ATHENS, Ga.–Forty-one credit union executives have graduated from the Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) following a three-year program on the campus of the University of Georgia.
“This year’s program also marked a milestone: the first graduating class to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation, powered by America’s Credit Unions,” SRCUS said in a statement.
The organization explained that following formal approval in June 2024, SRCUS integrated CCUE testing requirements into the curriculum—beginning with first-year students, while offering a summer testing opportunity to second-year participants and recent graduates.
Those who successfully completed the cumulative exam earned both the CCUE credential and ACE Credits toward future academic advancement.
In addition, SRCUS offered a special Alumni Program during the same week as this year’s Southeast Management School, inviting graduates from 2014 and later to return to campus. Through this dedicated track, SRCUS reported that 57 alumni completed the required coursework and cumulative testing to earn the CCUE designation alongside the 2025 graduating class.
‘Exciting Milestone’
“This year’s graduation marks an exciting milestone in the history of Southeast Management School,” Brittani Champlin, SRCUS executive coordinator, said in a statement. “The introduction of the CCUE designation deepens the impact of the program and elevates what it means to be a graduate of SRCUS. We’re incredibly proud of the 2025 class and the alumni who returned to complete the designation—each one represents the future of strong, strategic leadership in the credit union movement.”
During the ceremony, which streamed live on Facebook, graduates heard reflections and words of inspiration respectively from third and second year class leaders, Marlena Gannon-Frament of Marine FCU and Justin Callaway of Marshland CU, respectively, as well as SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy, the program stated.
‘We Became a Team’
“We come from different states and even different continents, roles, and backgrounds,” said Gannon-Frament. “But somehow in the middle of the projects, presentations, and coffees we became more than just classmates, we became a team… Let’s continue to be ethical leaders, fearless innovators, and unwavering champions of our members. The world needs exactly what we bring to the table, especially now.”
Said Callaway in his remarks, “This week was a lot of opportunity to further cement that bond we started in year one. We appreciate our credit unions for allowing us the opportunity to come here and learn from some of the most well-respected and amazing individuals.”
The Graduates
Grouped by credit union association, the SRCUS Class of 2025 includes:
Carolinas
- Carolinas Credit Union League (Dan Schline, President/CEO)
Casey Cuthill, Palmetto Citizens FCU, SC
Sarah Davis, Mountain CU, NC
Ryan Fowler, SAFE FCU, SC
Marlena Gannon-Frament, Marine FCU, NC
Elizabeth Orama, Neighbors United FCU, SC
Tawanaca Williams, SRP FCU, SC
Kentucky
- Kentucky Credit Union League (Jim Kasch, President/CEO)
- Taylor Evans, Whitesville Community CU, KY
League of Credit Unions
- League of Credit Unions & Affiliates (Samantha Beeler, President)
- Kendra Blackburn, Georgia United CU, GA
- Summer Carter, Legacy CU, AL
- Keith Curtis, Associated CU, GA
- Shania DiLuzio, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
- Leah Evans, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
- Eric Ham, Avadian CU, AL
- Joanna Herring, The Wright CU, GA
- Christopher Jones, BayPort CU, VA
- Claire Jones, Associated CU, GA
- Amber Meador, ValleyStar CU, GA
- Emilee Rada, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
- Elton Roshi, United States Senate FCU, VA
- Jazmyn Salgado, BOND Community FCU, GA
- Delaney Sasser, Credit Union of Georgia, GA
- Harrison Stafford, Georgia United CU, GA
- Letha Stowe, Peach State FCU, GA
- Alanna Sullivan, Listerhill CU, AL
Luminate
- Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions) (Juan F. Ceballos, President/CEO)
- Mike Cook, Ascension CU, LA
- Lynette Guillory, CSE FCU, LA
- Kristen Shambro, Centric FCU, LA
- Logan Williams, CSE FCU, LA
- Amanda Youngblood, Access of Louisiana FCU, LA
Mississippi
- Mississippi Credit Union Association (Charles Elliott, President/CEO)
- Dylan Mawhinney, Magnolia FCU, MS
Tennessee
- Tennessee Credit Union League (Fred Robinson, President/CEO)
- Trae Burcham, Memphis City Employees CU, TN
- William Dunn, St. Thomas CU, TN
- Jeff Gallaher, Tennessee Valley FCU, TN
- Miranda Ingram, Enrichment FCU, TN
- Andrea Mercer, Nashville Firemen’s CU, TN
- Suzanne Summerville, tnConnect CU, TN
Esteemed Students from Outside of the Southeast
- Stacey Byrne, Russell Country FCU, MT
- Laura Hausmann, United Savings CU, ND
- Christopher Kerrigan, Serve and Protect CU, England
- Luke McGilvary, 1st Class CU, Scotland
- Daniel Peers, Enterprise CU Limited, England