Chris Hilliard

CEO, Founder @ Winnow

Chris Hilliard, CEO, Founder of Winnow, leads a team of legal, compliance, and tech pros in transforming how financial institutions navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With 20+ years in mortgage lending & banking, his expertise spans compliance, risk management, and product innovation. A industry leader and 2024 HousingWire Tech 100 Trendsetter, Chris is both a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager & Compliance and Ethics Professional.

Saahil Kamath

Head of AI, Eltropy

Saahil Kamath, Head of AI at Eltropy, pioneers product strategy and innovation with a proven track record in founding transformative AI ventures. He launched Marsview.ai startup acquired by Eltropy and previously led Visio.ai, a top provider of AI-powered video surveillance in India. With research credentials from IISc-Bangalore, Boeing projects and multiple AI patents, Saahil also advises early-stage startups.
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Mark Price

CTO @ AKUVO

Mark Price, Chief Technology Officer at AKUVO, drives fintech innovation with a rich career spanning over 25 years. Since joining in July 2020, he has led cutting-edge technology initiatives, building on his prior CTO roles at QuantaVerse, Temenos USA, and Akcelerant Software. His strategic vision and deep expertise in financial technology continue to set industry benchmarks.
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James E. Sorenson

Attorney & Author

Jim Sorenson, a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in collections, bankruptcy, and consumer protection, earned his BS magna cum laude from Liberty University and his JD with high honors from Florida State University. Licensed in FL & GA, he advises CUs on building successful collections departments and leads seminars on industry issues. He’s also the author of Collections is Not a Dirty Word.

Milton Hunt

Trainer and Coach

Milton Hunt, Lumbee tribe member and dynamic ‘edu-tainer,’ offers impactful Employee Training and Motivational Speaking with a blend of cultural wisdom and professional expertise. Adept at bridging cultural divides, his sessions energize and unify. Recognized leader with numerous civic awards.
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Sheila Tedesco

Co-Founder & Chair @ GROW

Sheila Tedesco, a vehicle remarketing veteran with 35+ years of leadership, built Lobel Financial’s Remarketing department from the ground up, establishing the processes and partnerships that drive nationwide success. Now managing both the Remarketing and Transportation departments, she also co-founded GROW-Global Remarketing Opportunities for Women and serves on the ARA Board.

Michael Ray

Founder of Smile Project

Michael Ray, founder of Smile Project Louisville, inspires change through simple acts of kindness. A father of four and eldest of seven, he transformed personal challenges—from a 20+ year mortgage career and profound family losses—into a movement that spreads positivity. Now, his daily encounters with strangers resonate globally via social media, podcasts, and public speaking.
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Robert Jones

Director @ FICO

Robert Jones, director of Global Partner Consulting at FICO, empowers leading financial institutions across the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with innovative customer management strategies. A former VP of Loss Containment at RBS/Citizens Bank with 20+ years in analytics, risk management, collections, and fraud—his expertise drives breakthrough results.
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Don

Senior Tech Exec & Cyber Security Expert

Surprise Guest: Senior Tech Executive with 20+ years in the industry, an expert in digital transformation and IT solutions. Renowned for leading innovative strategies, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and a mentor in executive business strategy. With a history in significant tech advancements and a commitment to philanthropy, his insights are invaluable.
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Farhad M. Limonadi, MD

Board Certified Neurosurgeon

Farhad Limonadi, MD, Director of Neurosurgery at Lucent Neuroscience Institute and practicing at Eisenhower Medical Center, blends deep expertise in engineering, AI, and neurosurgery. A UCLA-trained electrical engineer and former IBM scientist, he earned his MD from Dartmouth and completed neurosurgical training at OHSU. A patent-holding innovator and published researcher, he developed an AI tool outperforming 85% of doctors in diagnosing facial pain. His nonprofit channel, Microneurosurgery.ORG, has reached 59M+ views, inspiring future medical minds worldwide

Ed Schilling

Head Coach

Ed Schilling, Head Coach of Pepperdine Men’s Basketball, brings over two decades of elite coaching and player development experience from programs including UCLA, Indiana, and Grand Canyon University. A former assistant under John Calipari and a three-time NCAA Sweet 16 coach, Schilling helped send 9 players to the NBA while at UCLA. At GCU, he led the program to its first conference title and three NCAA Tournament appearances. A former record-setting point guard at Miami University, Schilling is also a published author and nationally recognized leader in athlete development

UCC ATTENDEE SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship Application Deadline: May 31st, 2025
Seize the opportunity to attend United Creditors Connect 2025 with our scholarship program! Designed for dedicated professionals in the credit union and financial sector, this scholarship covers full conference access, offering a platform for unparalleled learning and networking.
Scholarship Opportunities Include:
– Airfare
– Hotel
– UCC Registration
Limited scholarships available – don’t miss out!

Apply for Scholarship