MADISON, Wis.–CUES said it has selected 36 “emerging” credit union leaders from a record 126 applicants to participate in the 2025 CUES Emerge competition.
“Representing 19 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, these up-and-coming professionals will take part in a dynamic program designed to strengthen leadership skills and strategic thinking,” CUES said.
CUES Emerge, which is offered in partnership with Currency Marketing, offers free leadership development through interactive Virtual Classroom and Mastermind sessions, connecting participants with subject matter experts and their peers to expand leadership expertise, CUES said.
“During the Mastermind sessions, participants are split into groups of six to refine their ideas and transform them into compelling business cases,” according to CUES. “The 2025 Mastermind sessions will be led by a mentor, each a past CUES Emerge participant ready to share their insights and guide new participants toward success.”
The Participants
The CUES mentors include:
- Jana Chamberlin, CCM, Instructional Design Manager, Northwest FCU, Herndon, Va.
- Zachary Churchill, CCM, CUDE, CMA, CFE, VP of Consumer & Mortgage Lending, Achieva CU, 2022 CUES Emerging Leader, Dunedin, Fla
- Jayde DelGado, CCM, VP/Member Experience, American Lake Credit Union, 2023 CUES Emerging Leader, Tacoma, Wash.
- Lyla Elliott, CCM, CUDE, Director of Consumer Loan Production, TwinStar Credit Union, Olympia, Wash.
- Shanece Robinson, CCM, Team Lead, Learning and Development, Sharonview Federal Credit Union, 2024 CUES Emerging Leader, Fort Mill, S.C.
Amber Stutzman, CCM, People Experience Business Partner, Oregon Community Credit Union, Springfield, Ore.
About the Program
CUES said participants can then opt in to the competition phase to have their business cases reviewed by a judging panel of credit union CEOs. Five finalists will be invited to present their business cases during the dynamic CUES Emerge pitch show, happening online October 1.
Three top presenters will receive a tiered learning and coaching package, with the ultimate winner being named the 2025 CUES Emerging Leader. The full list of 2025 participants can be found here.
