Athens, GA (June 25, 2026) |
Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) has named Allison Brewer, marketing director for Carolina Federal Credit Union in Cherryville, N.C., as the recipient of the 2026 Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award, recognizing her contributions to the SRCUS community and the Southeast Management School program.
Named in honor of the late Tom McWilliams, the award is presented annually to a student whose service and engagement reflect the collaborative spirit and professional standards of SRCUS, as determined through recommendations from current students and staff.
Brewer accepted the award on June 19 during this year’s session of Southeast Management School in Athens, Ga. With more than eight years of service to Carolina Federal Credit Union, she supports the credit union’s growth and brand strategy, overseeing marketing programs, strategic planning initiatives, and outreach efforts that strengthen member and community engagement. Her time at SRCUS will aid in applying advanced management principles and strategic planning practices to support the credit union’s long‑term objectives.
Deeply moved by the recognition, Brewer reflected on her personal transformation and the shared accomplishments of her classmates during her acceptance remarks at graduation.
“This changed me,” said Brewer through joyful tears. “I’m a different person than who I was when I started here. To my classmates, I’m so thankful to each and every one of you. You guys deserve so much goodness in life because of all the goodness you put out into the world. Thank you all so much.”
Tom McWilliams was an advocate for the credit union industry for more than 30 years, with a strong focus on professional and management development. He served as senior vice president for the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MCUA) and as vice chair for SRCUS until his passing on March 11, 2022. The award was established and first presented in his honor later that year.
“She has a positive presence in every setting that makes others feel welcomed, valued and included,” said Lauren DeAngelis, chief learning officer for the Carolinas Credit Union League, who presented the award. “She has built meaningful connections around the SRCUS community. Her enthusiasm for SRCUS is evident in her engagement, participation, and commitment to making the program better for her classmates and future students.”
SRCUS issues this award annually as part of the Southeast Management School program. In addition to the award, SRCUS is making a donation to McWilliams’ favorite charity, the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), with funds directed to a CMN chapter near the recipient’s home community.
