The Newsroom
Explore recent press releases and industry news showcasing our latest happenings.
Discover What's New at Engage fi
April 4, 2025
Chartway Ventures Welcomes Engage fi's Jennifer Addabbo to Board of Directors
Engage fi is pleased to announce Jennifer Addabbo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed to the board of Chartway Ventures. Chartway Ventures, the wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) of Chartway Credit Union is focused on investing in organizations that align with Chartway's purpose of unlocking the position of individuals and families so they can thrive.
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Tampa, FL – Engage fi, a leading consulting firm guiding banks and credit unions through technological advancements and strategic decision making, is pleased to announce Jennifer Addabbo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed to the board of Chartway Ventures.
Chartway Ventures, the wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) of Chartway Credit Union is focused on investing in organizations that align with Chartway’s purpose of unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Investments are chosen for their innovative approach, scalability, compatibility with Chartway's operations, and potential for strong economic returns for their members.
Addabbo is the CEO and co-founder of Engage fi, an 80-person consulting firm assisting financial institutions with strategic planning, technology selections, contract negotiations, and implementations. In addition to her extensive industry knowledge and insight, her network of fintech’s provides significant value to the credit union industry she serves.
She was elected along with Samantha Paxton, founder and CEO of Power & Light Collaborative (PLC), during a board meeting held in early March at the Governmental Affairs Conference 2025 in Washington, D.C. During this conference, industry leaders gathered to discuss key issues shaping the future of credit unions. Addabbo and Paxson will replace outgoing board members Sean Banerjee and Phil Olson.
“As Chartway Ventures continues to expand its focus on technology and financial innovation, Jennifer and Samantha’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping our strategic direction,” said Rob Keatts, president of Chartway Ventures and Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer at Chartway. “Their leadership and industry knowledge will help us identify new opportunities that strengthen our ability to serve Chartway and its members.”
For more information about Engage fi and its services, please visit: Engagefi.com.
About Engage FI
With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants, educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial ins?tu?ons through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has nego?ated over $3 billion in savings and
incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let’s Engage!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Crandall
Director of Marketing
Shannon.Crandall@engagefi.com
480-686-4253
November 11, 2024
Engage fi Welcomes Annie Miela as Vice President of Implementations
Engage fi is pleased to announce the appointment of Annie Miela to Vice President of Implementations. Miela brings decades of experience in the banking industry, specializing in product implementation, support, training, consulting, and quality assurance.
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Dynamic technology leader selected to oversee transitions to modern banking platforms
Tampa, FL – Engage fi, a leading consulting firm guiding banks and credit unions through technological advancements and strategic decision making, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Miela to Vice President of Implementations. Miela brings decades of experience in the banking industry, specializing in conversion automation, quality assurance, training advancements, and strategic consulting.
In her new role, Miela will focus on optimizing conversion processes to deliver efficient, data-driven transitions that reduce both client resource needs and conversion time. By leveraging Engage fi’s advanced tools, she aims to enhance data accuracy, minimize risks, and support financial institutions as they modernize their platforms. Leading a team of Strategic Consultants, Miela will ensure Engage fi clients experience smooth and timely transitions, from core and digital conversions to mergers and payments initiatives.
Miela joins Engage fi with over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in leveraging innovative technology to drive business transformation for banks and credit unions. In her most recent role, she served as SVP of Delivery at Backbase where she lead digital delivery for the emerging U.S. market. Prior to Backbase, Miela was Chief Operating Officer at NYMBUS where she led technology- driven digital transformations, while overseeing managed services and contact center operations for financial institutions. Before joining NYMBUS, Miela served as the Vice President of Project Management & Implementations at Open Solutions, now part of Fiserv, where she led global implementations across multiple business locations. She played a pivotal role in directing strategic project management initiatives to drive growth, product maturity, and enhanced client relationships.
She has an MBA with a concentration in Systems Design and Development from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. Miela resides in St. Augustine Beach, Florida.
“We are thrilled to welcome Annie to the Engage fi team,” said Andres Pasantes, President & Chief Operations Officer at Engage fi. “Her deep expertise in banking technology and conversion automation will be invaluable as we expand our capabilities to optimize implementation projects for our clients.
Annie’s leadership will enable us to deliver more efficient, data-accurate conversions that reduce client resource demands and time while mitigating risk. We’re excited for the value she will bring as we help clients navigate complex transformations and seize new opportunities.”
For more information about Engage fi and its services, please visit: Engagefi.com.
About Engage FI
With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants,
educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial institutions through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has negotiated over $3 billion in savings and incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let’s Engage!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Crandall
Director of Marketing
Shannon.Crandall@engagefi.com
480-686-4253
June 3, 2024
Engage fi Earns 2024 Great Place to Work Certification™
The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Engage fi. This year, 89% of employees said it's a great place to work - 30 points higher than the average U.S. company.
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Leading consulting firm receives distinction for the second year in a row.
Tampa, FL – Engage fi, a leading consulting firm guiding banks and credit unions through technological advancements and strategic decision making, is proud to be certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the second year in a row.
The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Engage fi. This year, 89% of employees said it’s a great place to work – 30 points higher than the average U.S. company. Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.
"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Engage fi stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."
Engage fi’s employee-first culture both encourages and values innovative ideas and collaboration. The consulting firm prides itself on fair employee treatment, clear role definitions, and a supportive work environment. A comprehensive benefit package includes unlimited time off and 100% employee-only coverage for medical, dental, vision, basic life/AD&D, and short-&long-term disability coverage.
“Receiving the Great Place To Work Certification is a proud moment for us,” said Jennifer Addabbo, CEO and Co-Founder at Engage fi. “The employee experience is one of our top priorities and we owe our continued success to all our team members who work tirelessly for our clients each day. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on maintaining our positive culture and continuing to support our employees’ growth and well-being.”
As Engage fi continues to grow, it remains committed to upholding the values and practices that have earned the firm this notable distinction.
According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.
For more information about Engage fi and its services, please visit: Engagefi.com.
About Engage FI
With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants, educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial institutions through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has negotiated over $3 billion in savings and incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let’s Engage!
About Great Place to Work Certification™
Great Place To Work® Certification™ is the most definitive “employer-of-choice” recognition that companies aspire to achieve. It is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience – specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace. Great Place to Work Certification is recognized worldwide by employees and employers alike and is the global benchmark for identifying and recognizing outstanding employee experience. Every year, more than 10,000 companies across 60 countries apply to get Great Place To Work-Certified.
About Great Place To Work®
As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Crandall
Director of Marketing
Shannon.Crandall@engagefi.com
480-686-4253
April 9, 2024
Engage fi Welcomes Fabio Biasella as Director of Strategic Services
Engage fi is pleased to announce the appointment of Fabio Biasella to Director of Strategic Services. Biasella brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision that align with Engage fi’s commitment to delivering valuable guidance to its client partners
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Industry thought leader selected to oversee strategic planning, mergers & acquisitions, and performance benchmarking line of business.
Tampa, FL – Engage fi, a leading consulting firm guiding banks and credit unions through technological advancements and strategic decision making, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fabio Biasella to Director of Strategic Services. Biasella brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision that align with Engage fi’s commitment to delivering valuable guidance to its client partners.
In this pivotal role, Biasella will spearhead efforts to enhance client strategy and board planning which will include consultations, scenario planning, and executive roadmap development to influence organizational direction, setting clients up for future growth and success. He will also provide comprehensive merger & acquisitions support, conduct client performance benchmarking, and drive thought leadership initiatives.
Biasella joins Engage fi with over 30 years of experience in retail banking with a focus on strategic and financial analysis. With a distinguished background having previously led Strategic Advisory Services for Raddon for over 16 years and executive-level positions at several high-performing financial institutions,
Biasella is renowned as an industry thought leader. With an extensive background spanning over 200 board management and strategic planning sessions, he has been instrumental in driving the development of plans and innovative solutions that have maximized value for financial institutions. Biasella is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at national credit union and bank events and a quoted thought leader and commentator in leading industry publications.
“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Fabio as he joins the Engage fi team,” said Andres Pasantes, President & Chief Operations Officer at Engage fi. “His industry knowledge and strategic expertise combined with his passion for driving growth will further strengthen our client partnerships.”
With the increasing demand for strategic services, Biasella and the Engage fi team are poised to provide unparalleled support and direction to banks and credit unions striving to compete in the evolving financial landscape.
For more information about Engage fi and its services, please visit: Engagefi.com.
About Engage FI
With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants, educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial institutions through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has negotiated over $3 billion in savings and incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let’s Engage!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Crandall
Director of Marketing
Shannon.Crandall@engagefi.com
480-686-4253
April 3, 2024
Experience Matters: Engage fi Makes Waves in the Banking Industry
Engage fi is proud to announce new engagements with 12 banks across the U.S., demonstrating its superior domain expertise. Highlighting Engage fi's unique and competitive advantage, the partnerships with organizations range in size from $300 million to $6 billion and underscores the firm's industry knowledge, depth of experience, and strong vendor connections.
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Consulting Firm Chosen by 12 Community Banks to Spearhead Future Growth and Innovation
Tampa, FL – [DATE] Engage fi is proud to announce new engagements with 12 banks across the U.S., demonstrating its superior domain expertise. Highlighting Engage fi's unique and competitive advantage, the partnerships with organizations range in size from $300 million to $6 billion and underscores the firm's industry knowledge, depth of experience, and strong vendor connections. "We're making a mark with community banks through our specialized expertise and long-standing industry partnerships," says Jenn Addabbo, co-founder of Engage fi. This strategy emphasizes Engage fi's dedication to driving innovation and growth within the banking sector.
Engage fi’s comprehensive expertise across essential banking domains sets them apart from other industry consultants. The firm's team of subject matter experts in core banking, digital banking, and payment solutions offers unparalleled understanding of banking technology and vendor landscapes. Engage fi champions a project team approach, integrating closely with partner teams to ensure a unified effort towards project success.
The partnership with Community 1st National Bank exemplifies the benefits of Engage fi's approach. "Our recent partnership on a complex project involving multiple services and vendors was exceptional," shared Kevin Wagner, Senior Vice President. He praised Engage fi team's vast technology and vendor experience and specialized expertise, which played a critical role in the project's success. Wagner recommends Engage fi to any bank considering technology updates or vendor contract evaluations.
Engage fi's model of deep domain expertise and collaborative teamwork meets the essential need for expert-driven partnerships among community banks. Additionally, Engage fi's experienced conversion services team offers a notable advantage in guiding and executing platform transitions, a rare service among competitors. This blend of expertise, teamwork, and conversion support establishes Engage fi as a preferred partner for banks facing the challenges of technology innovation and implementation.
Their proven process delivers substantial benefits to their clients, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of community banks. This process is designed to save clients both time and money by leveraging Engage fi's deep understanding of banking technology and vendor landscapes. Their approach is highly customized, ensuring that the strategy and solutions provided align perfectly with the specific objectives and requirements of every individual bank. From the initial project conception through to completion, Engage fi offers end-to-end support, guiding their clients through every step of the journey.
Craig Garofalo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kennebec Savings Bank, attests to the effectiveness of Engage fi's methodology. "From the beginning, Engage fi demonstrated a deep understanding of our project's vision and objectives," Garofalo shares. "They meticulously scoped the project, focusing on driving our desired end result, and ensuring every aspect of the project aligned with our expectations." Garofalo highlights how Engage fi's expertise in payments and core account processing not only saved the bank significant time and money but also secured an excellent contract with optimal business terms and pricing. This testimony was echoed by all 12 new bank clients, underscoring the tangible benefits of Engage fi's tailored approach and comprehensive support.
Engage fi has become a pivotal force in bridging the gap for community banks through its deep partnerships within the banking industry. Recognizing the critical need for community banks to have strong, established relationships to navigate the complexities of the banking ecosystem, Engage fi steps in to fill this void. By leveraging its vast network of industry connections, Engage fi ensures that community banks are not left behind in the competitive market. These deep partnerships are exactly what community banks have been seeking, and Engage fi's ability to provide them marks a significant differentiation in their service offering.
Claremont Savings Bank's experience with Engage fi exemplifies the tangible benefits of such partnerships. "Engage fi’s proven methodology and process made this strategic project very easy for our bank, and their established relationships with all the primary vendors across the industry proved to be invaluable," states Zachary J. Haines, Vice President of Operations. He further highlighted how Engage fi's advocacy and expert navigation through vendor negotiations ensured an excellent outcome for the bank. This approach not only simplifies the project execution for community banks but also secures advantageous positions for them in the negotiation process.
Engage fi is also leading the way with technology conversions. Their skilled team of experts uses a hands-on approach to guide and lead financial institutions through pivotal system projects. Each project’s success has ensured Engage fi stands out as a leader in banking technology.
"We selected Engage fi for a multi-system project due to their proven process and deep industry expertise in payments, digital, and core banking," explains Kevin A. Kouble, Senior Vice President/CIO of Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank. He further emphasizes, "Engage fi’s commitment to excellence, coupled with their understanding and responsiveness to our specific needs, made them the ideal partner for our organization." These sentiments highlight Engage fi's capability to not only lead complex conversions but also tailor their approach to meet the unique requirements of the bank, reinforcing their position as a preferred partner in the banking industry.
Andres Pasantes, President and COO of Engage fi, expressed his excitement, stating, “Engage fi is honored to lead the charge in fostering growth and innovation for community banks. Our steadfast dedication to providing customized services for our clients is central to our mission. With a profound understanding of the hurdles and challenges confronting community banks, Engage fi is committed to cultivating partnerships that empower these institutions to flourish in a complex banking landscape, thereby securing a prosperous future for the communities they support."
About Engage FI
With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants, educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial institutions through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has negotiated over $3 billion in savings and incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let’s Engage!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Crandall
Director of Marketing, Engage fi
Shannon.Crandall@engagefi.com
480-686-4253
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