Two Cornerstone Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation

Cornerstone League congratulates Cornerstone Board Member JoBetsy Tyler of First Central CU and Sandra Gonzales of Rio Grande Valley CU on earning their Credit Union Development Educator designation through the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Education program.

Tyler and Gonzales were among 54 credit union leaders from across the United States who completed the Foundation’s September 2026 DE class and earned the CUDE designation Sept. 4.

The immersive, weeklong program is designed to strengthen leadership and deepen participants’ connection to the cooperative model. Through collaborative group work, experiential learning, and interactive discussions, participants explore how credit unions can improve financial well-being and create meaningful impact in their communities.

The September class joins a global community of more than 3,500 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE program since its launch in 1982.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our newest graduating class of certified Credit Union Development Educators,” said Foundation Executive Director Lauren Culp. “These credit union leaders of all levels join us with curiosity, heart, and a genuine desire to develop and improve their communities.”

Hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wis., the September class also volunteered with local organizations addressing food insecurity, putting the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” into action.

Congratulations to Tyler and Gonzales on this professional achievement and their continued commitment to advancing the credit union mission.