2025 WILD Participants

The Wisconsin Innovation Leadership Development (WILD) Initiative is a rare opportunity that involves participants and their credit unions to take part in a six-month process to develop financial products, services, and business models that increase credit unions' relevance as America's best financial partner. Participants will move from insights to ideation, from prototyping to testing, and their homegrown innovations will be officially unveiled at The League's Annual Convention & Expo. Meet our 2025 participants:

The Imaginators

Samantha Zeckmeister

Project Portfolio Manager
Kohler Credit Union

As the Project Portfolio Manager at Kohler Credit Union, Samantha is responsible for the strategic oversight of the organization’s project portfolio. This role ensures that projects align with overarching goals and drive forward the mission. In addition to portfolio management, Samantha leads the IT System Analyst team, who play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency of systems and implementing innovative integrations and features to enhance capabilities. Samantha works collaboratively across all business units to foster alignment and drive initiatives that benefit the entire organization. A heavy emphasis is placed on process improvement, ensuring that workflows are optimized for efficiency and effectiveness. With over 15 years of experience in various banking roles, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the work. Through collaboration and strategic planning, Samantha strives to ensure that both projects and systems support the continued growth and success of the organization.

Taylor Archer

Sr. L&D Specialist - Business Services Trainer & Sales Enablement
Summit Credit Union

Taylor has been with Summit Credit Union for eight years, working a variety of roles within retail and business banking. He has a passion for creative problem solving and loves that the credit union movement allows him to focus solutions on his community and the best interest of its members. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and getting outdoors.

Rob Carviou

VP of Marketing
Verve, A Credit Union

As the Vice President of Marketing, Rob leads the marketing and communications strategy for Verve, a Credit Union throughout the greater Oshkosh, La Crosse and Chicago areas. With more than 20 years of marketing and public relations experience, Rob spent the majority of his career in health care before being drawn to the positive culture and meaningful purpose of the credit union movement. His areas of expertise span digital marketing, strategic planning, and brand management.

Shayna Risch

Lead Member Advisor
Blackhawk Community Credit Union

Shayna is a Lead Member Advisor and Blackhawk Community Credit Union. She loves credit unions because they treat members like family no matter what they may need. In Shayna’s free time she loves to waterski, be around family and friends, and play with her three dogs.

Team Change

Laura Wachowiak

Senior Member Services Rep
Sentry Credit Union

Laura has been in The Credit Union movement for over 11 years and has an educational background in psychology and sociology. In her current role as a Senior Member Services Representative, she assists members with various requests with special interests in fraud and compliance. She has also completed the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) program and is a Certified CU Financial Counselor (CCUFC).

Raeann Freund

Director - Retail Branches
Kohler Credit Union

Raeann is the Director of Retail Branches for Kohler Credit Union where she leverages over a decade of experience in the financial services industry to enhance branch performance and member engagement. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the organization. She is passionate about The Credit Union Difference, advocating for member-focused services that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Outside of work, Raeann loves spending time outdoors with her husband and their four small children.

Ashlie Snell

Call Center Lead Member Advisor
Blackhawk Community Credit Union

As the Lead Member Advisor in the Contact Center at Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Ashlie Snell is dedicated to helping members with their accounts, answering inquiries, and assisting with loans. Whether it's a quick question or a more complex concern, she’s always ready to stitch together the perfect solution for each member’s needs. Outside of work, Ashlie enjoys sewing, crocheting, and getting lost in a good book.

Becky Tourdot

VP Payment Services
Heartland Credit Union

With over 35 years of dedication to The Credit Union Movement, Becky has made a significant impact in both natural person credit unions and CUSOs (Credit Union Service Organizations), contributing to three different CUSOs throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Payment Services at Heartland Credit Union and is a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Credit Union Shared Service Centers, Inc. Driven by the "People Helping People" philosophy, Becky is always ready to lend a hand whenever and wherever she is needed. This ethos extends beyond her professional life into her passion for animal rescue. She actively supports a local non-profit canine rescue organization, frequently transporting rescued dogs and puppies from shelters in Louisiana and Texas to their foster homes in Wisconsin. Her commitment to making a difference embodies her unwavering compassion and dedication to community.

Fources Of Change

Dayna Wimann

Contact Center Member Advisor
Blackhawk Community Credit Union

Dayna Wimann is a Credit Union professional from Blackhawk Community Credit Union, experienced with both front and back-office roles. Her member service has been molded by her time in Contact Center, IT Help Desk, New Accounts, and Lending. Through these roles, she has continued to evolve and proactively works on making the member experience smooth from start to end. She is passionate about streamlining processes and procedures to ensure the member's experience is seamless and always eager to take on projects. In her spare time, she is hooked on crochet, traveling, and finding the best gluten-free treats.

Daniel Mijal

VP Digital Strategy
Heartland Credit Union

Daniel has been with Heartland Credit Union for seven years. During his time at Heartland, Daniel has lead Heartland’s involvement with local non-profit organizations, volunteer events, and has presented financial education programs/seminars at local schools. Daniel serves on numerous committees and boards including The Wisconsin Credit Union League’s Young Professional Advisory Board. In his current role, he leads the strategic direction and execution of Heartland’s digital initiatives including digital banking, website, and project management. Daniel worked as a small business owner in the Madison area prior to joining Heartland and The Credit Union Movement!

Donna Vankham

Branch Manager
United One Credit Union

Donna Vankham is a Branch Manager at UnitedOne Credit Union, where she has been a dedicated team member for over six-and-a-half years. Donna was honored as one of the Young Professionals of Manitowoc County Future 15 in 2023, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the community and her field. At UnitedOne, Donna is an active member on the Schools Committee, overseeing eight student-run in-school branches. Her commitment to financial education and youth empowerment is evident through her work in these programs. Donna is passionate about traveling and cherishes spending quality time with her family. Her weekends are often filled with her children's sports activities, reflecting her dedication to both her professional and personal life.

Kendra Lozano

Certified Financial Coach
Fort Community Credit Union

Kendra Lozano is a dedicated member service representative and FiCEP certified financial coach at Fort Community Credit Union, where she passionately advocates for financial empowerment and inclusion. With a strong belief in the transformative power of financial education, Kendra has participated in numerous initiatives aimed at equipping individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial stability and independence. She works closely with members to understand their unique financial situations and offers tailored guidance that helps them navigate their financial journeys. Kendra’s commitment to promoting equitable access to financial resources has made her a trusted ally for those seeking to improve their financial well-being. Kendra actively participates in workshops and community outreach programs, where she educates people about budgeting, saving, and building credit. Her focus is on bridging gaps in financial education, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive financially. Kendra’s work is driven by her vision of a financially inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed at work and in their personal lives. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire others to take control of their financial futures, fostering a culture of empowerment and resilience.

Future Forward

Lucas Fanning

Consumer Loan Officer
1st Community Credit Union

Lucas (Luke) is a Consumer Loan Officer at 1st Community Credit Union in the Tomah, Wisconsin branch. He enjoys building lasting relationships with new and existing members and assisting in credit building and credit repair with his CCUFC certification. In his spare time, he enjoys playing volleyball and watching all kinds of other sports.

Jennifer Schlegel

Project Management Office Manager
Marine Credit Union

At Marine Credit Union, Jennifer leads our Project Management Office and, prior to that, held roles as a Lending Manager and a Training Manager. She earned her Masters in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University and is currently working towards my MBA at the University of Southern Indiana. She lives in Holmen, WI with her husband and two children.

Melissa Oster

Assistant Branch Manager- MRC
Educators Credit Union

Melissa is an Assistant Branch Manager in the Member Response Center at Educators Credit Union. She began her credit union journey as a teller and excels in environments where she can connect with members and help them reach their financial goals. With experience across various roles within the credit union, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her team. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with her cats and family. Melissa loves credit unions for their commitment to exceptional service and their positive impact on the community.

Erin Wojkiewicz

Assistant Vice President - Learning & Development
Capital Credit Union

Erin Wojkiewicz is the Assistant Vice President of Learning & Development at Capital Credit Union. In her 16 years of experience in Learning & Development, she leads innovative training programs that drive employee growth and organizational success. Erin holds a CCUE designation, highlighting her dedication to the credit union industry. Passionate about helping people connect and grow, Erin thrives on the challenges of leadership and helping others develop their skills.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Esser, VP of Professional Development.