Meet our Bank and Credit Union Consulting Experts
Backed by a proven four-step process, our Engage fi team assesses a bank or credit union’s current environment, evaluates vendors, creates long-term strategic plans, and negotiates contracts. Our team combines expert strategy and education to guide banks and credit unions toward solutions that work for everyone. With our extensive industry experience, our team seamlessly integrates with client teams to offer tailored solutions to help financial institutions thrive in the dynamic landscape of banking.
Executive Team
What the Team Says About Jenn
Jenn is an astounding leader and mentor. She is admired for her ability to balance making her business the best it can be and looking out for the client’s interests. She is thoughtful, driven, professional, ethical, and motivated. Jenn is a rock star and surrounds herself with the right people at the right time for success.
Jenn’s Bio
Jenn is a Co-founder and CEO at Engage fi and has worked in financial services for over 16 years. She spent several years working at FIS, helping financial institutions create strategies for their digital channels. Then she worked as Vice President, Credit Union Experience for PSCU with a focus on the member experience. She worked with credit unions as they selected their partners for Credit, Debit, Online Banking, Mobile, and Bill Pay. Jenn was inducted intoTampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2019. She graduated from James Madison University with a focus on design and communication. When not working, Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons in Tampa, FL.
Jenn’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “Glory Days” – Bruce Springsteen
Favorite Cities: Charleston, SC and Nashville, TN
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Determined
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Interior designer – with someone else’s money!
Favorite Movies: Hitch and My Best Friend’s Wedding
Jenn’s Expertise
What the Team Says About Andres
Andres is driven, loyal, focused on clients, and a leader. He has the ability to connect with anyone and to lead without coming across as dominating. He is most admired for his passion, job empathy, and willingness to help Engage fi succeed. He is genuinely interested in the company’s and clients’ growth.
Andres’ Bio
Andres Pasantes is the President & COO at Engage fi, where he is responsible for business operations, client experience, and the successful delivery of all services.
Andres started his career in the financial services industry 25+ years ago and has worked with over 500 financial institutions in formulating strategic plans, successful technology conversions, and long-term executive partnerships. He has held senior positions at Fiserv, Open Solutions Inc, FIS, and D+H within their credit union and community bank segments.
Andres received his bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Florida State University. He resides in Orlando, Florida, and in his spare time he enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with his wife Colette and their two boys Nathaniel and Mathias.
Andres’ Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – U2
Favorite Cities: Miami, Boston, London
Trait that best describes me (in one word): #hardwork
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): History Professor
Favorite Movie: Rocky
Andres’ Expertise
What the Team Says About Charisa
Charisa is an excellent, impactful, and strategic woman that has had a pivotal impact on our business and provides fantastic insight into our growth. She is driven, detailed, and straightforward. She thinks through complexity and works for positive change when warranted.
Charisa’s Bio
Charisa Lin is the Chief Financial Officer at Engage fi. With over 20 years of experience, she is an executive-level financial professional with broad knowledge in accounting, financial, and business principles. Charisa oversees the day-to-day operation of finance, accounting, and treasury functions, and is responsible for financial planning and analysis and Board of Directors reporting.
Prior to joining Engage fi, Charisa was the VP of Finance at RBmedia, and former Director of Finance and Administration at designDATA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Sun Yat-Sen University, a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management from University of Maryland, and an MBA from Champlain College. She started her career as an auditor at Arthur Andersen.
Charisa lives in North Potomac, MD with her husband and two children. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and watching as much soccer as possible.
Charisa’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “A Dandelion’s Promise” -Jay Chou
Favorite Cities: Singapore, San Diego, Seattle
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Genuine
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Architect
Favorite Movie: Mission Impossible series, Forrest Gump, The Blind Side
Ted’s Bio
Ted has been in the Credit Union space for over 20 years, spending 18 years at 16B Suncoast Credit Union and almost 4 years at $1.5B Publix Employees Federal Credit Union. He was CIO at both credit unions, leading the Credit Unions and the industry in digital transformation, business enablement through technology, and leading-edge applications developed in-house to increase operational efficiency.
On a personal note, Ted is happily married to his wife, Jenny, of 28 years and has his hands full with 6 children. Ted is a NC native and can be found watching UNC basketball in his spare time. Ted attended Davidson College in Davidson, NC.
Ted’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: Fire and Rain – James Taylor
Favorite Cities: Emerald Isle, NC – Estes Park, CO – Pinehurst, NC
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Listener
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Professional Soccer Player
Favorite Movies: Forest Gump, Shawshank Redemption
Ted’s Expertise
Robyn’s Bio
Robyn Lopez is the Vice President of Operations and Marketing at Engage fi and is responsible for all business operations, marketing, and vendor relations. Robyn started her career in the financial services industry 25 years ago and has extensive experience working within client services, conversions, product management, and managing strategic client relationships. She previously held various leadership positions at Fiserv, with direct oversight over core banking, digital, and payments for community financial institutions.
Robyn resides in St. George, Utah, and in her spare time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and traveling with her husband Roger, and their children Samantha, Austin, and Mateo.
Robyn’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “My Own Soul’s Warning” – The Killers
Favorite Cities: Boston, Barcelona
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Dedicated
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Farmer
Favorite Movies: Pulp Fiction
Robyn’s Expertise
Strategy
Technology
Credit
Debit
Brand
Online
Mobile
Bill Pay
Loyalty
Trisa Wetzel
Senior Vice President, Consulting Services
Trisa’s Bio
Trisa brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in financial technology services to Engage fi. She calls on her vast industry knowledge and experience in banking strategies and operational best practices in her role as Senior Vice President, Consulting Services.
In her previous roles with Cornerstone Advisors and Next Step Inc., Wetzel led collaborative teams overseeing financial institution system evaluations – inclusive of technology strategies, vendor assessments, contract negotiations, and full lifecycle conversion project management. She has personally overseen more than 1,500 successful system conversions.
Her leadership, expertise, and insight have proven invaluable to clients facing major technology initiatives across core banking, digital transformation, and payments initiatives, or seeking guidance for successful vendor partnerships through mutually rewarding contract negotiations.
Trisa’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” – Celine
Favorite Cities: Boston, NY, Whitefish MT
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Tenacious
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Veterinarian
Favorite Movies: Silverado, Pride & Prejudice
Trisa’s Expertise
Mike’s Bio
Mike is a passionate client advocate and advisor in the Banking, Credit Union, and FinTechs. He brings over 25 years in working with customers on Business Process optimization, Transformation, and Expansion services to maximize client experience, operations efficiencies, and strengthening best practices. Mike is responsible for the Business Development of Strategic Consulting, leading both sales and relationship teams. In his spare time, Mike enjoys golfing, landscaping, and spending time with his family and friends.
Mike’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: Bodeans – You Don’t Get Much (Milwaukee boys)
Favorite Cities: Milwaukee
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Passionate
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Finish Carpenter
Favorite Movies: Anything Will Ferrell/Ryan Reynolds
Mike’s Expertise
Amy’s Bio
Amy brings more than 25 years of financial services experience with an emphasis on retail banking, technology and operations, enterprise risk management, and process improvement. As Managing Director at Cornerstone Advisors and Next Step Inc., she led countless initiatives to help financial institutions transform their businesses through vendor evaluations, system selections, and conversion management.
She has an extensive banking background, having served in a variety of executive and operational roles at various community banks and credit unions.
Martel holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and banking from New England College of Business. She is a CUES Certified Chief Executive (CCE).
Amy’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “Present Tense” by Pearl Jam
Favorite Cities: Bruges
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Enthusiastic
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Disney Imagineer
Favorite Movies: Anything Star Wars
What the Team Says About Courtnay
Courtnay is a positive, supportive, kind, trustworthy, and proactive addition to this team. She has come into the organization, embraced each employee, and is dedicated to their success. She genuinely cares about each person and ensures they are where they need to be with the right tools to succeed.
Courtnay’s Bio
As Engage fi’s Vice President of Human Resources, Courtnay is responsible for building and leading all aspects of Human Resources Management and is focused on maintaining a people-centric culture.
Courtnay has extensive experience in the financial services industry and over a decade of experience in human resources. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and has held multiple leadership positions in HR, also achieving the certifications of SHRM-CP and SPHR.
She has a passion for values-based hiring, employee engagement, and performance coaching. Courtnay was instrumental in USF Federal Credit Union earning the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for Performance Excellence.
When not at work, Courtnay enjoys traveling, boating, and spending time with her husband and their two daughters in sunny Florida.
Courtnay’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “Moondance” – Van Morrison
Favorite Cities: Paris, Rome, and Maui
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Genuine
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Fashion designer
Favorite Movies: The Notebook and You’ve Got Mail
Courtnay’s Expertise
Human Resource Management
What the Team Says About Lisa
Lisa is a ball of energy. She is driven, passionate, and supportive and works as hard as anyone. Lisa is a team player, helping others grow in their roles and celebrating the success and development of teams.
Lisa’s Bio
Lisa is the Vice President, Product Management at Engage fi and has worked in financial services for over 25 years.
She spent 15 years working in financial institutions leading transformation efforts in retail and lending. Lisa’s work in the financial space transitioned to working at Open Solutions, now FISERV as the VP, Solutions Consulting helping financial institutions with maximizing the value of core systems and creating strategies for revenue generation. She worked with credit unions and banks as they selected their Core Processor, Online Banking, Mobile, and Bill Pay.
When not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with her two sons and their families, live music, reading, and outdoor adventures. She also enjoys challenging herself to anything new, which is easy to do in San Diego. During the past few years, she has taken up surfing, hang gliding, and water skiing.
Lisa’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “At Last” by Etta James
Favorite Cities: Paris, Paris, Paris! Vancouver, BC and Park City, Utah
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Dynamic
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Librarian
Favorite Movies: A Beautiful Mind, Woman in Gold, Hidden Figures. Any movie that is based on a true-life historical story of humans overcoming obstacles.
Lisa’s Expertise
Client Experience
Virginia Heyburn is a well-known and trusted industry expert in the field of banking and payments. Over a 25-year career, Virginia has been at the forefront of advising technology companies on innovation opportunities to solve complex banking problems and to improve the customer experience. In parallel, Virginia has served as a strategic advisor to financial institutions, helping them create essential distinction through rapid adaption to industry and consumer trends, business drivers and technology change.
Most recently, Virginia spent 15 years at Fiserv in various strategic roles, including Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Insights & Advocacy, helping C-level financial services executives enhance profitability and achieve growth in a rapidly shifting market environment. A known expert in core banking, digital channels and payments and risk management, Virginia served for 10 years as Research Director at TowerGroup, where she advised financial institutions and technology companies on emerging business models and technologies.
Virginia is a sought-after main stage speaker at financial industry events and conferences where she inspires her audience into new thinking about innovative ways to attract and delight a new generation of customers. She has been quoted by top-tier media and industry publications, including Fortune, Forbes, and American Banker.
What lights her up? Finding ways to put greater technology flexibility into the hands of bankers who need to innovate more rapidly than ever before.
Virginia is a trained economist from the University of Kassel, Germany. She is also an experienced yoga teacher and most importantly, a mother to four children, aged 28 to 4 – her best sources of research material for emerging banking and payments habits.
Traci’s Bio
As Director, Consulting Services, Traci calls on her project management experience leading core system conversions, mergers and acquisitions, digital banking conversions, BSA and AML system conversions and commercial loan origination projects to ensure positive and successful project results for her clients.
Prior to becoming a trusted advisor, Traci held several positions in back-office operations and leadership including deposit and loan operations, digital banking, business intelligence, core manager, project management, vendor and risk management.
Traci is an honors’ graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. She lives in Florida with her husband Tim. Traci serves as a sound engineer at her church and enjoys golfing and traveling.
Traci’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: Vivaldi’s L’ Inverno (“Winter”), any Christmas song
Favorite Cities: Venice, Italy, and home
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Enthusiastic
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Sound Engineer
Favorite Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Clueless
Andrea’s Bio
Andrea Rusnak is an experienced financial services and payments professional that has over seventeen years of experience in the credit union industry. Andrea has worked with credit unions to help with their respective strategies, innovations, and optimization of processes to drive member engagement in payment channels. Andrea has extensive experience in managing client relationships, leading teams, and assisting credit unions with their portfolio growth. Prior to joining Engage fi, Andrea was with KeyPoint Credit Union as their Director, Payment Strategies leading the development and execution of payment initiatives in alignment with the organization’s objectives and priorities. Andrea also worked for PSCU as the VP of Account Management for six years, leading a team of account executives and counseling credit unions on their payment strategies. Prior to joining PSCU, Andrea was with another CUSO, Co-op Solutions as the Business Development Manager. Andrea led a team of client business executives that were responsible for delivering excellent member solutions and experiences for payment portfolios.
Andrea serves as the Vice Chair for the Southern California and Nevada CUES Council, and she has been an active member on this council since 2013. Also, Andrea serves as a Co-Leader for the Bay Area Sister Society in San Francisco, CA, and she has been involved with this group since 2015. In 2018, Andrea was recognized with the Emerging Leader Award from the Global Women’s Leadership Network, highlighting her accomplishments of an emerging female leader working in the credit union movement, advancing the mission of the GWLN, and reflective of her efforts to champion women’s leadership in the credit union industry. In 2020, Andrea became a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) from the National Credit Union Foundation.
Andrea is the Director of Consulting Services, Payments Group for Engage fi. In this role, Andrea will work with a collaborative team to create, innovate, and make a positive impact made on the business, including the client experience. She is responsible for all aspects of processes, tools, and people related to the Engage fi consulting practice. Andrea will set the strategic direction, guide complex negotiation and vendor management responsibility, overseeing the tactical execution of the administration. Andrea will provide thought leadership via webinars and tradeshow presence.
Andrea’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: One – U2
Favorite Cities: Hawaii, Palm Springs, Scottsdale, Singapore, San Diego, New York City
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Driven
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Professional photographer/blogger that would travel the world taking pictures of various historic sites
Favorite Movies: Forrest Gump, Top Gun, The Family Stone, As Good As It Gets
Andrea’s Expertise
Strategy
Technology
Credit
Debit
Brand
Online
Mobile
Bill Pay
Loyalty
What the Team Says About Ashley
Ashley is organized, fun, and a go-getter. Her ability to coordinate schedules between clients and vendors is impeccable. Admired for her constant willingness always to help find a better way. She is very easy-going with contagious positive energy.
Ashley’s Bio
With nearly 20 years of experience in Credit Unions, Ashley has been engaged in many large-scale projects including Mergers, System Conversions, and Project Implementations. Ashley is results-oriented and imaginative with strong analytical skills and a passion for innovation.
At Engage fi, Ashley uses her experience and skills to lead projects, assisting financial institutions in achieving goals, and providing account holders with the best services possible.
Ashley stays busy attending wrestling meets and football games, camping with her family, and laughing with friends. She enjoys being a “small-town girl” in Kalamazoo, MI with her husband and two teenage sons.
Ashley’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “You’re the Inspiration” – Chicago”
Favorite Cities: Northern Michigan, San Diego
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Loyal
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Doula
Favorite Movies: 8 Seconds, Sweet Home Alabama, Peanut Butter Falcon
Ashley’s Expertise
Ryan’s Bio
Ryan has over fifteen years of experience in the financial technology industry in various roles including relationship management and sales. He enjoys the dynamic nature of the payments space and has spent the last ten-plus years focusing on building deep relationships with his clients, enabling them to optimize their card portfolios.
As a Payments Consultant Ryan drives client discovery, vendor assessment, pricing, and contractual negotiation for Credit, Debit, ATM, Network, and Loyalty engagements.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys running and traveling. He’s a lifelong Denver Broncos fan and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his beautiful wife and rambunctious daughter.
Ryan’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Band: U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite Cities: Lisbon, Madrid, Chicago, New York
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Reliable
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Travel Blogger
Favorite Movies: Documentaries
Ryan’s Expertise
Jason’s Bio
Jason has over years of payment experience. He is always looking to help financial institutions achieve greatness, in a fast-paced constantly changing payments landscape. Jason feels being there for his clients is the most essential attribute and he always has that be-there-now mentality. In his free time Jason can be found cruising the open waters on cruise ships or a weekend BBQ with his family. Jason resides in Surprise, AZ with his wife Holly, and children Hope & Braden.
Jason’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Favorite Cities: Seattle, Atlanta, Santorini Greece, Sitka & Icy Strait Alaska & Any city a cruise ship stops in
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Caring
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Something Disney-Related
Favorite Movies: Meet the Parents
Jason’s Expertise
What the Team Says About Sharmin
Sharmin is admired for her positivity and energy. She is professional, insightful, and always helpful. The best part about working with Sharmin is that anything assigned will get done accurately and promptly. She is knowledgeable with great people skills and is always eager to learn.
Sharmin’s Bio
Sharmin has over 28 years of experience in the financial services industry. During this time, she held numerous operational, and leadership positions at credit unions. Most recently, Shamin worked at Fiserv where she specialized in assisting clients through their core conversion as a Lending Implementation Consultant, and then subsequently as an Enterprise Engagement Partner where she was a dedicated consultant to credit union clients.
As a Strategic Core Consultant, Sharmin will utilize her first-hand financial institution and consulting experience to help clients optimize their core.
When not working, Sharmin enjoys strength training, participating in running events with my daughter, wakeboarding, and hanging out with her family.
Sharmin’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: Any throwback by JT (Justin Timberlake)
Favorite Cities: Generally it is Phoenix, but I love any place with palm trees
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Conscientious
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): FBI Agent specializing in Cyber Crime
Favorite Movies: Jaws, Devil Wears Prada, and The Proposal
Sharmin’s Expertise
Core
Lending
What the Team Says About Megan
Megan is an outstanding teammate. She is intelligent, insightful, and very supportive. She has a growing passion for learning anything and everything about the financial services of the work and wants to share it with everyone.
Megan’s Bio
With over 25 years of financial industry experience, Megan is passionate about helping her clients achieve sustainable growth. She has spent the last 10 years of her career advising financial institutions on all facets of strategic thinking and planning. She analyzes and interprets data and financials to provide insights and actionable recommendations to help financial performance. “You can never have enough data” is one of her mantra’s. As a Strategic Consultant for Engage fi, Megan will help credit unions and banks increase efficiency and reach their strategic goals.
When she isn’t keeping up with economic trends and the Fintech Industry, Megan can either be found on or nearby her Peloton Tread, watching Bravo, or chasing around her two boys, Graham (7) and Jordan(4) with the much-needed help of her husband Jim in the Chicago suburbs. She also enjoys the endless pursuit to find the best restaurants and craft breweries in the country and doesn’t mind that it might be a lifelong journey.
Megan’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: I’ve been curating this list for years with a range from U2, Outkast, Al Green, Post Malone and the Beach Boys, my taste in music knows no genre. A top overall contender is “Falling Slowly” by Swell Season.
Favorite Cities: NYC, Hanalei, Sweet Home Chicago
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Versatile
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Owning a brewery, a champagne vineyard, and a jewelry store. I dream big.
Favorite Movies: High Fidelity, Dirty Dancing, Clueless
Megan’s Expertise
Joe’s Bio
As a Strategic Advisor for Engage fi, Joe brings over 30+ years of banking knowledge and experience to share with our clients. Joe started out of college with Chase in its executive professional development program. He went on to spend the majority of his career in the C-suite of community banks; developing innovative products, defining the client experience, and leading go-to-market strategies to drive organic growth. Joe’s broad experience in retail, commercial, wealth, digital, product management, branding, marketing, and technology is uncommon in the banking industry. It provides him with unique insights, perspectives, and thought leadership to share with Engage fi clients. Joe received his BA in Economics and English from Bucknell University. He enjoys spending time traveling, golfing, and going to sporting events, the theatre, and movies with his wife and family.
Joe’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “Thunder Road”
Favorite Cities: Austin, Boston, NYC, Charleston, London, Rochester, NY
A trait that best describes me (in one word): Persistent
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Manager for the NY Yankees
Favorite Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, On the Waterfront, Godfather 1 and 2, CODA
Joe’s Expertise
What the Team Says About Ava
Ava is always on fire, inhabiting the best attitude while working with others. She is focused and independent and is always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile on her face. Ava’s attitude is the best part of working with her. She is motivated to do the best job for the clients and, therefore Engage fi. She knows the business like she was born to do it.
Ava’s Bio
As a Senior Strategic Consultant, Ava Farrell works on PIN Network Assessments, Credit/Debit Processing Evaluations, Brand Negotiation, and Credit Card Conversion Oversight. She has experience in Pricing Analysis, Product Development, Training, Project Management, and Contract Negotiation.
She began her career in banking and transitioned to payment networks. Over the past 20 years, Ava has held many roles with HONOR/STAR, CU24, and First Data. Each of her positions focused on client relations, which allowed her the opportunity to work with many credit unions.
Ava lives in Oviedo, Florida with her husband, Dean. Ava and Dean love to travel and spend time with their six kids and two grandsons. She is very family-oriented and likes to host family gatherings.
P.S. Ava loves fireworks!
Ava’s Fun Facts
Favorite All-Time Song: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Aerosmith
Favorite Cities: NYC and Florence, Italy
Trait that best describes me (in one word): Genuine
Dream Job (besides the one I have now): Café Owner
Favorite Movies: Top Gun and Pearl Harbor