Catherine Berman
CEO & Co-Founder
Cnote
Catherine Berman is CEO and co-founder of CNote, an award-winning impact platform on a mission to close the wealth gap through financial innovation. Using the power of technology and a community-first framework, CNote enables corporations and individuals to efficiently invest at scale in fixed-income and time deposit products that advance economic equality, racial justice, gender equity and climate change initiatives. Catherine is a three-time entrepreneur with experience launching and building scalable businesses. Her previous startup, Global Brigades, grew into a multi-million dollar firm in less than four years and is now the world’s largest student development firm. Prior to launching CNote, Catherine served as Managing Director of Charles Schwab, one of America’s leading financial services businesses. At Schwab, Catherine led a strategy group focused on the intersection of predictive analytics, data, and product development. Before joining Schwab, Catherine served in management positions including Senior Vice President of Astia (venture capital), Strategy & Operations Manager at Deloitte Consulting, LLP (management consulting), and Vice President of Evins Communications, LLC. Her international work experience spans the globe with extensive work in Central and South America. Catherine graduated magna cum laude from Boston University and earned her Master's Degree from the University of Oxford. She founded the Oxford Women in Business Network which remains a powerful business network for women.
Amber Cisneros
Chief Member Experience Officer
Orange County’s Credit Union
As Chief Member Experience Officer at Orange County’s Credit Union, Amber Cisneros serves in a hybrid role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer. Cisneros is best known for breaking down silos, removing bureaucracy to foster ideation, and leveraging data analytics and consumer insights to influence enterprise decision-making. She leads diverse teams, including Branches, Call Center, Loan Servicing, Community Development and Education, Member Operations, Member Experience, Digital Banking, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Product Development, and Membership/Business Development. Cisneros maintains strategic accountability for operations, growth, and strategic planning. As a lifelong Orange County resident, Cisneros is proud to spearhead the Credit Union’s financial inclusion strategy, engaging key partners, civic officials, and community leaders to positively influence and impact the community where she lives and works. In 2020, Cisneros led the Credit Union to obtain its Community Development Financial Institution certification. Cisneros embodies the Credit Union culture of People Helping People, enabling her to put Members, Associates, and the Community at the focal point of her work. Cisneros has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, including working with large financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. She has earned several certifications, including Pragmatic Marketing, Agile Marketing, and a Data-Driven Marketing Certificate from Cornell University. In addition, Cisneros holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Art Institute and has passed the FINRA 6, 26, and 63 exams. Outside of her Orange County’s Credit Union role, Cisneros enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, traveling, and volunteering.
Jeff Ernst
Chief Lending Officer
Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Jeff has spent 7 years with Members 1st Federal Credit Union and is currently the Chief Lending Officer. Prior to joining Members 1st, he spent 10 years in client management and risk underwriting/operations with Campus Door, a student lending and software development fintech company. Before that, he spent more than 15 years in health insurance sales and underwriting. Jeff holds a B.A. and M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Sam Das
Vice President, Corporate Development Managing Director
CMFG Ventures
Sam Das is Managing Director of CMFG Ventures, the venture capital arm of CUNA Mutual Group. Since joining, Das has focused on sourcing, investing, and advising early-stage fintech and insurtech startups. Das is also the Director of Corporate Development at CUNA Mutual Group, evaluating and executing a broad range of strategic transactions for the organization. Das joined CUNA Mutual Group in 2017. Prior to joining CUNA Mutual Group, Das was the founder and CEO of a fintech startup and served as an investment banker at firms including Houlihan Lokey and Fox-Pitt, Kelton. He has completed mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and capital-raising transactions valued in excess of $10 billion involving companies like Principal Financial, AIG, MasterCard, Security Benefit and Lehman Brothers. Das graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics.
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CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate Headquarters 5910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.