Athens, GA (June 24, 2026) |
The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) is pleased to announce that 29 credit union professionals graduated June 19 from Southeast Management School after successfully completing the three-year program at the University of Georgia in Athens.
The Class of 2026 also represents the second graduating class to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation through the school’s integrated curriculum since the credential became available at SRCUS in 2024. Powered by America's Credit Unions, the certification process includes testing that allows successful participants to earn the CCUE designation as well as ACE Credits® toward future academic advancement.
In addition, SRCUS hosted its Alumni Program during the same week, where 27 alumni completed the required coursework and cumulative testing to earn the CCUE designation alongside members of the graduating class.
“The success of Southeast Management School has always been rooted in the willingness of credit union professionals to invest in themselves and their organizations,” said Brittani Champlin, executive coordinator for SRCUS. “Throughout the program, the Class of 2026 strengthened the managerial, operational and strategic skills needed to excel in today's evolving financial services environment. We congratulate these graduates and look forward to seeing how they apply those skills to advance their credit unions and serve their members.”
For more than 50 years, Southeast Management School has prepared credit union professionals to address leadership challenges across the industry. The curriculum strengthens operational, managerial and leadership skills through advanced academic instruction while providing opportunities to apply that knowledge through strategic projects focused on real-world industry issues. Students also develop presentation and debate skills while deepening their understanding of the credit union philosophy.
During the graduation ceremony, which streamed live on Facebook, participants heard remarks from second- and third-year class presidents and SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy. The event also recognized recipients of several class awards.
Among the program's highest honors were the Hugh Watson Award, presented to Justin Callaway of Marshland Credit Union, and the Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award, presented to Allison Brewer of Carolina Federal Credit Union.
“This year's graduates have achieved an important professional milestone by earning the CCUE designation, and our award recipients exemplify the highest standards of service and excellence that the program seeks to cultivate,” said Piercy. “Together, they represent the future of credit union management and the continued strength of our cooperative movement.”
Graduation from Southeast Management School is widely recognized throughout the credit union movement as a significant professional achievement. Graduates receive the CCUE designation and a diploma issued in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Additional highlights from the 2026 graduation ceremony are available at www.srcus.org/management.
Grouped by credit union association, the SRCUS Class of 2026 includes:
Carolinas Credit Union League (Dan Schline, President/CEO)
Allison Brewer, Carolina FCU, NC
Andrea Chatland, Carolina Trust FCU, SC
Tonya Osborne, Members CU, NC
Timothy Young, Palmetto Citizens FCU, SC
League of Credit Unions & Affiliates (Samantha Beeler, President)
Mitchell Burton, Southeastern CU, GA
Justin Callaway, Marshland CU, GA
Jonathan Curtis, Faith Connection FCU, GA
Christopher Dover, Georgia United CU, GA
DeMonica Gordon, Go Energy CU, GA
Angela Hitt, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
Jodi Lewis, Altamaha FCU, GA
Courtney Nunn, AmFirst FCU, AL
Megan Paulk, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
Nestor Ramirez, Peach State FCU, GA
Sheila Denise Ratliff, ValleyStar CU, VA
Melanie Robinson, All in CU, AL
Candace Stafford, All In CU, AL
LeAnn Streetman, AmFirst, AL
A'Jha Tucker, Georgia's Own CU, GA
Cynthia Wiggins, Peach State FCU, GA
Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions) (Juan F. Ceballos, President/CEO)
Michael Morgan, Pelican Credit Union, LA
Mississippi and Tennessee Credit Union Association (Fred Robinson, President/CEO)
Jordan Barto, Tennessee Valley FCU
Jessica Boring, Copper Basin FCU, TN
Sunya Dangerfield, JackDaniel Employees' CU, TN
Sandra Garcia, Enrichment FCU, TN
Jessica Horton, Jack Daniel Employees' CU, TN
Brandon Pemberton, The CU for Robertson County, TN
Michelle Shaffer, Y-12 FCU, TN
Esteemed Students from Outside of the Southeast
Heidi Peck, OMNI Community CU, MI
