WASHINGTON–The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates has launched “Advocacy Ambassadors,” which it described as a “system-first executive advocacy program designed to equip and support executive leaders shaping the future of the credit union movement.”
According to the League, the 2026 Advocacy Ambassadors cohort is comprised of 15 credit union CEOs from across The League’s four-state (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia) footprint.
The 2026 Advocacy Ambassadors are:
- Bob Steensma, Five Star Credit Union
- June Landrum, Alabama Credit Union
- Brad Green, Listerhill Credit Union
- Mark Johnson, Naheola Credit Union
- Park Broome, Loyalty Credit Union
- Daniel Souers, Gulf Winds Credit Union
- Suzanne Weinstein, Orlando Credit Union
- Denelle Miller, FiCare Federal Credit Union
- Laura King, Georgia United Credit Union
- Robby Glore, Combined Employees Credit Union
- Stephen Smith, Family First Credit Union
- Amanda Habansky, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
- Mike Kenzie, Bronco Federal Credit Union
- Cindy Lindsey, RVA Financial Federal Credit Union
- Jeff Bentley, Northwest Federal Credit Union
Five Honorary Ambassadors Named
The League said it also recognized five Honorary Advocacy Ambassadors for their distinguished leadership and unwavering commitment to credit union advocacy.
The 2026 Honorary Advocacy Ambassadors are:
- Rick Skaggs, USF Credit Union
- Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union
- Marshall Boutwell, Peach State Federal Credit Union
- Mary Ott Wood, USF Credit Union
- Karen Orie, Hampton Roads Educators’ Credit Union
Meeting During GAC
Ahead of America’s Credit Unions’ recent Governmental Affairs Conference, the League said it hosted the Advocacy Ambassadors for the formal launch of the program.
“After participating in our first in-person session, it’s clear how valuable the Advocacy Ambassador program will be and how needed it is to be effective in our collective advocacy efforts,” Jeff Bentley, CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union said in a statement. “Bringing together leaders from credit unions of different sizes, states, and from diverse political and regulatory environments creates a powerful opportunity to connect and collaborate to advance our movement.”
Program to Run Through September
The League said its Advocacy Ambassadors program will run annually from March to September, and that over the next seven months, Ambassadors will “expand and deepen relationships of influence, leverage powerful advocacy tools and resources, and collaborate strategically across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia before developing their own actionable advocacy plans.?
“I am honored to partner with these executives and introduce this program to the system,” Samantha A.M. Beeler, president of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, said in a statement. “I am confident the Advocacy Ambassadors will play a vital role in strengthening our collective voice and advancing the credit union movement.”Those interested in being part of a future cohort should contact Josie Ellis
