Celebrating New Credit Union Development Educators

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) recently announced that two new classes of credit union leaders have earned their designation as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) after completing the Foundation’s signature Development Education (DE) program in September and October of 2024. These graduating classes join a prestigious group of over 3,000 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have earned their CUDE designation.

The DE program, a week-long immersive training event, offers a unique, transformative experience. Participants learn about the structure and purpose of credit unions, diving deep into the “why” that sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions. Through interactive exercises and speaker sessions, the program emphasizes the credit union difference, the importance of empathy, and the pursuit of financial well-being for all.

“The opportunity for credit unions to harness the cooperative principles to address consumer needs—by leading with empathy, understanding their communities, and creating solutions that drive meaningful, measurable impact—endures,” said the Foundation’s Chief Program Officer and DE Director, Tobi Weingart. “The DE program is the heartbeat of the credit union movement. Its longevity exemplifies our unwavering commitment to helping members and communities achieve financial freedom.”

The Foundation is thrilled to share that the following individuals from our tri-state footprint just received their CUDE designation:

Elly Arnold, America’s First Federal Credit Union in Birmingham, Alabama
Amber DeLaRosa, Suncoast Credit Union in Tampa, Florida
Chance Buskey, Loyalty Credit Union in Pensacola, Florida
Heather Landstrom, Guardians Credit Union in West Palm Beach, Florida
Amber Chastain, Peach State Federal Credit Union in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Jay Gilling, Peach State Federal Credit Union in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Teri Hall, League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates
Debra Fine, Velera

Since 1982, the CUDE program and its global alumni network have transformed the culture, strategy, outreach, and impact of the credit union movement. Through transformative education and collaboration, DE builds awareness of development issues that prevent people from achieving financial freedom—and highlights how credit unions are uniquely positioned to address them.