This is a classic episode of With Flying Colors—and a rare one that steps slightly outside the credit union lane for a reason.
As teamwork becomes an increasingly critical theme heading into 2026, this conversation felt worth revisiting.
In this episode, Mark sits down with Joe Jacoby, an Olympic gold medalist and performance coach, to explore what high-performing teams really look like when conditions are uncertain and pressure is high.
While the setting is the Olympic Games, the lessons translate directly to leadership teams, boards, and organizations navigating complexity, change, and accountability.
This conversation isn’t about motivation—it’s about execution:
If you lead, serve on a board, or work as part of a management team, the insights here are as relevant today as when this episode first aired.
In this episode, we discuss:
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In this quarterly roundtable episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA executives Dennis Bauer, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller to break down the NCUA Q3 2025 Quarterly Credit Union Data Summary.
The discussion highlights a key theme: the credit union system is gradually returning to a more normal operating environment after years of rate shocks, pandemic liquidity, and balance-sheet distortion.
Key topics include improving net interest margins, rising non-interest expenses, and why ROA gains lag margin recovery. The panel examines growing pressure in auto and credit card portfolios, increased repossessions, and what delinquency trends suggest heading into 2026. They also explore liquidity stabilization, shifts in share mix, and renewed investment risk-taking as some credit unions bet on future rate cuts.
Additional insights include CAMEL rating trends, HELOC utilization growth, differences between credit union and community bank performance, and what examiner behavior may look like amid NCUA staffing constraints.
This episode is designed for credit union executives, board members, and risk leaders looking for plain-English interpretation of regulatory data—without spin or hype.
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NCUA has launched a new Deregulation and Simplification Project, signaling a shift toward clearer, more flexible rules—without weakening safety and soundness.
In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the four proposed regulatory changes released by NCUA and explains what they mean in practice for credit unions, boards, and exam preparation.
Rather than a wholesale rewrite, this package focuses on clarity, structure, and regulatory housekeeping—especially around audits, corporate credit union governance, and cybersecurity guidance.
Key topics covered:
Mark also shares perspective on why moving guidance out of the CFR matters—and what credit unions should (and shouldn’t) do next.
More regulatory developments are coming fast, including NCUA’s upcoming board meeting and budget discussions. Stay tuned.
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In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel speaks with Dan Prezioso, Partner at Olden Lane, about the demographic shift reshaping credit unions and why deposit competition is entering a new era.
Dan shares data and insights from multiple national surveys, macro trends, and firsthand M&A activity, including:
Dan also highlights examples of institutions that are getting it right — from fractional real estate investing to budgeting tools and crypto-enabled debit cards — and explains what boards should be asking their CEOs in 2026 strategic planning.
📩 Connect with Dan: dprezioso@oldenlane.com
🔗 Olden Lane: info@oldenlane.com
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for future episodes of With Flying Colors.
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Episode Summary
In this archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark sits down with Todd Miller — longtime NCUA expert, former Director of Special Actions, and member of the CU Exam Solutions team — to break down one of the most misunderstood and under-optimized tools in credit union governance: the board package.
Boards get in trouble not because they don’t care, Todd explains, but because they are often misinformed, overwhelmed, or kept in the dark. A well-designed board package solves that — if it’s built with the right mix of clarity, consistency, and candor.
Todd explains:
This episode is full of practical actions your board and leadership team can apply immediately.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Great Board Packages Balance Qualitative + Quantitative Reporting
Todd outlines a simple principle:
Board reports should demonstrate management’s compliance with the business plan, board policies, and the credit union’s risk appetite.
transcript Board Packages Todd …
Boards need both data and narrative to understand where the credit union is, how it got there, and where it’s going.
2. Consistency Builds Board Trust
From formatting to color-coding to dashboards, consistency helps directors quickly understand risk without getting bogged down.
Inconsistent layouts or disorganized reporting create confusion and can lead to micromanagement or oversight failures.
3. Avoid the “Data Dump” Trap
Todd highlights that many troubled credit unions had mountains of data… but no clarity.
Board packets that keep expanding over time—without periodic pruning—bury critical insights.
Annual reviews of what stays, what goes, and how information is summarized are essential.
4. Dashboards Are Critical — But Must Be Thoughtfully Built
Dashboards should show:
They must also be paired with narrative analysis to flag:
5. The Biggest Blind Spot: Credit Risk Reporting
Credit risk is the No. 1 cause of failures.
Todd explains how to reduce hundreds of pages into 2–3 meaningful pages with:
6. Committees Create Risk — and Reporting Obligations
ALCO, lending, IT, risk committees…
Boards need visibility but not minutiae.
Todd walks through how well-run credit unions:
7. Real-World Stories—The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Todd shares examples of:
These stories underscore the need for transparency, context, and prioritization.
Why This Matters
A strong board package:
This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, CFOs, lending executives, and directors looking to elevate their governance culture.
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Overview
In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of risk management for credit unions — what it really means, why it matters at every asset size, and how boards and executives can build a resilient framework that supports safe, sustainable growth.
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What We Cover
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Key Takeaway
Risk management isn’t about eliminating risk — it’s about managing it in a way that protects members while enabling growth. A clear culture, aligned risk appetite, and well-designed system create the foundation for long-term success.
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This week on With Flying Colors, I’m joined by three longtime colleagues from my days at NCUA — John McKechnie, Alonzo Swann, and Geoff Bacino — for a lively roundtable on where the agency stands today, what’s working, and what’s at risk.
Together, we revisit our shared time inside NCUA and discuss how leadership, budgets, and supervision are evolving in 2025 and beyond. From one-member boards and budget cuts to liquidity lifelines and affordable housing, this episode brings together decades of experience and unfiltered perspective.
In this episode, we discuss:
You’ll hear candid insights, historical context, and even a few friendly football rivalries — the kind of inside conversation that only veterans of the agency can have.
🎙️ Guests
🔗 Connect & Learn More
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for past episodes, transcripts, and consulting resources.
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Sponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions — helping credit unions save time and money when working with NCUA.
This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, we explore what it really means when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 4.
We discuss the implications for NCUA supervision, administrative actions, and how examiners begin building a formal record. You’ll learn about the added burden of frequent exams, the role of letters of understanding and agreements, and how Code 4 status impacts liquidity options, board responsibilities, and long-term viability.
Packed with hard-earned insights from decades inside NCUA, this archive episode helps credit unions understand both the risks and the pathways to recovery when facing a Code 4 downgrade
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In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with David Reed of Reed & Jolly to dive deep into the NCUA’s new succession planning rule and what it means for credit unions across the country.
Too often, boards and executives focus on writing a policy—but not on the real-world practice of finding and preparing leaders for the future. David explains why succession planning can’t stop with “golden handcuffs” or executive retention packages and why the real challenge is board and volunteer succession.
Key Topics Covered
David also shares stories from his work with credit unions nationwide, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Why Listen?
If you’re a credit union leader, board member, or volunteer, this episode offers realistic, actionable advice on turning succession planning from a compliance checklist into a strategic advantage.
📧 To reach David Reed: david@reedandjolly.com
In this archive episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel welcomes Vin Vitton, retired NCUA Senior Credit Specialist and longtime commercial banker, for an insightful discussion on credit culture—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes a credit union’s lending success.
Vin draws on his unique experience working on all three sides of the desk—as a lender, borrower, and regulator—to explain how a strong credit culture begins with board values, flows through management, and guides every credit decision. Together, Mark and Vin unpack key takeaways including:
Whether you’re a CEO, board member, or senior lender, this episode provides valuable insight into balancing safe and sound lending with member-focused service.
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In this solo episode, Mark Treichel breaks down a hot topic out of Washington: a Senate proposal to raise FDIC deposit insurance coverage from $250,000 to $10 million. Backed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the idea is gaining traction — but what would it mean for credit unions?
Mark explores:
In the end, Mark explains why raising the cap might look like protection, but could really be lipstick on a pig for credit unions and their members.
This Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors revisits a timely and important topic: corporate governance. Mark is joined by former NCUA colleagues Todd Miller and Steve Farrar to explore why governance issues are at the heart of many troubled credit unions.
They cover:
Whether you’re a director, executive, or examiner, this episode highlights why governance is more than compliance — it’s culture, accountability, and the foundation of credit union safety and soundness.
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In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Elizabeth Eurgubian, Partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications at the NCUA. Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience spanning the Federal Reserve, CFPB, Sallie Mae, ICBA, CUNA, and her time inside the regulator’s office.
We discuss:
Whether you’re a credit union leader, policy professional, or industry observer, this episode gives you an insider’s perspective on how advocacy and regulation intersect at the highest levels.
This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Todd Miller and Steve Farrar, we dive into what happens when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 3.
We explore how NCUA approaches Code 3 institutions, what extra exams and follow-ups to expect, the impact of documents of resolution and regional director letters, and why boards and management must act decisively to restore stability.
Packed with decades of insider perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the practical realities of moving from a 1 or 2 to a 3.
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In this solo episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the NCUA’s proposed rule to eliminate reputation risk from its supervisory program — and the political spotlight surrounding it.
Mark explains:
Whether you buy into the political narrative or not, this rule is designed to keep examiners out of politically driven decisions.
This week we’re bringing back an archive episode of With Flying Colors that remains just as relevant today as when it was first recorded.
I’m joined by Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, both longtime NCUA veterans and now part of my team at Credit Union Exam Solutions. Together, we break down what it means if NCUA directs your credit union to conduct an organizational review—and why this is one of the most serious signals an examiner can send.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’ve ever wondered what this type of supervisory action means for a board, a CEO, or an examiner, this conversation will give you candid insight from those who have lived it.
👉 Note: This is an archive episode—we’re resurfacing it because the lessons are timeless and many credit unions will benefit from a refresher.
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In this episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel sits down with Scott Gladden and Kenny Ray Mitchell of Innovations Credit Union to preview the CUES Florida Council Cruise happening January 16–20, 2026. This unique event combines professional development, networking, and a Caribbean getaway—all tailored for credit union leaders, board members, and supervisory committees.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Attend?
If you’re looking to combine professional development with a January getaway, the CUES Council Cruise is an affordable, high-impact option. You’ll return with new insights, stronger connections, and renewed energy to lead your credit union.
Event Info
📅 Dates: January 16–20, 2026 (Friday–Tuesday)
🚢 Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas
📍 Ports: Fort Lauderdale → Grand Bahama Island → Nassau
🎓 Audience: Credit union executives, board members, and supervisory committees
📞 For questions and booking: Contact Kenny Ray Mitchell at (850) 832-3872
In this special archive replay of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by his colleagues Steve Farrar and Todd Miller — both former senior leaders at NCUA — to discuss why regulators sometimes ask to meet directly with a credit union’s board of directors without management present.
They break down the nuances, including:
This candid discussion highlights the importance of communication, trust, and preparedness when navigating examiner requests.
Key Takeaways
Resources
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Episode Overview:
In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark unpacks NCUA’s proposed 2026–2027 budget — a spending plan that reduces staff by 23%, cuts contractors by a third, and reshapes how credit unions will be supervised.
What you’ll learn:
Takeaway:
The 2026 budget gives credit unions breathing room in the short term. But it also introduces risks, creates examiner churn, and sets the stage for future losses that could reverse course.
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Episode Summary
In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Mark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services (MBFS) and host of Credit Union Conversations. Mark brings decades of experience in credit union business lending, having built MBFS from a three-person startup into a nationwide CUSO serving over 60 employees and credit unions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
We dive into:
Mark also shares his perspective on where credit unions should focus their energy: serving small businesses, veterans, and underserved communities, while avoiding mission drift into mega real estate deals that don’t align with cooperative values.
Whether you’re a CEO, examiner, or just curious about the future of credit union business lending, this episode delivers insight, history, and strategy from one of the industry’s most trusted voices.
Resources & Links