CUES and TruStage® Launch Leadership Pathways to Expand Access to Executive-Ready Talent Across the Credit Union System

Heather McKissick

​CUES and TruStage® today announced Leadership Pathways, a yearlong, integrated leadership development experience designed to expand access to advanced leadership preparation across the credit union system.
 
Through a TruStage-funded scholarship, 20 selected participants—with nominations from Inclusiv, the National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP), the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), and CU Pride—will complete the CUES Advanced Management Program with eCornell and also receive individualized executive development planning, coaching, and mentorship.
 
This initiative also marks the launch of TruStage as CUES’ first-ever System Partner, reflecting a deep, long-term commitment to strengthening leadership across the credit union system. As a System Partner, TruStage collaborates with CUES to expand access to leadership development, invest in future-ready talent, and support initiatives that build sustainable, inclusive leadership pipelines for organizations and communities nationwide.
 
“Leadership Pathways is about intentionally widening the on-ramp to advanced leadership development across our system,” said Heather McKissick, CEO of CUES. “At CUES, we see every leadership journey as cumulative, built through education, experience, and support over time. We’re deeply grateful to TruStage for sharing that long-term view, and to AACUC, NLCUP, Inclusiv, and CU Pride for helping identify leaders whose perspectives and potential will strengthen organizations and communities across the credit union movement.”
 
“TruStage was founded upon the principle of people helping people, and this is a direct investment in the people who will shape the future of the credit union system,” said Terrance Williams, president and CEO of TruStage. “Leadership Pathways will cultivate purpose-driven leaders and equip top talent with the skills, perspective and sustained support to not only advance their careers, but the credit union system overall. We’re proud to partner with CUES to build toward a brighter future.”
 
Nomination window: Feb 1–Mar 15, 2026 Cohort announcement: June 2026 Program run: June 2026–June 2027

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