The National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program has long been one of the most transformational leadership experiences in the credit union movement.
For many participants, the program shifts how they see their work, their communities, and the role credit unions play in improving financial well-being.
But the impact of DE doesn’t end when the one-week program concludes. It continues through the leaders who apply its principles every day.
The real impact shows up in what happens afterward
Known for being a transformative experience, alumni return to their credit unions to apply those lessons at their credit unions and in their communities. The stories that are coming out of these efforts, strengthen the program for future leaders.
Recognizing the power of that perspective, the Foundation is bringing together ten DE graduates out of the more than 100 that applied to be part of an advisory group to help inform the future of alumni engagement and strengthen the DE community. The 2026 DE Alumni Advisory Group includes:
- Jen Burke, VP Outreach & Strategic Initiatives, Maine Credit Union League (ME)
- Ning Duong, President & CEO, Financial Center First CU (IN)
- Justin Frazier, Community Outreach Coordinator, CSE FCU (OH)
- Mindi Greenland, SVP Government Affairs & Member Impact, Georgia United CU (GA)
- Darla Kolbas, Lending Director, Peninsula Community FCU (WA)
- Ciara LaVelle, VP of Strategic Growth, Humanidei (PA)
- Emily Nail, VP Cooperative Strategies, Coastal CU (NC)
- Trish Shermot, Director, Government Affairs/Urban Development, Visions FCU (PA/NY/NJ)
- Jessica Sharon, VP Impact & Advocacy, Pelican CU (LA)
- Blake Woods, SVP Strategic Transformation, orsa credit union (MI)
Why DE has always been about leadership
From the beginning, the DE program has challenged credit union leaders to explore the intersection of cooperative principles, community development, and financial well-being.
Participants leave the experience with new tools, new networks (have you heard people say “Best Class Ever!”), and a renewed commitment to improving financial well-being through the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
“After completing DE in 2016 I truly understood what our movement could do. We could change people's lives in profound ways. Not just our members, but our teams as well,” said Jessica Sharon, VP Impact and Advocacy, Pelican Credit Union, and a member of the new DE Alumni Advisory Group. “I'm incredibly passionate about DE and its role to ensure the longevity of our industry and our industry’s mission.”
Over time, many graduates go on to lead new initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and bring fresh ideas back to their credit unions.
A program being shaped by industry leaders
For the Foundation, the advisory group represents an important opportunity to listen. By bringing alumni voices into the conversation, the Foundation hopes to ensure the program continues to inspire, connect, and equip credit union leaders.
The DE Alumni Advisory Group meets for the first time this month to begin sharing their insights into how the DE program can continue to shape the credit unions’ greatest value proposition: improving the financial well-being of millions across the nation.
“DE has shaped generations of credit union leaders, and its impact continues long after the classroom experience,” said Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation. “We’re excited to listen and learn from our program alumni and look forward to ensuring DE continues evolving to meet the needs of the movement.”
