Here are the 36 Emerging Leaders Named to the 2026 CUES Emerge Competition

MADISON, Wis. —Thirty-six emerging leaders from across North America have been selected to participate in the 2026 CUES Emerge competition.

“Representing 18 U.S. states and one Canadian province, these rising professionals are stepping into a dynamic leadership experience designed to sharpen strategic thinking and accelerate their impact,” CUES said.

Delivered in partnership with Currency Marketing, the CUES Emerge program offers free, high-impact leadership development through interactive virtual Classroom sessions and collaborative Mastermind groups, according to the organization.

“Along the way, participants connect with industry experts and peers, gaining fresh perspectives and building ideas that can shape the future of their organizations,” CUES explained.

Small Groups of Six

According to CUES, during the Mastermind phase, participants are placed into small groups of six, where they work together to refine initial concepts into well-developed business cases. 

“These sessions are supported by mentors—often past CUES Emerge participants—who offer guidance, perspective, and practical insights,” CUES added.

The Mentors

This year’s Mastermind mentors include:

• Jana Chamberlin, CCM, CEM (2023 finalist)
• Jayde DelGado, CCM, CEM (2023 CUES Emerging Leader)
• Lyla Elliott, CCM (2022 participant)
• Jessica Smith, CCM (2025 finalist)
• Amber Stutzman, CCM (2021 participant)
• Ryan Suttles, CCM (2025 CUES Emerging Leader)

 Option to Advance

Following the Mastermind experience, participants have the option to advance to the competition phase, where their business cases are evaluated by a panel of credit union leaders, CUES said, adding that five finalists will be selected to present during the live, online CUES Emerge pitch event on Oct. 7. 

From there, three top presenters will earn tiered learning and coaching packages, with one individual ultimately named the 2026 CUES Emerging Leader.

The full list of 2026 CUES Emerge participants can be found here CUESEmerge.com.