Katie BaileyThe League of Credit Unions & Affiliates recognized the inaugural graduating cohort of its Advocacy Ambassadors executive program during Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C.
Launched in March, Advocacy Ambassadors is a seven-month executive advocacy program designed to equip credit union leaders with the relationships, resources, and strategies needed to strengthen their advocacy efforts. Throughout the program, Ambassadors worked to deepen relationships of influence, leverage advocacy tools and resources, collaborate across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, and develop actionable advocacy plans.
The 2026 Advocacy Ambassador graduates are:
Alabama
- June Landrum, Alabama Credit Union
- Bob Steensma, Five Star Credit Union
- Brad Green, Listerhill Credit Union
- Mark Johnson, Naheola Credit Union
Florida
- Park Broome, Loyalty Credit Union
- Daniel Souers, Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union
- Denelle Miller, FiCare Federal Credit Union
- Suzanne Weinstein, Orlando Credit Union
Georgia
- Laura King, Georgia United Credit Union
- Robby Glore, Combined Employees Credit Union
- Stephen Smith, Family First Credit Union
Virginia
- Amanda Habansky, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
- Cindy Lindsey, RVA Financial Credit Union
- Jeff Bentley, Northwest Federal Credit Union
- Mike Kenzie, Bronco Federal Credit Union
“These leaders have spent the past seven months strengthening not only their own advocacy skills, but also the relationships and strategies that make our collective voice more effective,” said Jasmine Smith, Senior Director of Advocacy Engagement. “Graduation is not the end of that work. Our Advocacy Ambassadors are leaving this program prepared to put what they have learned into action, deepen engagement within their credit unions and communities, and continue building meaningful relationships with policymakers.”
The League also acknowledged its five Honorary Advocacy Ambassadors for their distinguished leadership and continued commitment to credit union advocacy:
- Rick Skaggs, USF Credit Union, Florida
- Mary Ott Wood, USF Credit Union, Florida
- Steve Swofford, Alabama Credit Union, Alabama
- Marshall Boutwell, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Georgia
- Karen Orie, Hampton Roads Educators’ Credit Union, Virginia
The inaugural cohort completed the program as credit union leaders from across The League’s four-state footprint gathered in Washington, D.C., for Hike the Hill and meetings with federal lawmakers.
The League congratulates the inaugural Advocacy Ambassador graduating cohort and looks forward to the continued impact of these leaders on credit union advocacy.
