Meet Julie Ferguson
Founder, JRF Consulting | Host of BD NOW Community
Julie Ferguson is a credit union business development strategist with more than 25 years of real-world experience across nearly every role in the field, from front-line service to branch leadership and strategic growth. She believes business development isn’t a job, it’s a mindset. And she’s spent her career helping credit union teams think bigger, act smarter, and build stronger member relationships that fuel sustainable growth.
Julie started her consulting journey in 2009 and quickly became known for turning strategic insight into practical action. She designs growth plans that have legs, equips teams with tools they actually use, and helps organizations embed lasting skills in everything they do. She also builds spaces where business development professionals can learn from each other, challenge assumptions, and push the work forward — because she knows the best ideas rarely come from working alone.
She is the creator of BD NOW, a trusted channel where credit union leaders share evolving BD strategies, honest insights, and inspiring stories that expand what’s possible in credit union growth. Through Backstage, Julie’s goal is to give BD pros more than content — she wants to give them connection, confidence, and community.
Julie is deeply involved in the credit union movement beyond consulting. She’s on the advisory board of the Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program, a member of the Global Women’s Leadership Network, and a faculty member at the Southwest CUNA Management School. She speaks across the industry and contributes thought leadership that helps credit unions grow both financially and in community impact.
Deliana Gamez
BD Consultant, JRF Consulting
Deliana Gamez is a seasoned business development leader with a decade-plus track record of helping credit unions grow through smart strategy, strong partnerships, and practical execution. She’s known for taking big-picture goals and turning them into actionable steps that move organizations forward and deepen community impact.
Deliana first crossed paths with Julie when she was building out BD teams and partnerships in the field and Julie was consulting on a strategic project. From that very first conversation, her analytical mind, passion for growth, and energy around meaningful BD work stood out — and she’s been a respected voice in the industry ever since.
Over the years, she’s led initiatives that attracted tens of thousands of new members annually, crafted frameworks for effective SEG and charter-driven growth, and shared her insight across national conferences and industry events. Her work blends a deep understanding of how credit unions grow with practical tools and strategies teams can use right away.
Deliana’s speaking and consulting spans topics like diversified growth strategies, data-driven outreach, team development, and building “dynasty” BD functions that deliver sustainable impact. She brings to Backstage a human-centered approach to business development that’s rooted in real results, real conversations, and real growth.
Outside of work, she’s as approachable and curious as she is strategic. always ready to explore new ideas, connect with peers, and lift up the next wave of credit union leaders.