53 Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation In Foundation’s Final In-Person Class of 2026
By CU Today Staff —
MADISON, Wis. – The National Credit Union Foundation has named 53 leaders from across the United States as the newest Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) of 2026.
The group earned their designation after completing the Foundation’s signature Credit Union Development Education™ (DE) program on Oct. 9.
"Delivered as an immersive week-long, in-person experience, the DE program offers a transformative learning journey designed to strengthen leadership in service of financial well-being. Through collaborative group work, experiential learning, and interactive discussions, participants deepen their connection to the cooperative philosophy while exploring how credit unions can create meaningful impact in their communities. Participants leave equipped with new perspectives, lasting relationships, and practical tools to help move the credit union mission forward," the Foundation explained.
This class joins a growing community of more than 3,600 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its launch in 1982.
“Every DE class brings together people with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas about how credit unions can make a difference,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Lauren Culp. “That’s what I love about this program. For a week, they have the space to ask big questions, learn from one another, and reconnect with why this work matters. As we celebrate our final in-person class of 2026, I’m incredibly proud of this group and all of the DEs who will take those conversations and relationships back home and put them to work in their organizations and communities.”
The October DE graduating class included credit union leaders from across the United States:
“I was thankful my supervisor encouraged me to complete the CUDE program. I can now see this information is a necessity for any leader in the credit union movement,” said Jeremy M. Terry, chief people strategist at Listerhill Credit Union. “Our mission can easily get lost in the day-to-day operations. We must remind one another why we do all of the pieces that make the mission possible. It's not simply to hit particular numbers, it’s so we can continue to do what only credit unions do and give people the tools, opportunity, and access to achieve the financial well-being that they otherwise wouldn’t get.”
The Foundation’s final in-person DE class of 2026 was hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wis., as part of an ongoing partnership that helps make these immersive learning experiences possible. As part of the week, participants also volunteered with local organizations addressing food insecurity, putting the credit union philosophy of people helping people into action through community service. Community engagement is an important part of the DE experience and a reminder that financial well-being is built not only through financial products and services, but also through relationships, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to supporting people through life’s challenges, the Foundation noted.
“There is nothing quite like watching a new DE class come together,” said Christopher Morris, senior program director, DE. “They arrive from different organizations, roles, and communities, and in just a few days, they’ve built a network that will stay with them long after they leave Madison. As we prepare to open registration for our 2027 classes this fall, this group has us even more excited about who will walk through the doors next and how they’ll add their own energy, ideas, and experiences to the DE community.”
The program was facilitated by Christopher Morris, Senior Program Director, DE at the Foundation and Joshua Roberts, vice president collaboration and development at the Wisconsin Credit Union League, and coordinated by Alicia Crotteau, programs manager at the Foundation. The class was mentored by Beth Weiler, America’s Credit Unions; Caitlin Brama, Farm Credit Employees Federal Credit Union; Marnie Gerkhardt, Wings Credit Union; Kasey Rockwell, Rockwell Advisory Services; Dani Sherman, Fort Community Credit Union; and Mel Rank, Mission Brands Consulting.
"While the October class marks the Foundation’s final in-person DE program of 2026, the year of learning is not over. DE will continue with a virtual class in November and December, bringing another cohort of credit union professionals together to explore the cooperative difference and strengthen their ability to create meaningful impact," the Foundation said.
For more information about the DE program, 2027 class dates, and opportunities to stay connected, visit ncuf.coop/development-education/program. To receive DE updates directly, join the Foundation’s notification list at ncuf.coop/contact/
Originally reported by CU Today.