The Association and the Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) are pleased to announce that seven Tennessee credit union professionals were among the group of 29 who graduated June 19 from Southeast Management School after successfully completing the three-year program at the University of Georgia in Athens.
Tennessee Graduates
Jordan Barto, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Jessica Boring, Copper Basin Federal Credit Union
Sunya Dangerfield, JackDaniel Employees’ Credit Union
Sandra Garcia, Enrichment Federal Credit Union
Jessica Horton, Jack Daniel Employees’ Credit Union
Brandon Pemberton, The Credit Union for Robertson County
Michelle Shaffer, Y-12 Federal Credit Union
The Class of 2026 also represents the second graduating class to earn the Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation through the school’s integrated curriculum since the credential became available at SRCUS in 2024. Powered by America’s Credit Unions, the certification process includes testing that allows successful participants to earn the CCUE designation as well as ACE Credits® toward future academic advancement.
In addition, SRCUS hosted its Alumni Program during the same week, where 27 alumni completed the required coursework and cumulative testing to earn the CCUE designation alongside members of the graduating class.
“The success of Southeast Management School has always been rooted in the willingness of credit union professionals to invest in themselves and their organizations,” said Brittani Champlin, executive coordinator for SRCUS. “Throughout the program, the Class of 2026 strengthened the managerial, operational and strategic skills needed to excel in today’s evolving financial services environment. We congratulate these graduates and look forward to seeing how they apply those skills to advance their credit unions and serve their members.”
For more than 50 years, Southeast Management School has prepared credit union professionals to address leadership challenges across the industry. The curriculum strengthens operational, managerial and leadership skills through advanced academic instruction while providing opportunities to apply that knowledge through strategic projects focused on real-world industry issues. Students also develop presentation and debate skills while deepening their understanding of the credit union philosophy.
During the graduation ceremony, which streamed live on Facebook, participants heard remarks from second- and third-year class presidents and SRCUS Academic Advisor Dr. Craig Piercy. The event also recognized recipients of several class awards.
Among the program’s highest honors were the Hugh Watson Award, presented to Justin Callaway of Marshland Credit Union, and the Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award, presented to Allison Brewer of Carolina Federal Credit Union.
“This year’s graduates have achieved an important professional milestone by earning the CCUE designation, and our award recipients exemplify the highest standards of service and excellence that the program seeks to cultivate,” said Piercy. “Together, they represent the future of credit union management and the continued strength of our cooperative movement.”
Graduation from Southeast Management School is widely recognized throughout the credit union movement as a significant professional achievement. Graduates receive the CCUE designation and a diploma issued in collaboration with the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Additional highlights from the 2026 graduation ceremony are available at www.srcus.org/management.
About SRCUS
Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) is a collaboration of several southeastern credit union leagues, including the Carolinas Credit Union League, Kentucky Credit Union League, League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, Luminate (Louisiana Credit Unions), and the Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association.
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 1,400 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 srcus.org.
