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We’re thrilled to share our diverse line-up of speakers from some of the best known brands in our industry. Some you may know. Others you’ll be discovering for the first time here.
As one of the nation’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity, Theresa Payton is also a highly sought-after AI keynote speaker. Theresa is a visionary in the digital world leading the way as an inventor of new security designs and has an approved US patent in security. She captivates audiences by drawing from her experience as a veteran cybercrime fighter and entrepreneur, masterfully blending memorable anecdotes with cutting-edge insights.
She identifies emerging trends and techniques to help audiences combat cyber threats, from the impact of the Internet of Things to securing Big Data. Payton is the cybersecurity expert that organizations turn to for discreet help during data breaches and to improve IT systems and strategies. She made history as the first female to serve as White House Chief Information Officer and currently helps organizations in both the public and private sectors protect their most valuable resources.
Managing cybersecurity risk is what Payton knows and does best. Before overseeing IT operations as CIO for President George W. Bush and his administration, she held executive roles in banking technology for two of the country’s top financial institutions. After serving in the White House, she went on to co-found Dark3, a cybersecurity product company, and Fortalice Solutions, a world-class cybersecurity consulting firm ranked a “Top 5 Most Innovative Cybersecurity Company” in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC.
Named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in Security” by Security Magazine, Payton was also profiled in the book 100 Fascinating Women Fighting Cybercrime and honored as the 2019 Woman Cybersecurity Leader of the Year. In 2020, Business Insider named her one of their top 50 Cybersecurity Leaders and CISO Magazine named her Cybersecurity Crusader of the Year. In 2021, Awards Magazine named Payton one of the Top 50 Women in Tech, and Cyber Security Experts named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cyber Security.
Theresa Payton is the author of multiple industry-leading books on IT strategy and cyber security, including Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth, which The Guardian included on their list of the “Top 10 Books About Cybercrime.”
Payton is sought out by media news outlets to explain complex security issues and help viewers understand how to protect their privacy. She has been a frequent guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox Business, and Fox News and has been featured on CBS News, CNN, NBC News, and MSNBC, as well as Canadian and Irish news outlets. She also starred on the reality TV series Hunted, where real people attempted to drop off the grid while highly trained investigators (including Payton) “hunted” to catch them.
Stacie VanDenBerghe has been working in the credit union industry for over 20 years. She has worked with Boards, CEOs, Executive Management and front line team members of credit unions in both large and small credit unions. Before starting her own consulting company, CU Innovate in 2016, Stacie spent five years at the Michigan Credit Union League as the Director of Consulting Services.
As a consultant and public speaker Stacie works with directors and executive teams on board education and strategic planning. She is well versed in executive and management development and also spends her time speaking at conferences throughout the US and internationally as well. From the boards to the front lines, Stacie has experience getting credit unions to improve team member engagement and profitability. She holds a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, MI.
As CEO of CU*Answers, Geoff Johnson brings a wealth of practical lending experience and industry knowledge to the table with 16 years in credit union leadership roles that oversaw the strategic direction of lending and sales in the following areas: commercial, consumer, credit card, indirect, participation, real estate, and all aspects of collections. Geoff Johnson was appointed the Chief Operations Officer of CU*Answers in 2014, promoted to President/COO in 2018, and selected by the CU*Answers Board of Directors to serve as the CUSO’s Chief Executive Officer in 2021.
Mr. Johnson is also a key partner and advocate of the cuasterisk.com network of credit union service organizations. He currently serves as board members of Xtend, a shared resources and consulting services CUSO, and eDOC Innovations, a nationwide leader in mobile enterprise digital transaction management (mDTM®) software. Geoff also serves on the CU Outdoors Board of Directors.
Since joining CU*Answers in 2005 as the Executive Vice President of Client Interactions, Geoff has worked closely in the growth and development of the Management Services teams including Earnings Edge, Lender*VP, AuditLink, Web Services, SettleMINT, and Imaging Solutions. Mr. Johnson has brought his love of the great outdoors into the business, fostering an attitude of appreciation for the work done and a desire to explore new paths for the organization.
Bob West is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in financial services and credit union leadership. Over his career, Bob has collaborated closely with boards, CEOs, and executive teams, driving growth, managing change, and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His deep expertise spans operations, technology, and risk mitigation, with a focus on infusing innovation and efficiency into credit union processes.
Bob’s career includes credit union leadership roles in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, where he spearheaded IT, Lending, and operational initiatives for several multi-billion-dollar federal credit unions. As EVP/CIO and CTO, Bob has overseen lending, strategic planning, project management, IT, imaging, EFT card services, security, and facilities, consistently enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring compliance. Bob has also worked for Fiserv for five years as a VP in account and service management within credit union solutions for all credit union customers of Fiserv.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Bob brings passion and dedication to his role as CEO of CU*SOUTH. Leading with a collaborative, strategic, and visionary approach, he works alongside a team of seasoned professionals, serving as a coach, mentor, and advocate for innovation and growth.
