Howard Meller

President & CEO People First Federal Credit Union

Howard Meller has over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. He is a seasoned executive who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to innovation, growth, and exceptional service. As the President and CEO of People First Federal Credit Union, Howard leads a thriving member-owned cooperative that serves over 72,000 members and manages assets exceeding $875 million. Since joining the organization in September 2020, he has implemented transformative measures guided by his strategic vision for exceptional service and community engagement. Mr. Meller's expertise is built on a solid educational foundation. He holds an MBA in Finance from St. John's University. His skills span customer relationship management, strategy implementation, and problem-solving. Throughout his impressive career, which includes leadership roles at GHS Federal Credit Union, SunTrust Bank, and Bank of America, Howard has honed his proficiency in banking, credit, and customer service to an exceptional standard. His unwavering dedication to collaborative leadership marks Howard's professional journey. His comprehensive experience and incisive strategic approach continue to foster innovation and growth within the financial sector. His commitment to collaboration is not just a strategy but a philosophy that inspires those around him.

Day One: Branch Innovations in a Fast-Changing World

9:10 AM Panel: A Human Edge: Defining the Branch of the Future

As digital banking reshapes customer preferences, branches have a unique opportunity to redefine their role as essential touchpoints in fostering trust and loyalty. This keynote explores the unique value that human-centered service provides in a technology-driven world. Gain actionable strategies to transform your branches into vital components of an omnichannel banking experience. Drawing on cutting-edge examples and future trends, this session demonstrates how branches can go beyond transactions to deliver personalized, high-impact engagements. Get inspired to:

position and craft branches as relationship hubs that complement digital banking
integrate new technologies to enhance—not replace—human interaction and deliver expert, empathetic, and adaptive customer service
creating experiences that build loyalty and trust across generations and locations in an increasingly digital era

3:50 PM Case Study: Right Size, Right Place, Right Time: Branch Network Optimization Today

Demographics shift, needs change, and business strategies evolve. So shouldn’t you ranch network evolve too? Get an inside look at factors shaping and reshaping branch networks today and hear real world examples of evaluating branch performance, using customer demographics, local market trends, and other data to inform decisions about branch consolidation, relocation, or expansion. Walk away with:

changing trends that might impact branch location strategies
key factors to consider when expanding, consolidating, or relocating branches
balancing cost, ROI, and business objectives when determining the size and locations of branches

Day Two: Meeting Customers’ and Members’ Expectations with Excellent Experiences

8:20 AM Panel: Innovating at the Crossover of Digital and In-Person Channels

Is it human? Is it digital? Is it a super interesting and revolutionary crossover? Innovations that merge digital convenience with in-person care are transforming the way customers experience banking. Join us to explore how banks and credit unions are innovating at the intersection of digital and in-person services, blending cutting-edge technology with the human touch to deliver exceptional value where the customer is at, or wants to be. Attendees will also gain insights into:

evaluating your channels and CRM to find gaps in data and experience
leveraging customer data for more tailored and meaningful interactions
new ways to incorporate technology into the in-person experience and humans into the digital experience
crafting a strategy that unites digital and physical channels under one cohesive brand vision

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Howard.

Download The Latest Agenda