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Tom Merfeld
Chief Financial Officer at CUNA Mutual -- Retired
Overview
Tom Merfeld is a distinguished leader in the fields of insurance finance, investment, and risk management. With an extensive career spanning multiple significant roles in the financial services industry, Tom has earned a reputation for his collaborative and mentoring approach, deeply rooted in values that inspire those around him. His credentials include being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), illustrating his strong foundation and expertise in financial management and analysis. Tom is also open to board service, particularly in areas including financial institutions, non-financial services as a risk expert, or within Catholic ministries.
Professional Background
Throughout his impressive career, Tom has held various high-level positions that reflect his remarkable proficiency in the financial sector. He began his journey at the Federal Reserve Bank, where he served as an Assistant Economist, laying the groundwork for his understanding of economic principles and financial systems. His early experience provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of the financial world and shaped his analytical abilities.
Following his entry into the Federal Reserve Bank, Tom progressed to a role as a Financial Economist at Franklin Savings Association. Here, he honed his skills in analyzing financial markets and understanding risk factors, which would become a cornerstone of his later roles. His career trajectory then took a significant leap when he joined CUNA Mutual Group, where he held multiple pivotal positions over the years, ultimately serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Market Risk Officer, and Chief Risk Officer. In these roles, Tom was responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization, developing investment strategies, and managing risk across the enterprise. His work as the Senior Vice President of Investment Strategy and Asset Liability Management (ALM) further showcases his capabilities in aligning financial strategies with business objectives in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
In addition to his corporate roles, Tom's leadership journey included his appointment as the Interim CEO at Catholic Charities of Madison, Wisconsin. In this capacity, he provided strategic direction and leadership during a critical transitional phase, demonstrating his commitment to service and community involvement. Tom's diverse experience, coupled with his ability to adapt to various roles and sectors, underlines his influential presence in the financial and non-profit sectors.
Education and Achievements
Tom Merfeld's educational background is a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence. He holds an MBA with a focus on Accounting and Finance from Rockhurst University, equipping him with the necessary skills to navigate complex financial landscapes. Additionally, his scholarly pursuits in theology reflect a deep commitment to personal and spiritual growth. He studied for his PhD in Theology at Marquette University and earned a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Iowa. This unique blend of expertise not only sharpens his analytical abilities but also enriches his leadership style, as he often integrates values-based approaches into his decision-making processes.
Furthermore, Tom earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Economics from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business, providing him with foundational knowledge in economic theory and principles that guide his business acumen. His robust academic achievements contribute to a well-rounded perspective on financial and risk matters, ensuring that he approaches every challenge with both intellect and integrity.
Notable Achievements
Tom's career is characterized by numerous achievements that reflect his dedication to excellence in finance and risk management. As CFO at CUNA Mutual Group, he played a critical role in steering the organization toward sustained financial health while fostering a culture of strategic risk awareness. His contributions in investment strategy and market risk management were instrumental in optimizing the company's portfolio and ensuring long-term viability in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
His leadership at Catholic Charities of Madison also stands out, where he was able to harness his finance expertise to further the mission of the organization, ensuring it maintained fiscal responsibility while enhancing its outreach and support efforts within the community.
Additionally, Tom's commitment to professional development is evident through his certifications as a CPA and CFA, accolades that underscore his rigorous standards and dedication to the finance profession.
With a career marked by significant financial leadership, commitment to ethical practices, and community engagement, Tom Merfeld continues to be a respected figure in finance and risk management. As he seeks opportunities for board service, his wealth of experience and values-driven approach make him an ideal candidate for organizations looking to enhance their governance and risk frameworks.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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