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Former NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood Joins DefenseStorm Board of Directors

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11 months ago

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Long an advocate for credit unions to protect their assets and members from cyber criminals by applying a risk management discipline, Hood values DefenseStorm’s unique built for banking approach to cyber risk management.

ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DefenseStorm, the leading provider of cyber risk management solutions and co-managed services exclusively to financial institutions, is proud to announce that Rodney Hood joined its Board of Directors in May.

Credit unions must become proficient at cyber risk management, and I’m convinced DefenseStorm has the right technologies, processes and people to make that happen. It’s why I joined the Board at DefenseStorm.

Mr. Hood brings decades of banking experience to his new position with DefenseStorm. Most recently, in January 2019 he was appointed to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board, serving as Chairman until January 2021 and remaining on the Board until January 2024. In these roles, he provided regulatory oversight for over 4,600 credit unions with assets exceeding $2 trillion and more than 138 million member-owners. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong proponent of financial technology and inclusion, driving creation of the NCUA Office of Financial Technology & Access.

“Credit unions are evolving to meet the needs of their members and become more competitive, but those changes make them more vulnerable,” says Hood. “Bad actors are constantly trying to infiltrate credit unions. It’s why I created a Senior Advisor to the NCUA Board for cyber issues. It’s also why I joined the Board at DefenseStorm. Credit unions must become proficient at cyber risk management, and I’m convinced DefenseStorm has the right technologies, processes and people to make that happen.”

“I’m honored that Rodney chose to get involved with DefenseStorm and that he shares the same passion for our mission. Our goal is to build a community of trust so that we can grow and thrive together,” said Steve Soukup, chief executive officer at DefenseStorm, referring to its work with financial institutions. “Our cyber risk management solutions are purposefully “Built for Banking”, designed to meet all the demanding governance requirements and regulations that are unique to credit unions. It’s a true partnership, ensuring these institutions can effectively respond to the constantly evolving world of cyber threats and protect their assets, members, and reputations.”

About DefenseStorm

DefenseStorm provides an integrated platform of cyber risk assessment, governance, security, and fraud solutions that ensure financial institutions achieve and maintain cyber risk readiness. The only system specifically built for banking, it accounts for all the daunting challenges, regulations, and technology requirements financial institutions face. Their intelligent data engine, GRID ACTIVE, ensures real-time access, analysis, and action on all critical threat data. The Cyber Threat Surveillance Operations (CTS Ops) team provides access to managed resources 24x7x365, delivering the help and expertise needed by financial institutions. For more information visit: https://defensestorm.com/company/about-us/

About Rodney Hood

Mr. Hood was appointed to the National Credit Union Administration Board by President Donald J. Trump in January 2019 and served as its 11th Chairman until January 2021. He served as a member of the NCUA Board until January 2024. In these roles, he provided regulatory oversight for over 4,600 institutions with assets exceeding $2 trillion and representing the savings of over 138 million credit union member-owners. Additionally, Mr. Hood chaired the NeighborWorks America Board of Directors and served as Vice Chairman of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. Prior to the NCUA, Mr. Hood spent nearly three decades in the private sector with management roles in financial services with organizations such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and G.E. Capital. A Charlotte native, he is actively engaged in the local community. He also serves as an independent board director for Zest AI, Posh AI, and ModernFi.

Media Contact

David Cross, DefenseStorm, 1 404-723-0420, david.cross@defensestorm.com, DefenseStorm.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/former-ncua-chairman-rodney-hood-joins-defensestorm-board-of-directors-302153881.html

SOURCE DefenseStorm

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Ov Finance Enhances Fintech Platform with New Intelligent Investment and Lending Features

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6 hours ago

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April 27, 2025

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Ov Finance introduces expanded tools for smarter portfolio management, real-time analysis, and flexible digital lending to meet evolving market demands.

LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ov Finance has announced a major update to its financial technology platform, introducing a new suite of intelligent investment tools and digital lending features designed to support users in achieving smarter and more responsive financial decision-making. This upgrade reflects the company’s broader strategy of making modern finance more accessible, efficient, and tailored to the needs of a digital-native generation.

The enhanced platform includes advanced portfolio optimization features powered by machine learning, offering real-time insights and personalized recommendations based on market trends, individual risk tolerance, and investment goals. This upgrade enables users to make data-driven decisions and adjust their financial strategies with greater precision and flexibility.

“Modern investors are looking for tools that not only provide access to markets but also deliver insights and guidance tailored to their personal financial journey,” said a spokesperson for Ov Finance. “This update represents our commitment to offering a next-generation investment experience built on intelligent design and seamless functionality.”

In parallel, Ov Finance has also launched a fully integrated digital lending solution that enables users to access short- and medium-term financing with transparent terms and instant processing. The system is designed to remove traditional barriers such as paperwork delays and middlemen, streamlining the entire lending process into a user-first experience.

The new features also include an upgraded interface across web and mobile applications, making it easier for users to navigate, monitor performance, and take action. Key highlights include customizable dashboards, smart alerts for market movements, and automated rebalancing options to help users stay aligned with their financial targets.

Ov Finance’s platform expansion is guided by feedback from its growing global user base, as well as ongoing market analysis. The company aims to meet the needs of both individual users and institutional partners by providing a comprehensive suite of digital financial services that emphasize flexibility, security, and ease of use.

As part of its continuous improvement strategy, Ov Finance is investing in user education and financial literacy resources, including webinars, tutorials, and one-on-one advisory options. These efforts are designed to empower users with the knowledge needed to fully leverage the platform’s features and build long-term financial resilience.

With these enhancements, Ov Finance is reinforcing its role as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses seeking dynamic, user-focused financial solutions. The company plans to continue rolling out new features in the coming months, including automation tools for savings and personalized lending offers based on behavioral analytics.

As financial needs evolve, Ov Finance remains committed to helping users navigate complex economic environments with confidence, control, and clarity—through innovation, education, and a smarter approach to finance.

For more information, please visit Ov Finance.

Media Contact

Ethan Parker, Ov Finance, 1 317-979-6366, Service@ovfinance.com, https://www.ovfinance.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ov-finance-enhances-fintech-platform-with-new-intelligent-investment-and-lending-features-302438095.html

SOURCE Ov Finance

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AutoShop Answers and Rilla Launch Groundbreaking AI Initiative — Changing the Automotive Industry Forever

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9 hours ago

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April 27, 2025

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HOUSTON, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AutoShop Answers, a leader in automotive service training and innovation, has officially partnered with Rilla, the premier AI-powered speech analytics company, to launch a groundbreaking initiative that is set to redefine the future of the auto repair industry.

This historic collaboration integrates Rilla’s advanced AI virtual ride-along and conversation analytics technology into the AutoShop Answers coaching platform, delivering a game-changing experience in customer engagement, service advisor training, and operational excellence.

Sebastian Jimenez, CEO of Rilla and NYU Stern graduate, brings a unique background — combining business acumen with a fresh approach to coaching drawn from his early stand-up comedy experience — to revolutionize how businesses train, coach, and grow. Rilla’s AI captures and analyzes real-time customer interactions, delivering actionable coaching insights hands-free.

Todd Hayes, founder of AutoShop Answers and a 30-year veteran of the auto repair industry, emphasized the significance of the launch:

“With Rilla’s AI, we’re not just training — we’re transforming. This technology allows us to coach sales calls, audit scripts, and elevate customer service like never before.”

The partnership officially debuted at AutoShop Answers’ sold-out Key to Key to Callbacks Weekend in Houston, Texas — a record-breaking, standing-room-only event filled with innovation, coaching breakthroughs, and more than 80 bursts of applause from an energized national audience.

The weekend began with a national online Strategy Saturday, hosted live by AutoShop Answers’ Glenn Piccolo. Todd Hayes then took the stage to share defining moments from his career, culminating in the official launch of AutoShop Answers AIX, powered by Rilla. Sebastian Jimenez joined the stage to introduce Rilla’s revolutionary capabilities to the automotive sector — ushering in a new high watermark for AI-powered live coaching and customer journey analysis.

The excitement continued with a special visit from Sunil Patel, CEO of Tekmetric, celebrating Tekmetric’s incredible milestone of reaching 10,000 auto shops nationwide. Congratulations were extended to both Tekmetric and ShopGenie, two of AutoShop Answers’ valued program sponsors.

The event also celebrated individual achievements, with Lynn Massengill receiving special recognition for surpassing both the $300,000 and $400,000 monthly revenue marks through AutoShop Answers coaching — truly a testament to the impact of training, innovation, and commitment.

Today, AutoShop Answers continues its momentum with the unveiling of the SPARR system, an AI-automated presentation platform that further advances their mission to empower service advisors and drive world-class customer service.

Next AutoShop Answers Key to Key to Callbacks Program: May 17–18!

Seats are already filling fast.

Learn more and register at: www.autoshopanswers.com

For more information, visit:
rilla.com
autoshopanswers.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autoshop-answers-and-rilla-launch-groundbreaking-ai-initiative–changing-the-automotive-industry-forever-302439106.html

SOURCE Autoshop Answers

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Appotronics Debuts Full-Vehicle Optical System at Shanghai Auto Show

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9 hours ago

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April 27, 2025

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SHANGHAI, April 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At Auto Shanghai 2025, Appotronics (688007.SH), the inventor of ALPD® laser display technology, unveiled its groundbreaking Lingjing Intelligent Automotive Optical System – a comprehensive solution enabling dynamic projections on any vehicle surface, both interior and exterior, including windshields, dashboards, seats, and windows. The system delivers high-luminance lighting and interactive displays, transforming vehicles into responsive ‘digital emotional spaces’ that adapt to occupants’ needs in real time.

The system spans seven key application scenarios, redefining in-vehicle functionality and user experience:

Artistic ambient lighting,Rear-seat entertainment with privacy-preserving large-screen projection,Dynamic pathway lighting that conveys mood and context,Boundary-free interactive displays on smart surfaces,Side window interfaces for human-vehicle interaction,ALL-in-ONE laser smart headlights combining illumination and display capabilities.

Yu Xin, Vice President of Appotronics, highlighted the company’s evolution in automotive innovation: “We’re moving beyond just supplying hardware to co-creating smart mobility experiences. By sharing our core technology platform, we’re collaborating with carmakers and developers to unlock new ways AI and optical tech can work together. Our goal is to turn cars from simple transport into ‘digital emotional spaces’—where every journey is tailored to its occupants, powered by AI and advanced laser tech.” This vision is already taking shape, with 13 active development orders underscoring Appotronics’ momentum in next-gen automotive optics.

Visitors can experience the technology firsthand at Hall 2.2H | Booth 2BA032 (National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai) through May 2.

About Appotronics

Appotronics is the inventor of ALPD® laser display technology and one of the first companies to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market. From optics for cinemas, vehicles, and homes to AR glasses, Appotronics’ cutting-edge products are designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses worldwide.

Learn more at https://www.appotronics.com/

Media Contact 
Ma Chunli
machunli@appotronics.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appotronics-debuts-full-vehicle-optical-system-at-shanghai-auto-show-302439100.html

SOURCE Appotronics Corporation Ltd.

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