The Newsroom

Tampa, FL – Engage fi, a premier consulting firm guiding financial institutions through transformative growth and technological advancement, proudly announces the launch of its Executive Affiliate Program - a visionary initiative designed to infuse the financial services industry with proven leadership and timeless insight.

Bridging Generations of Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

Banking and leadership are evolving at the speed of light. In this climate of accelerating innovation and disruption, the voice of experience has never been more essential. Engage fi's Executive Affiliate Program strategically connects clients with some of the industry’s most respected, repurposed leaders - those who’ve weathered storms, built resilient cultures, and driven transformation in real-time.

This initiative elevates the role of these distinguished executives, who are now strategic advisors offering deep, experience-driven perspectives on modern financial challenges. With the industry facing unprecedented shifts, the program ensures that wisdom is not just preserved but actively leveraged.

Meet the Executive Affiliates

Among Engage fi’s inaugural Executive Affiliates are:

• Cathy Pace, former CEO of Allegacy Federal Credit Union
• Gene Pelham, former CEO of Rogue Credit Union
• John Cassidy, former CEO of Sierra Central Credit Union

These leaders have been hand-selected not only for their unmatched achievements but for their values, vision, and alignment with Engage fi’s commitment to purposeful innovation. 

“Each of our Executive Affiliates embodies a legacy of leadership that continues to inspire,” said Andres Pasantes, President & COO of Engage fi. “They are not just advisors - they’re catalysts for growth, cultural strength, and visionary thinking across the financial ecosystem.”

“I was motivated to join the Executive Affiliate Program to support Engage fi’s mission of being the most dynamic technology partner for financial institutions. After decades in the financial services industry, I’ve seen too many well-intentioned tech initiatives fall short, leaving executives and staff frustrated. I’m excited to help community financial institutions turn technology into a much more productive and satisfying experience,” said John Cassidy.

More Than a Program, A Platform for Impact

At its core, the Executive Affiliate Program is about amplifying authentic voices that matter. It’s a platform for:

• Sharing actionable leadership wisdom
• Delivering thought-provoking content
• Advising the next generation of financial leaders at all stages of their journey
• Shaping values-based cultures in a changing world
• Tracking emerging industry trends
• Giving back through philanthropy and community mentorship

What sets Engage fi apart is its ability to activate these insights at scale, translating decades of experience into real-time value for clients.

Cathy Pace commented, "In the ecosystem of financial services, this program can create transformative outcomes by drawing on best practices by experienced leaders that foster collaborative innovation, boost reach and efficiency, and enable knowledge sharing... all amplifying results across the industry.”

Empowering the Next Generation

Engage fi is deeply committed to fostering the growth of rising leaders. Through direct advisory, collaborative workshops, and curated leadership content, the Executive Affiliates will guide tomorrow’s change-makers on:

• Strategic insight and adaptive thinking
• Organizational culture and values-based leadership
• Sustainable innovation and transformation

“When someone retires it doesn’t mean they no longer have valuable insights. The experience gained from a career of turning challenges into opportunities can provide valuable context to critical strategic decisions leaders need to make. My mentors and leaders helped mold me into a successful leader and it is my desire to serve the leaders of the future,” said Gene Pelham.

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

Download the Press Release

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

Download the Press Release

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

Download the Press Release

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

Download the Press Release