Register for Be Wild this fall, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some valuable education sessions and learn from a great lineup of speakers. Take a look below to discover more …
General Session Speaker – Nicole Brusewitz, MA, CUDE
Nicole Brusewitz is a seasoned leadership expert and coach in personal development with over 20 years of experience transforming leaders across various industries. Passionate about the intersection of self-awareness and effective leadership, Nicole has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to lead themselves with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.
Nicole combines the learnings from her master’s degree in holistic health education with her bachelor’s degree in business administration and coaching certification, alongside decades of real-world leadership experience to simplify the science of why we create the patterns we do, where they come from, and how to change them to amplify results.
Nicole’s 16 years of credit union experience, most recently as Chief Engagement Officer at GoWest Credit Union Association, grew her expertise in developing leaders in an industry rooted in a social mission.
In the fall of 2023 joined FCCS where she serves as Vice President of Leadership Development, Learning & Consulting Services. She brings her deep curiosity and expertise in leadership and change agility to help guide individuals and organizations through how they can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.
The Art of Self-Leadership Workshop
Tuesday, October 22, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Nicole takes you on an interactive journey where she will help you explore leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail. Learn how self-leadership can help you become a better leader and team member.
General Session Speaker – Andy Dennis
Formerly the Associate Director for State Outreach with CUNA, Andy Dennis oversees all federal and state grassroots activities for America’s Credit Unions
. Andy began his advocacy career teaching Kentucky high schoolers how to be civically engaged, he then moved to Washington, D.C. to join National Journal, where he advised Fortune 500 clients and large advocacy associations on their political reputation in Congress. Wanting to be more engaged in policy, Andy began working with CUNA on the State Team to assist Leagues with state-issue campaigns, develop assets for legislative activities, and promote grassroots engagement programs. He currently manages the Member Activation Program (MAP), Project Zip Code (PZC), Advancing Communities, and several state-issue campaigns.
Navigating Legislative Challenges: Key Issues Impacting Credit Unions
Wednesday, October 23, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
This session will focus on advocacy and how Montana’s credit unions can collaborate to make sure policymakers and regulators know why credit unions are the best financial services choice.
General Session Speaker – Chantel McCormick Schieffer
Chantel McCormick Schieffer is the principal and owner of True North Leadership, a
consulting firm that provides leadership and organizational development services. Her 27-year career has focused on building better communities, teams, and cultures through top positions in private industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
Growing up in Kalispell, Chantel attended college at Montana State University earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. She holds facilitation certifications from Brené Brown Research and Education Group, the Center for Ethical Leadership, and the Myers Briggs Foundation. Chantel has supplemented her training with coursework in Leadership and Management at Harvard University.
Chantel was honored internationally with the Alpha Omicron Pi Woman of Leadership Award in 2017, and in 2018 she received the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award. In 2023, at the culmination of a decade of service to Leadership Montana, Chantel was awarded the organization’s highest honor with the Tom Scott Award for Excellence in Leadership for Montana.
For Chantel, her husband Dax, and their son Dax Michael, adventure is a family value. The trio can often be found playing outside, especially along the trails in their hometown of Helena, Montana.
Courageous Conversations
Thursday, October 24, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
In today’s dynamic world, engaging in meaningful dialogue can be both challenging and transformative. This session is designed to empower you with the skills and confidence you need to tackle difficult discussions with empathy and effectiveness.