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2026 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 2026 participants:


Team Innovation CU-llective

 

 

Holly Hermanson WILD 2026

Holly Hermanson

Community Relations Coordinator
Royal Credit Union

As Community Relations Coordinator at Royal Credit Union since 2015, Holly leads initiatives that enhance organizational visibility and community engagement through events, sponsorships, and strategic programs. She has a strong track record of developing comprehensive communication plans, streamlining processes, and building lasting relationships with stakeholders and media partners to advance organizational objectives. Holly’s work supports Royal Credit Union’s mission of making a positive impact by fostering meaningful connections and driving awareness across the communities it serves.


David KNox WILD 2026

  

David Knox

Financial Analyst
UnitedOne Credit Union

David is a Financial Analyst at UnitedOne Credit Union in Manitowoc, where he has been for about a year. He is passionate about using data-driven strategies to support informed decision-making and enhance member experiences. His career in The Credit Union Movement spans four years, including three years in consumer lending before joining UnitedOne.


Kim Krugman WILD 2026

  

Kim Krugman 

AVP of Marketing and Member Experience
Guardian Credit Union 

Kim has 20 years of marketing experience across multiple industries. As Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Member Experience at Guardian Credit Union, she leads the overall strategic direction of the marketing function—guiding objectives, activities, and overseeing programs that elevate the credit union’s brand and impact. In addition to directing marketing strategy, Kim collaborates cross-functionally to strengthen member engagement through consistency, clarity, alignment, and integration of efforts that deliver meaningful value to members. Kim holds the Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive (CUCME) designation from America’s Credit Unions, reflecting her commitment to advancing The Credit Union Movement through marketing.


Jen Pyka WILD 2026

  

Jen Pyka

Member Contact Center Manager 
Altra Federal Credit Union

Jen Pyka is the Member Contact Center Manager at Altra Federal Credit Union. With a strong commitment to member service and operational excellence, Jen leads a dynamic team dedicated to supporting members and enhancing their experience. Known for collaborative leadership and a focus on continuous improvement, Jen works closely with colleagues and management to drive positive outcomes for both staff and members. Jen is recognized for fostering a supportive workplace culture and engaging in initiatives that strengthen the organization’s mission.

 

 

Team WOW: Women of Wisdom

 

 


Holly Bunnell WILD 2026

Holly Bunnell

Branch Manager
UnitedOne Credit Union

Holly has dedicated over 15 years to serving members at UnitedOne Credit Union. In her role, she oversees branch performance and leads communications strategies designed to strengthen member relationships. Holly is passionate about testing and refining digital services to ensure they are intuitive and seamless for members. Known for her ability to train and mentor employees, she helps teams grow, achieve results, and deliver exceptional service.


Heather Gubrud WILD 2026

Heather Gubrud

Digital Accounts and Deposits Manager
Royal Credit Union

Heather has focused the past 21 years on serving members and team members at Royal Credit Union, working in a variety of roles that span both member-facing and operational areas. Throughout most of those years, she has had the privilege of leading teams with an emphasis on building meaningful relationships, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement.
 
Heather is passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and thrive—both within the organization and in the communities it serves. She believes that strong relationships and shared purpose are the foundation for success, and strives to make every interaction impactful and positive.
  

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Kelly Lee WILD 2026

Kelly Lee

Talent Development Manager
Capital Credit Union

Kelly is the Talent Development Manager at Capital Credit Union, with over 13 years of experience in the credit union industry and a passion for driving meaningful change. She leads a high-performing team of designers and facilitators and oversees strategic development programs that align with organizational goals and foster a culture of growth. Kelly began her career on the front lines, helping members achieve their financial goals, an experience that sparked her commitment to leadership and talent development.


Meghan Mcginnis WILD

Meghan McGinnis

Member Experience Manager
Verve, A Credit union

As the Member Experience Manager, Megan leads initiatives to enhance member engagement and satisfaction, ensuring a seamless and positive experience across all touchpoints. With a strong background in relationship management and customer service, Megan is passionate about building meaningful connections and delivering exceptional value to members. Her expertise includes process improvement, team collaboration, and creating strategies that foster loyalty and trust.



Team Vision Builders

 

 

Polina Cleveland WILD 2026

Polina Cleveland

Senior User Experience Designer
Connexus Credit Union

 

Polina is a Senior User Experience Designer at Connexus Credit Union, where she has been shaping and advancing the digital experience for more than seven years. She holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication and brings extensive expertise in human-centered design. Polina creates intuitive, member-focused solutions that align with Connexus’s strategic objectives and enhance the overall digital experience. She is passionate about leveraging UX as a strategic driver of organizational success.


Jennifer Cooper WILD 2026

Jennifer Cooper

Care Center Representative
Fort Community Credit Union

Jennifer is a Care Center Representative with over twenty-five years of customer service experience. She uses her role as a first point of contact to make members feel heard and appreciated with a personal goal in line with Fort Community Credit Union's mission to leave each member in a better financial place. 


Dawn Peterson WILD 2026

Dawn Peterson

Branch Manager 
Royal Credit Union

Dawn has been with Royal Credit Union for 29 years and currently serves as a Branch Manager. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed to numerous roles, initiatives, and projects. Dawn is passionate about process improvement and creating efficiencies that enhance member and team member experiences. In her role, she prioritizes keeping members, team members, and the community at the forefront. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys traveling, reading, and fishing.


Jason Van Offeren WILD 2026

Jason Van Offeren

Director of Retail Lending
Prospera Credit Union

With over a decade of experience in the credit industry, Jason has built his career around helping people break free from month-to-month financial constraints and achieve long-term financial stability. His passion for lending stems from its power to change lives—whether through smarter borrowing, thoughtful guidance, or creating member-first lending experiences.

Jason spent two years as a financial advisor, gaining valuable insight into holistic financial planning. While he enjoyed helping individuals plan for their futures, he discovered that his true strengths and fulfillment come from coaching, developing, and leading high-performing teams within lending.

Ultimately, that path has led him to his current role as Director of Retail Lending at Prospera Credit Union, where he is focused on empowering teams, enhancing lending strategies, and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the financial lives of our members.

 







Questions? Contact Jennifer Esser, VP of Professional Development. 
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