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CUES Emerge 2025: Judges named as finalists prepare for October Pitch Show 

MADISON, WI (September 25, 2025) |

CUES and partner Currency Marketing have  named a group of highly-respected credit union leaders to serve as judges for the 2025 CUES Emerge program, which culminates with a Pitch Show on October 1 at 1 p.m. CDT.  The judges are:  

  • Mark Burgess, President/CEO, Credit Union 1 Alaska 
  • Mykol Fero, VP/Enterprise Planning & Program Delivery, TruStage 
  • Mirren Harris, CCD, VP of Education and Professional Development, Canadian  Credit Union Association (CCUA)  
  • James Hunter, CCM, CCE, Chief Advocacy and Culture Officer, New Orleans  Firemen's Federal Credit Union 

CUES Emerge was developed by CUES and Currency Marketing to offer free leadership  development opportunities to rising professionals across the credit union industry. 

This year’s cohort of 36 participants engaged in a dynamic program that combined expert-led  sessions on strategic thinking, communication, and design thinking with collaborative  Mastermind sessions. These experiences guided participants as they built business cases for  their credit unions. 

Of the 36 participants, 34 advanced into the competition phase. From this group, Five  Finalists were selected to compete in the live online Pitch Show.

During the Pitch Show, each Finalist will deliver a seven-minute presentation of their business  case, followed by a three-minute Q&A moderated by judging panelist Fero.  

Judges will evaluate each presentation based on clarity, articulation of the business idea, and  the potential benefits to credit unions.  

A Top Three will be named, with one participant ultimately earning the title of 2025 CUES  Emerging Leader. 

Visit CUESEmerge.com to check out the Five Finalists’ business case ideas and sign up for  a day-of Pitch Show reminder.  

Learn more about CUES at cues.org. 

CUES

CUES

For more than 60 years, CUES has been at the forefront of empowering the credit union industry by developing leaders who are not only highly skilled but also purpose-driven. Our mission is deeply rooted in addressing the distinct needs of credit unions and the communities they serve. Through a comprehensive approach that blends innovative learning platforms, exclusive networking opportunities, and dynamic events, CUES fosters both personal and professional growth for leaders at all stages of their careers. ...

At CUES, we believe that leadership development is critical to the future success of the credit union movement. That's why we are committed to partnering with credit unions to ensure leaders are well-equipped to face evolving industry challenges. Our wide range of digital and in-person learning experiences, which include leadership programs, workshops, and certifications, provides the knowledge and tools necessary to drive transformation and innovation within their organizations.

By joining CUES, credit union professionals gain access to an unrivaled community of like-minded leaders who share a passion for growth, collaboration, and service. From C-suite to board members, HR/talent development, and emerging leaders, CUES offers the resources and connections needed to elevate leadership capabilities.

To explore how CUES helps credit unions lead the way in shaping the future and how we can support your leadership journey, visit CUES.org.

Contact

Jen Kochan
Communications Director
608.288.5325
jenk@cues.org

Currency Marketing

Currency Marketing (www.currencymarketing.ca) is the leading credit union-focused  financial education firm. The It’s a Money Thing Financial Education Program helps credit  unions attract, educate and inspire young adult members, and provides education and  financial training for members and staff. In addition, Currency Marketing partners with  ...

CUES to manage the CUES Emerge program aimed at celebrating the best emerging credit  union leaders and their ideas.

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