25 years ago, first serving as an advisor and consultant, then later joining on a full time basis. Marc's primary responsibilities are field training and workshop development.

Since Marc joined the company, the Street Fighting program has been featured on countless radio and TV interviews, as well as in many national publications including The Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, U.S.A. Today, and Success. A small sample of the Street Fighting client list includes AT&T, American Express, Subway, Honda, Marriott, Alpine, Texaco, U.S. Military, The City of Dallas, The State of Arkansas, and the Country of India.

  Jeff Stephens

With the vision to become an agency with more far-sightedness than an ad agency and more spine than a marketing agency, Jeff founded Creative Brand Communications. As CEO and brand director, Jeff oversees the operations of the business while collaborating with the creative team and continuing to develop new strategies and materials for clients.

Jeff's precise direction for CBC is a result of his experiences. After arming himself with an advertising degree from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication, he landed in the big-agency world of advertising. Lack of the big-picture mentality compelled Jeff to think beyond the narrow focus of ads and into the broader field of marketing. That led to becoming a marketing project manager for Umpqua Bank. With the company, Jeff launched several campaigns, managed many strategic and creative initiatives, and discovered all sorts of new ways to build powerful, experiential brands.

Jeff is a noted thought leader in innovative branding and marketing for financial institutions. He will be speaking this year at industry events, and has been commissioned by Bank Marketing Magazine to write a five-part article series about multi-sensory marketing and experiential branding.

For more program content information or to request a brochure call 800-356-9655, ext. 4249, or email elearning@cuna.coop. For registration questions, call 800-356-9655, ext.4400 or e-mail reginfo@cuna.coop.