TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The League of Credit Unions said 12 emerging professionals have been selected for the 2026 Emerging Professional Network Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development (EPN LEAD) Program.
“These emerging professionals from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, have been selected to participate in this yearlong leadership experience designed to engage, develop, and connect the next generation of credit union leaders,” The League said in a statement.
The 2026 EPN LEAD participants are:
- April Morris, Heritage South Credit Union, Alabama
- Chris Fagan, Family Savings Credit Union, Alabama
- Claire Bowen, Emblem Credit Union, Alabama
- Trent Barnett, Fort McClellan Credit Union, Alabama
- Nevin Jackson, Center Parc Credit Union, Georgia
- Katie Martino, Trax Credit Union, Florida
- Keith Manze, First Florida Credit Union, Florida
- Madison Fath, Calhoun Liberty Credit Union, Florida
- Annie King, Park View Federal Credit Union, Virginia
- Frederick Hayes, Baylands Family Credit Union, Virginia
- Jaylen Boney, Chartway Credit Union, Virginia
- Oscar Garcilazo, Northwest Federal Credit Union, Virginia
‘Meaningful Opportunities’
According to The League, the EPN LEAD Program provides participants with meaningful opportunities to expand their leadership skills and industry knowledge while strengthening relationships across its four-state footprint. Throughout the year, these individuals will participate in bi-monthly virtual roundtables focused on leadership and emerging industry trends, attend state level EPN gatherings, and engage in a yearlong mentorship experience with a seasoned credit union leader, The League added
The League further noted that as representatives of their states and The League, the 2026 EPN LEADs will attend ENGAGE 2026 in Orlando, Fla., receiving complimentary conference registration, and will also participate in their respective state Advocacy Summits, where participants will receive direct exposure to leadership development, advocacy engagement, and system collaboration at both the state and regional levels
“EPN LEADs reflect our commitment to developing emerging professionals who are passionate about the credit union movement and are ready to step into greater leadership roles,” League Consultant Kelly Yager said in a statement. “This cohort represents a strong cross section of talent across our footprint, and we are excited to support their continued growth in the industry.”
