(Athens, GA) – The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) is pleased to announce that 41 distinguished credit union executives graduated on June 20 from Southeast Management School after successful completion of the three-year program on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
This year’s program also marked a milestone: the first graduating class to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation, powered by America’s Credit Unions. Following formal approval in June 2024, SRCUS integrated CCUE testing requirements into the curriculum—beginning with first-year students, while offering a summer testing opportunity to second-year participants and recent graduates. Those who successfully completed the cumulative exam earned both the CCUE credential and ACE Credits® toward future academic advancement.
In addition, SRCUS offered a special Alumni Program during the same week as this year’s Southeast Management School, inviting graduates from 2014 and later to return to campus. Through this dedicated track, 57 alumni completed the required coursework and cumulative testing to earn the CCUE designation alongside the 2025 graduating class.
“This year’s graduation marks an exciting milestone in the history of Southeast Management School,” said Brittani Champlin, SRCUS Executive Coordinator. “The introduction of the CCUE designation deepens the impact of the program and elevates what it means to be a graduate of SRCUS. We’re incredibly proud of the 2025 class and the alumni who returned to complete the designation—each one represents the future of strong, strategic leadership in the credit union movement.”
For over 50 years, Southeast Management School has trained graduates to tackle leadership challenges in the credit union industry. The curriculum enhances operational, managerial, and leadership skills through advanced academic instruction. Students apply this knowledge to strategic projects for their credit unions, addressing industry issues. They also develop debate and presentation skills, and a deep understanding of the credit union philosophy to contribute to their credit unions’ success.
During the ceremony, which streamed live on Facebook, graduates heard reflections and words of inspiration respectively from 3rd and 2nd year class leaders, Marlena Gannon-Frament of Marine FCU and Justin Callaway of Marshland CU, as well as SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy.
“We come from different states and even different continents, roles, and backgrounds,” said Gannon-Frament. “But somehow in the middle of the projects, presentations, and coffees we became more than just classmates, we became a team… Let’s continue to be ethical leaders, fearless innovators, and unwavering champions of our members. The world needs exactly what we bring to the table, especially now.”
Callaway echoed Gannon-Frament’s sentiments while also thanking SRCUS staff and his second-year classmates for the chance to grow and deepen connections.”
“This week was a lot of opportunity to further cement that bond we started in year one,” said Callaway. “We appreciate our credit unions for allowing us the opportunity to come here and learn from some of the most well-respected and amazing individuals.”
Graduation from Southeast Management School is recognized throughout the credit union industry as a prestigious mark of achievement. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn their CCUE designation and receive a graduation diploma issued in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. For more information on Southeast Management School, visit www.srcus.org/management.
Grouped by credit union association, the SRCUS Class of 2025 includes:
Carolinas Credit Union League (Dan Schline, President/CEO)
Casey Cuthill, Palmetto Citizens FCU, SC
Sarah Davis, Mountain CU, NC
Ryan Fowler, SAFE FCU, SC
Marlena Gannon-Frament, Marine FCU, NC
Elizabeth Orama, Neighbors United FCU, SC
Tawanaca Williams, SRP FCU, SC
Kentucky Credit Union League (Jim Kasch, President/CEO)
Taylor Evans, Whitesville Community CU, KY
League of Credit Unions & Affiliates (Samantha Beeler, President)
Kendra Blackburn, Georgia United CU, GA
Summer Carter, Legacy CU, AL
Keith Curtis, Associated CU, GA
Shania DiLuzio, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
Leah Evans, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
Eric Ham, Avadian CU, AL
Joanna Herring, The Wright CU, GA
Christopher Jones, BayPort CU, VA
Claire Jones, Associated CU, GA
Amber Meador, ValleyStar CU, GA
Emilee Rada, Georgia’s Own CU, GA
Elton Roshi, United States Senate FCU, VA
Jazmyn Salgado, BOND Community FCU, GA
Delaney Sasser, Credit Union of Georgia, GA
Harrison Stafford, Georgia United CU, GA
Letha Stowe, Peach State FCU, GA
Alanna Sullivan, Listerhill CU, AL
Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions) (Juan F. Ceballos, President/CEO)
Mike Cook, Ascension CU, LA
Lynette Guillory, CSE FCU, LA
Kristen Shambro, Centric FCU, LA
Logan Williams, CSE FCU, LA
Amanda Youngblood, Access of Louisiana FCU, LA
Mississippi Credit Union Association (Charles Elliott, President/CEO)
Dylan Mawhinney, Magnolia FCU, MS
Tennessee Credit Union League (Fred Robinson, President/CEO)
Trae Burcham, Memphis City Employees CU, TN
William Dunn, St. Thomas CU, TN
Jeff Gallaher, Tennessee Valley FCU, TN
Miranda Ingram, Enrichment FCU, TN
Andrea Mercer, Nashville Firemen’s CU, TN
Suzanne Summerville, tnConnect CU, TN
Esteemed Students from Outside of the Southeast
Stacey Byrne, Russell Country FCU, MT
Laura Hausmann, United Savings CU, ND
Christopher Kerrigan, Serve and Protect CU, England *
Luke McGilvary, 1st Class CU, Scotland *
Daniel Peers, Enterprise CU Limited, England *
* Sponsored by a Georgia credit union to attend SRCUS
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About SRCUS
Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) is a collaboration of six southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions), Mississippi Credit Union Association, and Tennessee Credit Union League.
Through collaboration with America’s Credit Unions and affiliates, the first SRCUS Management School was established in 1970. Since the school’s formation over 50 years ago, over 1,200 credit union management professionals have graduated from 21 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to the management school, SRCUS also hosts an annual Directors’ Conference, which provides a full range of informative educational sessions about critical issues important to today’s ever-changing financial industry for credit union directors and committee members. For more information, visit www.srcus.org.
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