MADISON, WI (March 27, 2025) |
Thirty-six emerging credit union leaders have been selected from a record 126 applicants to participate in the 2025 CUES Emerge competition. Representing 19 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, these up-and-coming professionals will take part in a dynamic program designed to strengthen leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Offered in partnership with Currency Marketing, CUES Emerge delivers free leadership development through interactive Virtual Classroom and Mastermind sessions, connecting participants with subject matter experts and their peers to expand leadership expertise.
During the Mastermind sessions, participants are split into groups of six to refine their ideas and transform them into compelling business cases. The 2025 Mastermind sessions will be led by a mentor, each a past CUES Emerge participant ready to share their insights and guide new participants toward success. They are:
- Jana Chamberlin, CCM, Instructional Design Manager, Northwest FCU, Herndon, VA, USA
- Zachary Churchill, CCM, CUDE, CMA, CFE, VP of Consumer & Mortgage Lending, Achieva CU, 2022 CUES Emerging Leader, Dunedin, FL, USA
- Jayde DelGado, CCM, VP/Member Experience, American Lake Credit Union, 2023 CUES Emerging Leader, Tacoma, WA, USA
- Lyla Elliott, CCM, CUDE, Director of Consumer Loan Production, TwinStar Credit Union, Olympia, WA, USA
- Shanece Robinson, CCM, Team Lead, Learning and Development, Sharonview Federal Credit Union, 2024 CUES Emerging Leader, Fort Mill, SC, USA
- Amber Stutzman, CCM, People Experience Business Partner, Oregon Community Credit Union, Springfield, OR, USA
Participants can then opt in to the competition phase to have their business cases reviewed by a judging panel of credit union CEOs. Five finalists will be invited to present their business cases during the dynamic CUES Emerge pitch show, happening online October 1.
Three top presenters will receive a tiered learning and coaching package, with the ultimate winner being named the 2025 CUES Emerging Leader.
Shanece Robinson shared her thoughts on CUES Emerge in the CUmanagement.com article, Passionate About Learning & Development.
“I thought the program was phenomenal,” Robinson said. “There were multiple components, but what I most enjoyed were the breakout sessions. Having the opportunity to have small-group discussions about what’s working at our credit unions and what challenges we’re facing, to brainstorm and learn from each other, and to take ideas back to our respective credit unions was one of the most impactful things for me.”
View the full list of 2025 CUES Emerge cohort members and follow along on their journey at CUESEmerge.com or #CUESEmerge.