Five Michigan Credit Union Professionals Earn CUDE Designation
Five Michigan credit union professionals are among 54 leaders from across the United States who recently earned their Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation through the National Credit Union Foundation's Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program.
The September 2026 graduating class completed the Foundation's signature week-long immersive leadership program on Sept. 4. Designed to strengthen leadership and advance financial well-being, the DE program combines experiential learning, collaborative group work and interactive discussions focused on the cooperative principles that drive the credit union movement.
The Michigan graduates include:
- Joli Hensley, Advia Credit Union
- Karista Gallick, Lake Trust Credit Union Foundation
- Kate Chomas, Members First Credit Union
- Matthew Cook, orsa credit union
- Sarah Gyetvay, Christian Financial Credit Union
The September class joins a global network of more than 3,500 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its inception in 1982.
"We're thrilled to welcome our newest graduating class of certified Credit Union Development Educators," said Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation. "These credit union leaders of all levels join us with curiosity, heart, and a genuine desire to develop and improve their communities. And, they walk away with a trusted network of likeminded leaders, a deeper appreciation for the collaborative superpower of cooperatives, and a passion to change the world through credit unions."
Hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wis., the program is designed to help participants deepen their understanding of cooperative finance while exploring ways credit unions can create meaningful impact in their communities. Participants also took part in volunteer activities addressing food insecurity, putting the credit union philosophy of people helping people into action.
"There is nothing quite like watching a new DE class come together," said Christopher Morris, Senior Program Director, DE, at the Foundation. "They arrive from different organizations, roles, and communities, and in just a few days, they've built a network that will stay with them long after they leave Madison. As we prepare to open registration for our 2027 classes this fall, this group has us even more excited about who will walk through the doors next and how they'll add their own energy, ideas, and experiences to the DE community."
The DE program continues to serve as one of the credit union movement's premier leadership development experiences, helping professionals strengthen their commitment to financial well-being, community impact and cooperative values.
For more information about the Credit Union Development Education Program and upcoming 2027 opportunities, click the button below.
Program Resources
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