47 Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation In First De Class Of 2026
By CU Today Staff —
TAMPA– The National Credit Union Foundation has named 47 leaders from across the United States as the first Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) of 2026.
The group earned their designation after completing the Foundation’s signature Credit Union Development Education(DE) program in February.
Delivered as an immersive week-long in-person experience, the DE program offers a distinctive and transformative learning opportunity. Participants explore the cooperative principles, credit union purpose, and unique ideas that set credit unions apart from other financial institutions. Through collaborative group work, experiential activities, and interactive speaker sessions, participants deepen their understanding of the credit union difference, strengthen their emotional intelligence, and build strategies for creating a world where everyone can achieve financial well‑being, NCUF explaiined.
This class joins a growing community of more than 3,300 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its launch in 1982.
“Congratulations, DEs. This first class of 2026 reflects the energy and momentum we’re seeing across the credit union movement,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Lauren Culp. “Each participant arrives with a commitment to creating positive impact, and they leave equipped with new tools, perspectives, and connections to put that commitment into action. I am proud to see their leadership strengthening the cooperative system and the communities we all serve.”
The February DE graduating class included credit union movement representatives from across the United States:
While DE classes are typically held at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wis., the February 2026 class convened at Suncoast Credit Union in Tampa. During the week, participants visited Feeding Tampa Bay to volunteer, learn about real‑time community development challenges, and explore how credit unions can partner more deeply to meet local needs. The experience sparked ideas for meaningful impact and underscored the essential role community organizations—such as local food banks and pantries—play in supporting financial well‑being.
The program was facilitated by Christopher Morris, DE program director at the Foundation and April Ales, director, League Engagement at America’s Credit Unions, and coordinated by Alicia Crotteau, Programs Manager at the Foundation. The class was mentored by Meagan Barrett, Northern Colorado Credit Union; Pam Cohen, Affinity FCU; Gary Vien, Suncoast CU - Retired; Selina Sites, Partners FCU; James Hunter, New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union; and Linda Albrecht, TruStage.
Originally reported by CU Today.