ATHENS, Ga. — The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) said 42 credit union executives have graduated after successful completion of the three-year program on the campus of the University of Georgia.
For over 50 years, Southeast Management School said it has trained graduates to tackle leadership challenges in the credit union industry.
“The curriculum enhances operational, managerial, and leadership skills through advanced academic instruction,” SRCUS said. “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.”
According to SRCUS, during the ceremony, graduates heard reflections and words of inspiration respectively from second and third year class leaders, Marlena Gannon-Frament of Marine FCU and Brad Ballentine of SAFE FCU, as well as SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy.
‘Invaluable’
“The networks we have built [are] invaluable and will serve as a strong foundation as we continue our careers in the credit union movement,” said Gannon-Frament. “As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons learned … during our time at SRCUS. Let us be advocates for our members, champions of ethical practices, and pioneers of financial innovations.”
Added Ballentine, “Although I’m not sad about graduating, it is a little weird knowing we won’t be here together next year. However, we will continue to help each other … take back what we learned to improve our credit unions to better serve our members … keep celebrating each other’s successes … and keep our eyes open for the next generation of leaders so we can give them the same opportunities that were afforded to us.”
Credits Earned
In addition to completing the rigorous curriculum, the SRCUS said testing to earn credits through the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation was introduced this year. First-year students completed testing on year one curriculum while second-year students and 2024 graduates have the option to take a cumulative test this summer. ACE recognizes nine continuing education credits upon completion of SRCUS.
Upon successful completion of the program, students 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.
The Graduates
Grouped by credit union association, the graduates include:
- Shannon Austin, Oteen VA FCU, N.C.
- Mandy Baibak, SAFE FCU, S.C.
- Brad Ballentine, SAFE FCU, S.C.
- Lana Darling, South Carolina FCU, S.C.
- Rachel Dunn, South Carolina FCU, S.C.
- Kenneth Pooley, Palmetto Citizens FCU, S.C.
- Maggie Prohs, Palmetto Citizens FCU, S.C.
- Heather Shafer, Marine FCU, N.C.
- Angela Sprouse, Greenville Heritage FCU, S.C.
- Sarah Stone, Excite CU, N.C.
- Jennifer Webb, SAFE FCU, SC
- Joseph Staff, The Health and Education FCU, Ky.
- Cordell Donovan, Associated CU, Ga.
- Chris Foy, Peach State FCU, Ga.
- Mike Gibson, Credit Union of Georgia, Ga.
- Johanna Gillispie, Go Energy Credit Union, Ga.
- Julie Irvin, Georgia’s Own CU, Ga.
- Wendy James, WinSouth CU, Ala.
- Brad Kindsfather, First Choice CU, Fla.
- Kevin Lucas, Georgia’s Own CU, Ga.
- Mindy Maghupoy, The Infirmary FCU, Ala.
- Nicole Maragh, Associated CU, Ga.
- Rebecca Morris, LGE Community CU, Ga.
- Tabitha Scarberry, New Horizons CU, Ala.
- John Simpson, Peach State FCU, Ga.
- Tiffany Washington, Alabama CU, Ala.
- FraN.C.es Collene Wester, Alabama Teachers CU, Ala.
- Desiree Gary, Heart of Louisiana FCU, Louisiana
- Matt Jackson, Singing River FCU, Miss.
- Tori Shoemaker, 1st Mississippi FCU, Miss.
- Caroline Bays, Tennessee Credit Union League, Tenn.
- Denise Chapman, Kimberly Clark CU, Tenn.
- Stephen Cutshall, Consumer CU, Tenn.
- Jessica Grostic, Copper Basin FCU, Tenn.
- Christopher Hagans, ORNL FCU, Tenn.
- Lauren Smith, Enrichment FCU, Tenn.
- Justin Cousins, Peoples Advantage FCU, Va.
- Eugene McBrayer, BayPort CU, Va.
- Natalie Sigmon, Blue Eagle CU, Va.
- Ashley Brownell, Michigan One Community CU, Mich.
- Becky Pulsipher, OMNI Community CU, Mich.
- Walter Konopski, ServU FCU, N.Y.