52 Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation in June DE Class of 2026
June cohort completes the National Credit Union Foundation’s signature Credit Union Development Education program
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has named 52 leaders from across the United States as the next Credit Union Development Educators of 2026. The group earned their designation after completing the Foundation’s signature Credit Union Development EducationTM (DE) program on June 5.
Delivered as an immersive week-long, in-person experience, the DE program offers a transformative learning journey designed to strengthen leadership to improve financial well-being. Through collaborative group work, experiential learning, and interactive discussions, participants deepen their connection to the cooperative model 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.
This class joins a growing community of more than 3,400 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its launch in 1982.
“The DE program reminds us of the power of this movement and the leaders who continue to carry its mission forward,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director Lauren Culp. “Participants come to DE with a passion for helping people and leave with expanded perspectives, lifelong connections, and new ways to bring financial well-being to life in their communities. Congratulations to this new class of DE graduates.”
The June DE graduating class included credit union leaders from across the United States:
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“While I gained valuable insights into the credit union movement, the biggest takeaway was a renewed appreciation for the impact we have on the lives of our members and communities every day,” said Whitney Huston, VP Marketing at Chartway Federal Credit Union and June 2026 DE Graduate. “As a marketing leader, this experience reinforced my belief that our role is about more than promoting products and services, it’s about bringing the credit union difference to life through meaningful stories, authentic connections, and a shared commitment to financial well-being.”
This DE class was hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison, WI, as part of the Foundation’s ongoing DE partnership with TruStage to help cultivate purpose-driven leadership across the credit union movement. As part of the immersive experience, participants volunteered with WayForward Resources and The River Food Pantry, putting the credit union philosophy of people helping people into action through community service. The volunteer experience is an important reminder in the DE program that financial well-being is built not only through products and services, but through relationships, community partnership, and a shared commitment to supporting people through life’s challenges. By serving alongside local organizations focused on food security and stability, participants experienced how community engagement remains deeply connected to the mission and purpose of the credit union movement.
“Every DE class becomes its own community, and this group was no exception,” said DE Program Director, Christopher Morris. “Participants arrive as strangers and leave as part of a lifelong network of leaders who challenge, encourage, and inspire one another. Somewhere along the way, every class becomes convinced they’re the ‘best class ever’ and honestly, that shared connection and energy is part of what makes DE so special.”
The program was facilitated by Christopher Morris, DE Program Director at the Foundation and Robbie Young, VP of Strategic Growth at CUInsight, and coordinated by Alicia Crotteau, Programs Manager at the Foundation. The class was mentored by Justin Frazier, Canton School Employees FCU; Dawn Grohskopf, UnitedOne Credit Union; Christine Hickey, National Credit Union Foundation; Emily Merk, Summit Credit Union; Daniel Perry, GenFed Financial Credit Union; and Kevin Shaw, Illinois Credit Union League.
As the Foundation continues investing in leadership development across the credit union movement, the DE program will expand opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and lead with purpose. Applications for 2027 DE classes will open this fall, with additional opportunities for DE alumni to remain engaged through virtual gatherings, peer learning experiences, and ongoing community connection throughout the year. For more information on the DE program, please visit ncuf.coop/development-education/program. To be added to the notification list to receive DE updates directly to your inbox, please contact https://www.ncuf.coop/contact/.