Chris Howard

Chris Howard is a Senior Vice President at Callahan & Associates. When he’s not workingwith industry-leading credit unionson financial health and well-being, data analytics, fintechs, and credit union impact, he’s moderating a Callahan Executive Roundtable or consulting with any number of credit unions on topics ranging from strategy and governance to member engagement and performance.

Chris has more than 20 years of experience in the field of financial services, eight of those with Callahan. He was instrumental in the launch of Callahan Academyand frequently facilitates course discussion groups about sustainable business strategy, disruptive innovation, consumer-focused product development, and behavioral science.

Outside of financial services, Chris has worked as a U.S. Senate staffer, produced a TV show, taught college courses, written articles for think tanks, and tended bar. His varied background gives him a diverse array of perspectives from which to pull when working with clients on their strategic challenges. As a former banker, Chris saw firsthand how banks put stockholder needs above those of consumers and is dedicated to helping credit unions spread the word that their movement is here to serve average Americans.

When he’s not helping credit unions turn the for-profit model of financial services on its head, he’s exploring everything Washington, DC, has to offer — including museums, parks, food, and history. On pleasant days, Chris enjoys hitting the road on his bicycle or heading out into the countryside. On rainy ones, he opts for a book about politics or business. And, he considers any day a good day to enjoy a glass a fine wine.

Industry Insights

Suffering Members Need More Than Help. They Need To Know You Care.

Emotion, not rational assessment, drives decision-making, and members who report their credit union cares about their financial wellbeing put greater trust in the value of ...
Industry Insights

ACTing With Empathy

The ACT Model empowers credit unions to respond to member needs with empathy and lay the foundation for stronger relationships in the future.
Commentary

Strategy Season Is Still In Session

Real strategy sets the credit union’s course for a decade or more and helps decision-makers determine where to invest and how to grow. It deserves ...
Commentary

A Labor Day Lesson From Burning Man

The weeklong desert festival offers deep insights on sustaining a cooperative movement.
Commentary

Is The Credit Union Movement Ambitious Enough?

Credit unions are different, and better. Consumers are catching on, but market share indicates untapped opportunity awaits.
Commentary

Is Financial Health ‘A’ Thing Or ‘THE’ Thing?

Two conferences this spring bring to light five ideas that credit unions can use.
Commentary

The Final Warning From Iowa

Credit unions narrowly escaped taxation in the Hawkeye State, but other battles are underway, and the war is far from won.
Commentary

Spring Is Strategy Season

The process of strategy requires year-long attention.
Commentary

How Do Credit Unions Counter Fake News?

Banks are peddling a false narrative about credit unions based on real facts. To counter this, focus on a public narrative about mission.
Commentary

Why First Millennial Matters

A common bond across space and time is still a bond. Credit unions must make the case for millennials and beyond.
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