Katie BaileyThe 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 Event 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 and CEO)
- Allison Brewer, Carolina Federal Credit Union, North Carolina
- Andrea Chatland, Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union, South Carolina
- Tonya Osborne, Members Credit Union, North Carolina
- Timothy Young, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, South Carolina
The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates (Samantha Beeler, President)
- Mitchell Burton, Southeastern Credit Union, Georgia
- Justin Callaway, Marshland Credit Union, Georgia
- Jonathan Curtis, Faith Connection Federal Credit Union, Georgia
- Christopher Dover, Georgia United Credit Union, Georgia
- DeMonica Gordon, Go Energy Credit Union, Georgia
- Angela Hitt, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Georgia
- Jodi Lewis, Altamaha Federal Credit Union, Georgia
- Courtney Nunn, AmFirst Federal Credit Union, Alabama
- Megan Paulk, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Georgia
- Nestor Ramirez, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Georgia
- Sheila Denise Ratliff, ValleyStar Credit Union, Virginia
- Melanie Robinson, All In Credit Union, Alabama
- Candace Stafford, All In Credit Union, Alabama
- LeAnn Streetman, AmFirst, Alabama
- A’Jha Tucker, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Georgia
- Cynthia Wiggins, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Georgia
Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions) (Juan F. Ceballos, President and CEO)
- Michael Morgan, Pelican Credit Union, Louisiana
Mississippi and Tennessee Credit Union Association (Fred Robinson, President and CEO)
- Jordan Barto, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Tennessee
- Jessica Boring, Copper Basin Federal Credit Union, Tennessee
- Sunya Dangerfield, Jack Daniel Employees’ Credit Union, Tennessee
- Sandra Garcia, Enrichment Federal Credit Union, Tennessee
- Jessica Horton, Jack Daniel Employees’ Credit Union, Tennessee
- Brandon Pemberton, The Credit Union for Robertson County, Tennessee
- Michelle Shaffer, Y-12 Federal Credit Union, Tennessee
Esteemed Students from Outside of the Southeast
- Heidi Peck, OMNI Community Credit Union, Michigan
