Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Advisory Partner in Tacoma
Founded in 2008, we are a fully employee-owned business dedicated to empowering credit unions through specialized financial advisory services. Our team of 36 experts, with decades of combined experience in credit unions, provides CDFI certification, grant writing, compliance reporting, strategic planning, and executive search services. We have secured over $1 billion in funding for credit unions and certified 203 institutions as CDFIs. Our mission-driven approach focuses on increasing community impact, financial sustainability, and operational excellence for credit unions of all sizes. With team members across 16 states, we work with credit unions serving all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.Our services include comprehensive compliance reporting, transformative strategic planning facilitation, and tailored staff training programs. We have won 541 awards for our work and maintain a proven track record of aligning financial performance with community development goals. Our proprietary methodologies and deep industry expertise ensure credit unions meet evolving regulatory standards while maximizing their social and financial impact.
Services
CDFI Certification
Grant Writing
Compliance Reporting
Strategic Planning
Executive Search
Staff Training
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have certified 203 credit unions as CDFIs since 2008
- Our team includes former trade association executives and turnaround CEOs
- We've secured over $1 billion in funding for credit unions
- Employee-owned structure ensures client-focused service delivery
- Services span all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico
What people say
Proven track record
Expert team
Mission-driven
Services
CDFI Certification
We guide credit unions through CDFI certification with the US Treasury Department. Our experts analyze lending practices, mission alignment, and policy frameworks to ensure compliance with certification standards. We develop tailored strategies to close gaps and submit comprehensive applications, leveraging proprietary research to maximize approval chances.
Grant Writing
Our team prepares competitive CDFI grant applications that function as strategic business plans. We collaborate with financial experts to highlight impact metrics, policy enhancements, and partnership opportunities that demonstrate community value to funding bodies.
Strategic Planning
We facilitate data-driven strategic planning sessions that align financial performance with community development goals. Our process includes market analysis, SWOT assessments, and roadmap development to ensure long-term sustainability and mission alignment.
Executive Search
Our credit union experts identify and vet executive candidates who align with organizational values. We specialize in placing leaders who can drive community impact while maintaining financial stability for CDFI institutions.
Staff Training
We deliver HERO-certified financial counseling training to enhance staff capabilities. Our programs improve lending practices for underserved populations while boosting team confidence and organizational effectiveness through interactive, web-based learning.
People
Stacy Augustine
President
Leads strategic direction with deep credit union expertise. Drives organizational growth while maintaining mission-focused service delivery for community development financial institutions.
Mike Beall
Chief Experience Officer
CUDE-certified leader with extensive credit union experience. Focuses on creating exceptional client experiences through tailored advisory solutions and industry best practices.
Joseph Brancucci
Executive Vice President
Community development expert specializing in fair lending practices. Provides strategic guidance to credit unions seeking to enhance equitable access to financial services.
Jamie Strayer
Chief Innovation Officer
Drives technological advancements in credit union services. Develops innovative solutions for compliance reporting and strategic planning processes.
Vanessa Henry
Marketing Director
Strategic marketing leader shaping brand identity and communication strategies. Focuses on highlighting credit unions' community impact through targeted outreach initiatives.
Questions
What is CDFI certification for credit unions?
CDFI certification from the US Treasury Department recognizes credit unions serving low-income communities. It provides access to specialized funding programs that enhance community development impact.
How do you help credit unions secure grants?
We prepare comprehensive grant applications that demonstrate community impact through policy enhancements, partnership opportunities, and measurable financial outcomes aligned with CDFI Fund requirements.
What strategic planning services do you offer?
Our facilitated sessions include financial analysis, market assessment, and roadmap development to align organizational goals with community development objectives while ensuring financial sustainability.
Do you work with non-CDFI credit unions?
Yes, we assist all credit unions with community development initiatives, including preparation for future CDFI certification and implementation of inclusive lending practices.
What staff training programs are available?
We offer HERO-certified financial counseling training that equips staff to serve moderate- and low-income populations while improving organizational effectiveness and lending capabilities.
How do you handle CDFI recertification?
We provide comprehensive recertification services including policy analysis, lending evaluation, and application preparation to ensure compliance with evolving CDFI Fund standards.
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