2025 NCUMA Summer
Conference Speakers
Jason Stverak
Chief Advocacy Officer
DCUC
Jason serves as a direct link between membership and regulators, analyzing current and emerging regulations and legislation, he fosters a working relationships with Congressional staff members, and ensuring CU's remain informed, heard, and represented Jason has served as the Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Federal Government Affairs for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), now America’s Credit Unions since October 2021. He also performed the duties as Interim Chief Advocacy Officer for CUNA in 2022 and 2023. Before his time with CUNA, Jason worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). Additionally, Jason has served as the Legislative Director and Lobbyist for Christians United for Israel Action Fund, and as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Congressman Cramer in the U.S. House of Representatives. A respected voice on Capitol Hill, Jason is a sought-after voice on important issues facing credit unions and the financial services industry. Known for his influential voice for credit unions, Jason has appeared as a guest on nationally syndicated radio shows and the Fox News Channel on several occasions. His articles and press releases have appeared in USA Today, National Review Online, Roll Call, The Hill, Politico, Fox News, Forbes, the Washington Examiner, American Banker, CU Times, and numerous other publications.
Jason was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists in 2022 and 2023, as well as a Top Lobbyist by The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) in 2022.
Peter Duffy
Managing Director
SRM
Peter Duffy joined SRM from Piper Sandler, a leading investment bank, where he spent 20 years working with financial institutions on the development and execution of their merger and acquisition strategies. Prior to Piper Sandler, Duffy spent 11 years at the Procter and Gamble Company in sales and sales management. He also spent 12 years of his early career in roles at First Empire Securities KBW in New York.
For more than 30 years, Duffy has been a valued contributor to leading industry publications (through numerous published articles) and continues to be an in-demand speaker at financial services industry conferences.
Duffy is the Managing Director of Merger Advisory Services and previous Chairman of the CUES FSF Advisory Committee
Duffy is a graduate of Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he earned a B.A. in Business Management with a Minor in Marketing.
Dr. Ed Seifried
Professor of Economics
Lafayette College
Dr. Seifried is Professor of Economics and Business at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He is the Chief Economist for BNK Advisory Group, a community bank investment firm. He received his doctorate in economics and business from West Virginia University. In addition to his course schedule at Lafayette College, he is also a faculty member of numerous banking schools including: Stonier Graduate School of Banking, School of Banking of the South, Graduate School of Retail Bank Management. He serves as the dean of the Virginia and West Virginia Banking Schools. He frequently appears as a guest speaker at regional and national conferences. He has delivered over 2000 presentations to various groups both in the United States and abroad. He acts as a consultant to the credit union industry, and is well known as a speaker at credit union customer events and as a strategic planner. Dr Seifried authored the book “The Art of Strategic Planning for Community Banks.” Dr. Seifried has also served as a director of a community bank. Dr. Seifried has traveled extensively in the former Soviet Bloc countries where he served as an advisor and consultant to the newly privatized commercial banks.
Gautam Ajjarapu
CEO
Glide
Gautam is the founder and CEO of Glide, a fintech startup backed by some of the most prominent investors in the country. By specializing in innovative financial solutions, Gautam aims to bridge the gap between Credit Unions and the modern needs of members. Previously, Gautam and his co-founders have built and launched products for over 1 million Gen Z and millennial users around the world. Prior to starting Glide, Gautam worked in the fintech and consumer software spaces at companies like Google and Stripe. Now, Gautam is bringing his modern and unique perspective to make Credit Unions a competitive financial option for the next generation of members.
Michael Duncan
Strategic Engagement Executive
Center for Internet Security
Michael Duncan is a Strategic Engagement Executive at CIS, where he specializes in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure with a particular focus on the financial sector. He plays a key role in advancing cybersecurity best practices and building strategic partnerships with customers, trade organizations, and technology providers to enhance resilience across high-risk industries.
With a career spanning senior roles at HCA/Parallon, Microsoft, and Dell, Michael brings a wealth of experience in enterprise technology and risk management. Prior to joining CIS, he led initiatives to deliver immersive cyberthreat and incident response training to enterprise security teams across multiple sectors, including finance, healthcare, and energy.
Michael also serves on the Board of Directors of Southeast Financial Credit Union in Franklin, TN, where he advises executive leadership on cybersecurity strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. His dual perspective—combining deep technical knowledge with financial governance—positions him as a trusted advisor at the intersection of cybersecurity and financial services.
Matt McGarvey
Strategic Engagement Executive
Center for Internet Security
Matt McGarvey is a Strategic Engagement Executive at CIS, where he bridges the worlds of healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity. With a specialized focus on healthcare operations and clinical reimbursement, Matt helps organizations understand how cyber threats can disrupt not only operational workflows but also financial stability—particularly in complex, regulated environments like credit unions, hospitals, health systems, and community banks.
Matt brings a unique dual-industry perspective, having worked extensively with both financial stakeholders & healthcare providers. His insights help CIS members—ranging from regional hospitals to national banks—navigate the intersection of operational risk, reimbursement models, and cyber resilience.
Previously, Matt served as Vice President of Business Development at Language Fundamentals, the leading provider of speech-language pathology services to hospitals & post-acute care facilities. There, he led strategic growth initiatives and built partnerships that advanced both clinical outcomes and financial performance.