ATHENS, Ga. — The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) announced that 29 credit union professionals graduated from its Southeast Management School at the University of Georgia, completing the program’s three-year curriculum designed to prepare future leaders in the credit union industry.
According to SRCUS, the Class of 2026 is also the second graduating class to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation through the school’s integrated curriculum since the credential was introduced at SRCUS in 2024.
Powered by America’s Credit Unions, the certification process includes testing that allows successful participants to earn the CCUE designation and ACE Credits toward future academic advancement.
Alumni Program Hosted
SRCUS also hosted its Alumni Program during the same week, where 27 alumni completed required coursework and cumulative testing to earn the CCUE designation alongside members of the graduating class.
“The success of Southeast Management School has always been rooted in the willingness of credit union professionals to invest in themselves and their organizations,” Brittani Champlin, executive coordinator for SRCUS, said in a statement. “Throughout the program, the Class of 2026 strengthened the managerial, operational and strategic skills needed to excel in today’s evolving financial services environment.”
For more than 50 years, Southeast Management School has provided leadership development for credit union professionals, focusing on operational, managerial and leadership skills through advanced academic instruction and strategic projects addressing real-world industry challenges.
Presentation Skills Developed
According to SRCUS, participants also develop presentation and debate skills while deepening their understanding of credit union philosophy and cooperative principles.
During the graduation ceremony, which was streamed live on Facebook, graduates heard remarks from second- and third-year class presidents and SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy. Several awards were also presented.
Award Recipients
Among the program’s top honors:
- Hugh Watson Award: Justin Callaway, Marshland Credit Union, Georgia
- Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award: Allison Brewer, Carolina Federal Credit Union, North Carolina
“This year’s graduates have achieved an important professional milestone by earning the CCUE designation, and our award recipients exemplify the highest standards of service and excellence that the program seeks to cultivate,” Piercy said in a statement. “Together, they represent the future of credit union management and the continued strength of our cooperative movement.”
Graduation from Southeast Management School is widely recognized within the credit union industry as a significant professional achievement. Graduates receive the CCUE designation and a diploma issued in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, according to SRCUS.
Class of 2026 Graduates
Carolinas Credit Union League
- Allison Brewer, Carolina FCU, North Carolina
- Andrea Chatland, Carolina Trust FCU, South Carolina
- Tonya Osborne, Members CU, North Carolina
- Timothy Young, Palmetto Citizens FCU, South Carolina
League of Credit Unions & Affiliates
- Mitchell Burton, Southeastern CU, Georgia
- Justin Callaway, Marshland CU, Georgia
- Jonathan Curtis, Faith Connection FCU, Georgia
- Christopher Dover, Georgia United CU, Georgia
- DeMonica Gordon, Go Energy CU, Georgia
- Angela Hitt, Georgia’s Own CU, Georgia
- Jodi Lewis, Altamaha FCU, Georgia
- Courtney Nunn, AmFirst FCU, Alabama
- Megan Paulk, Georgia’s Own CU, Georgia
- Nestor Ramirez, Peach State FCU, Georgia
- Sheila Denise Ratliff, ValleyStar CU, Virginia
- Melanie Robinson, All In CU, Alabama
- Candace Stafford, All In CU, Alabama
- LeAnn Streetman, AmFirst FCU, Alabama
- A’Jha Tucker, Georgia’s Own CU, Georgia
- Cynthia Wiggins, Peach State FCU, Georgia
Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions)
- Michael Morgan, Pelican Credit Union, Louisiana
Mississippi and Tennessee Credit Union Association
- Jordan Barto, Tennessee Valley FCU
- Jessica Boring, Copper Basin FCU, Tennessee
- Sunya Dangerfield, Jack Daniel Employees’ CU, Tennessee
- Sandra Garcia, Enrichment FCU, Tennessee
- Jessica Horton, Jack Daniel Employees’ CU, Tennessee
- Brandon Pemberton, The CU for Robertson County, Tennessee
- Michelle Shaffer, Y-12 FCU, Tennessee
Outside the Southeast
- Heidi Peck, OMNI Community CU, Michigan
About SRCUS
SRCUS is a collaborative effort among several southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, the Kentucky Credit Union League, the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions), and the Mississippi and Tennessee Credit Union Association.
