How can credit unions use AI and digital lending tools without losing the human relationships that set them apart? Al Gregory, Chief Lending Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, joins Mark Ritter to explain why technology should support, not replace, experienced judgment in commercial lending.

Al shares his path from bank teller to CUSO CEO and credit union lending executive, along with the lessons that shaped his approach to member business lending, credit administration, and strategic partnerships. Mark and Al discuss how a mid-sized credit union can compete in a major market through community investment, local relationships, and service that creates measurable value for members. They also explore AI in loan underwriting, the future of office commercial real estate, changing borrower expectations, and the responsibility credit union leaders carry when lending members’ money.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Mark introduces Al Gregory of Securityplus Federal Credit Union
  • 02:55 Al’s career journey from bank teller to credit union Chief Lending Officer
  • 06:03 The history, membership, and growth of Securityplus Federal Credit Union
  • 09:29 How borrower expectations and communication have changed across generations
  • 16:02 How leading a CUSO shaped Al’s approach to credit union partnerships and commercial lending
  • 18:31 Balancing digital lending, AI, personal service, and responsible credit decisions
  • 21:16 How community investment helps Securityplus compete in the Baltimore market
  • 24:05 How technology and agentic AI are changing the Chief Lending Officer role
  • 25:29 Al’s outlook for office commercial real estate, AI governance, and the lending market

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Technology can speed up lending, but experienced people must still understand the borrower, the deal, and the source of members’ funds.
  • CUSO leadership experience gives credit union executives valuable insight into governance, collaboration, underwriting, and credit administration.
  • Local visibility is built by showing up through homeownership education, redevelopment projects, and community-focused lending, not only through large advertising buys.
  • Credit unions can use AI as a powerful tool, but they remain accountable for every policy, decision, and outcome produced with it.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter – LinkedIn
Andrew Wilson – LinkedIn
Al Gregory – LinkedIn
Securityplus Federal Credit Union – Website

Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership.

Al Gregory is the Chief Lending Officer at Securityplus Federal Credit Union, where he leads consumer, commercial, mortgage, and indirect lending strategies. With nearly 30 years of banking and credit union experience, Al has served as a CUSO CEO and credit union executive, helping financial institutions strengthen lending programs, improve operations, and expand opportunities for members.