Matthew Cole
Seminole
Summary
Senior credit union executive with 15+ years of experience leading growth, retention, and organizational change through disciplined experimentation and collaborative problem-solving. Known for translating strategy into action, testing new approaches in real operating environments, and scaling what works. Brings a practitioner’s mindset to innovation grounded in cooperative values, operational constraints, and measurable impact.
Results-driven executive with proven track record in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving measurable outcomes. Demonstrated expertise in business development, financial management, and driving organizational growth through innovative solutions. Highly reliable, with commitment to fostering culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Division President, Client Growth Management
VELERA
11.2021 - Current
- Lead regional client growth and retention strategy during significant organizational and industry change.
- Design and test engagement models that shift teams from transactional updates to learning-driven, outcomes-focused conversations.
- Introduced structured client feedback and grading frameworks to surface real needs and accelerate learning.
- Translate strategy into short-cycle actions teams can execute, evaluate, and refine.
- Foster a culture that enables experimentation without losing operational discipline.
Vice President, Account Management
VELERA
09.2018 - 11.2021
- Led teams supporting complex, multi-product credit union portfolios.
- Simplified decision-making and tested new approaches to executive engagement and trust-building.
- Developed leaders capable of navigating ambiguity and adapting quickly to feedback.
Director, Payments Consulting
CU ENGAGE
10.2015 - 09.2018
- Led a payments consulting practice helping credit unions adapt to evolving member expectations.
- Aligned people, process, and technology to support learning, scalability, and improved outcomes.
Membership Development Executive / Account Executive
VELERA
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Served as a long-term consultant to credit unions focused on growth, member experience, and payments adoption.
- Built deep expertise across credit, debit, prepaid, EMV, and digital payments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Pinellas Park High School
Largo, FLSkills
- Client engagement strategies
- Change management leadership
- Collaborative teamwork across functions
- Strategic problem framing
- Scaling practical innovation
- Strategic partnerships
- Key account management
- Revenue growth
- Competitive analysis
- Team management
- Mentoring
CONTINUED LEARNING & RECOGNITION
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
- Post-Crisis Leadership Certificate
- Vice President of the Year
- Circle of Excellence Award
- 40 Under 40 Nominee
- Contributor, Cards Corner
Timeline
Division President, Client Growth Management
VELERA
11.2021 - Current
Vice President, Account Management
VELERA
09.2018 - 11.2021
Director, Payments Consulting
CU ENGAGE
10.2015 - 09.2018
Membership Development Executive / Account Executive
VELERA
01.2007 - 01.2015
High School Diploma -
Pinellas Park High School