Protégé Finalists

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Meet the Finalists
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Congrats to the 2026 Protégé Competition winner and finalists!

Ashley McDaniel took top honors at the finals on February 11 during LAUNCH 2026 in Concord, NC. Keri Fain was named First Runner-up, and Savannah Rodriguez and Kelly Tyson tied for Second Runner-up. All four will receive developmental scholarships sponsored by the Carolinas Credit Union League.

We commend all finalists for sharing their insight and passion throughout the competition. The future of credit unions in the Carolinas is so bright!

Meet the Finalists

Keri Fain

Central SC Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Frontline Service Supervisor

Credit Union: SRP Federal Credit Union

About:

With creativity on her side, Keri serves not only as a frontline service supervisor for SRP Federal Credit Union, but as a visionary for the excellence in which the credit union can achieve in the future. Having participated in both of SRP’s leadership programs within the first two years of her tenure, she aims to continue this path of excellence and grow into leadership positions where she can propel SRP through generations and enable her community to be financially successful.

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Ashley McDaniel

Lowcountry Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Commercial Support Specialist

Credit Union: REV Federal Credit Union

About:

With her eyes on the prize, Ashley McDaniel, a commercial support specialist at REV FCU, is a member-turned-employee of credit unions. She finds passion and excitement in the movement’s foundation of people before profit. A true community liaison, she prides herself in her church and REV community outreach efforts, as well as being able to pass on financial success to her daughter.

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Kelly Tyson

Northeast Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Member Services Support Manager

Credit Union: State Employees’ Credit Union

About:

Serving as SECU’s member services support manager, Kelly is able to live out her passions both personally and professionally – by building connections, experiencing different perspectives, and helping both her peers and her community thrive. With a deep interest in growth and development, Kelly strives to be the best version of herself in order to mentor others, and making lasting, positive impact on her community.

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Stacey Adams

Piedmont Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Financial Education Manager

Credit Union: Founders Federal Credit Union

About:

As a financial education manager, Stacey uses her passion for financial literacy to fuel her work at Founders FCU and in her community. With pride in her credit union and the relationships she builds each day, she actively aspires to begin a nonprofit in the Piedmont area to expand her community’s financial education. Stacey believes that showing up for her community will build the trust and relationships she deems most important, and lives that out each and every day.

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Shayla Tanner

Tarheel Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Member Experience Lead

Credit Union: Civic Federal Credit Union

About:

Shayla takes true pride in embodying the 7th cooperative principle of concern for community. As Civic FCU’s member experience lead, Shayla strives to bring member-centered innovation to her credit union, in hopes to create inclusive, accessible financial solutions that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability and success. Finding passion in community, she aims to support all her members’ financial well-being.

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Savannah Rodriguez

Upstate Chapter Protégé

Job Title: Training & Development Manager

Credit Union: Greenville Federal Credit Union

About:

Savannah is deeply passionate about fostering learning and development both among her peers and across the credit union industry. She attributes her own growth and success to the strong sense of community within her team at Greenville FCU. With a vision to expand GFCU’s training department, Savannah takes pride in her forward-thinking approach and strategic mindset, driving initiatives that will shape the credit union’s future success.

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