We are Stakana

Helping credit unions compete with cutting-edge AI.

We know the vital importance of credit unions, and the incredible potential of artificial intelligence.

Now at Stakana, we’re building the bridge between new technology and financial inclusion.

After decades of AI research and development in the retail industry, our team uses our proven experience and expertise to help credit unions compete against big banks and alternative lenders.

Based in Seattle, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that credit unions make in our communities. But it can be hard to keep up with ever-evolving technology and consumer demands. That’s where we can help. Through the power of our predictive insights and analytics, your credit union can make smarter, faster, better decisions – every day, every time.

Our team

  • Nate Derby

    Nate Derby

    CEO & Chief Data Scientist

    A credit union enthusiast, Nate is an experienced statistician specializing in predictive analytics for customer loyalty.

    Before focusing on working with financial institutions, Nate provided predictive analytics for retailers like Nordstrom, T-Mobile, Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Intel, and Wunderman.

  • Charles Brophy

    Charles Brophy

    Director of Research Engineering

    Charles is an engineer, leader, and strategist with more than two decadeo spent in tech and analytics leadership.

    For the last ten-plus years, Charles has been focused on adapting machine learning models into production environments, parallel computing and transforming big data into actionable insights.

  • Frank Guevara

    Frank Guevara

    Director of Finance

    Frank is passionate about cooperative finance and helping bring affordable, equitable financial services to the masses.

    He gained his experience across the automotive, retail and finance sectors before transitioning to focus on fintech start-ups. He is a proud first-generation college graduate.

  • Howard Keener

    Howard Keener

    Director of Ops & Marketing

    Howard brings a wealth of experience from finance, manufacturing and nonprofit sectors.

    His role oversees Stakana’s strategic planning, market research, day-to-day operations, and credit union outreach, engagement and go-to-market program.

Our advisory board

  • Santo Cannone

    Santo Cannone

    Santo has over four decades of experience in the finance and technology industries, implementing product and go-to-market strategies for businesses ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

    Santo has an incredible history of success in the fintech industry and is one the most recognizable names in the sector.

  • Bill Hills

    Bill Hills

    Bill is the former EVP and CIO of Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest financial cooperative.

    He is a strong strategic thinker with a proven track record of blending effective business processes with practical information technology solutions to improve corporate performance.

  • Scott Winston

    Scott Winston

    As CEO at Winston Consulting Group, Scott helps companies grow profitable revenue.

    Over the last 30-plus years, Scott has established a passsion for working with entrepreneurs, scaling businesses, bringing innovation to growing ecosystems, coaching, and developing leaders of leaders with early-stage tech companies.

  • Sam Plester

    Sam Plester

    Sam is a marketing leader, credit union champion and inclusion advocate. For 20 years, Sam has employed his trademark creative energy to engage and excite audiences about social and cultural subjects.

    As CEO of Mission Brands Consulting, he works daily with credit unions and fintech to advance financial inclusion.