If you’ve ever wondered what the future of credit unions looks like, we’ve got some names for you to remember.
At ENGAGE 2026 in Orlando, The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates rolled out the red carpet for the industry’s rising stars and established powerhouses—recognizing both the 2025 Emerging Professionals of the Year and the 2025 Professionals of the Year.
Think of it as the credit union world’s version of honoring both the breakout rookies and the seasoned MVPs in one event. And honestly? The lineup is impressive.
The Rising Stars: Emerging Professionals of the Year
Every year, The League singles out one emerging professional from each of four states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia—who are already making waves despite being relatively early in their careers. These aren’t just people who show up and do their jobs. They’re the ones building community partnerships, championing financial education, and basically acting like they’ve been doing this for decades.
Here’s who made the cut this year:
- Alabama: Caleb Lambert, Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Community Federal Credit Union
- Florida: Brianna Brinkley, Mortgage Originator at Calhoun Liberty Credit Union
- Georgia: Tia Shaheed, Member Service Representative at Macon-Bibb Employees Credit Union
- Virginia: Sabrina Guerin, Senior Adult Financial Education Specialist at Virginia Credit Union
Lambert has been leading the charge on community engagement initiatives that actually move the needle—strengthening partnerships and expanding financial education programs. Meanwhile, Brinkley is helping members achieve the dream of homeownership while staying deeply involved in professional networks and community outreach.
Shaheed brings serious passion to member service, building trust one conversation at a time and constantly leveling up her own skills. And Guerin? She’s focused on financial education for underserved communities, expanding access to knowledge that can genuinely change lives.
“These emerging professionals represent the future of the credit union movement,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “Their leadership, drive, and commitment to service are already making a meaningful impact, and their continued growth will shape the direction of our industry for years to come.”
The Established Leaders: Professionals of the Year
Now let’s talk about the veterans—the people who’ve been in the trenches long enough to know what works, what doesn’t, and how to push the entire industry forward.
This year’s Professionals of the Year represent the kind of leadership that doesn’t just maintain the status quo. They innovate, they advocate, and they make their credit unions—and their communities—better places.
The 2025 honorees are:
- Alabama: Leia Ragland, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development at Legacy Community Federal Credit Union
- Florida: Kevin Miller, CEO of Addition Financial Credit Union
- Georgia: Chadwick Evans, Executive Vice President of Lending at Associated Credit Union
- Virginia: Amanda Habansky, President and CEO of Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
Ragland has been behind some seriously transformative work—think digital banking upgrades, complete website overhauls, and navigating a merger that expanded her credit union’s reach. She’s also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders, because great leaders build more leaders.
Miller has guided Addition Financial through significant growth while keeping innovation and member service front and center. Under his watch, the credit union has pushed forward with digital banking advancements, new partnerships, and community initiatives that actually make a difference.
Evans brings decades of lending expertise and a track record of operational improvements that enhance the member experience. His involvement extends beyond his day job too—he’s active in industry organizations and community programs that reflect his commitment to service.
And then there’s Habansky, who’s leveraging her credit union’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation to support underserved communities through creative programs and advocacy. It’s leadership that creates ripple effects far beyond the balance sheet.
“These professionals represent the highest standard of leadership within the credit union movement,” Beeler noted. “Through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to service, they are not only strengthening their organizations, but they are also strengthening the communities where they work, play, and live.”
Why This Matters
Awards are nice, sure. But what makes these recognitions meaningful is what they represent—a credit union movement that’s invested in developing talent at every stage. The emerging professionals are getting the mentorship and recognition they need to accelerate their impact. The seasoned professionals are being celebrated for the years of work that have shaped entire organizations and communities.
And at a time when financial services can feel increasingly impersonal and corporate, seeing real people get recognized for genuinely helping others? That’s the kind of thing that reminds you why credit unions exist in the first place.
Congratulations to all ten honorees. The work you’re doing matters, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Related:
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