Client Voices: Same Mission, New Tools
Allied Solutions’ Eastern Region Senior Vice President, Bill Sarsfield, sat down with three members of Allied’s Advisory Board: Mike Wilson (Members First Federal Credit Union), Jason Osterhage (Everwise Credit Union), and Steve Collins (Fort Financial Federal Credit Union). The roundtable discussion explored how credit union leaders are approaching new technology while fulfilling the cornerstone “people helping people” mission.
Leverage Partnerships for Strategic Planning
Strategic planning often begins with a problem — typically a member pain point. The panelists shared how their teams feel confident bringing these challenges and goals to Allied for input, potential solutions, or connections to peers at other credit unions.
“Allied brings proven, vetted, conventional pillars of what we need to offer as a financial institution and some novel ideas we can try out,” said Jason Osterhage. “The value we get from partnering with Allied is the partners you've integrated, which reduce the cost and risk of implementation.”
The other panelists agreed: Allied offers a balance of trusted financial foundations and space to explore new technology and ideas.
This collaborative approach is mutually beneficial. Clients gain fresh perspective and support, while Allied gathers valuable feedback that helps shape future innovations.
As the panelists put it: when strategy leads, there’s room to focus on being the best—not just the first.
Member Experience in a Digital-First Environment
Elevating member voice and choice remains a core principle in credit union decision-making, especially in the evolving digital landscape. The panel noted a significant shift: digital-first is now the starting point for implementation.
“If we can do it in a branch, we need to be able to put it into a phone,” said Steve Collins. “We start implementation on the phone before we think about how it will work in the branch.”
It’s a mindset shift that preserves the same member-first approach: digital tools should enhance, not complicate, the member journey.
Embrace AI with Intentionality and Cautious Optimism
The most effective uses of AI enhance member experience while reinforcing security.
“We are using AI, very cautiously, because we’re so focused on fraud,” said Mike Wilson.
Deploying AI in banking today means finding the right balance between relevance and risk. When implemented thoughtfully, AI becomes a bridge between practicality and innovation — unlocking impact across the business.
Innovation in Action
In a digital-forward world, innovation begins with a data-first mindset. Using data intentionally across systems and teams allows credit unions to elevate routine transactions into opportunities for deeper member engagement.
Internal data is a powerful guide, but it doesn’t always show the full picture. That’s where CUSO partnerships come in — providing valuable real-time insights such as insurance status on collateral, geolocation for recovered vehicles, and broader data sets for predictive modeling and targeted offerings.
Bringing internal and external data together unlocks a new level of intelligence, fueling smarter decisions, stronger relationships, and more personalized member experiences.
About the Allied Solutions Advisory Board
Allied Solutions’ Advisory Board is made up of respected industry leaders who amplify the collective voice and mission of credit unions nationwide. Their insights play a vital role in shaping the recovery and protection solutions Allied brings to market.