CU4Kids selects Jess Francis as a 2026 Emerging Leader

CU4Kids and Acumen Financial Advantage Announce the participants of the 2026 emerging leaders group – the CU4Kids Crew!

March 6, 2026

CU4Kids is excited to announce the participants of the emerging leaders program, the CU4Kids Crew!  –These leaders will represent the credit union movement at Elevate, the Children’s Miracle Network annual conference—formerly Children's Hospitals Week—where our partners and hospitals unite to celebrate our collective impact and make big change for all kids! In 2026, the CU4Kids Crew is proudly sponsored by Acumen Financial Advantage (AFA). Through this partnership, the program fosters leadership development and inspires the next generation of credit union professionals to make a lasting impact for kids and families in their communities.

By joining us at Elevate, these emerging leaders will help redefine the future of children’s healthcare and ensure all kids have the chance to grow up strong and thrive.

Meet the 2026 CU4Kids Crew:

  • Jess Francis – HR & Executive Administrative Manager, University Credit Union
  • Lexy Leezer – Training and Events Coordinator, Illinois Credit Union League
  • Kyle Cunningham – Marketing Manager, eCO Credit Union
  • Doll Thomas – Community Development, Delta Community Credit Union
  • Erica Hubbs – Business Development Coordinator, Barksdale Federal Credit Union
  • Nelea Lem – VP of Sales, iQ Credit Union
  • Jennifer Kuhn – Chief Human Resources Officer, BankFund Credit Union
  • Hannah Baldwin – Director of Marketing, InRoads Credit Union
  • Gavin Imes – Digital Media and Engagement Manager, Vantage West Credit Union
  • Chelsea Fountain – VP of HR & Talent, Sabine Federal Credit Union
  • Gabby Thilges – Talent Acquisition Partner, Velera
  • Donna McCoy – Manager, Community Impact, Wright Patt Credit Union
  • Salvador Ortega – Business Development Supervisor, First City Credit Union
  • Marilyn Marrufo Malis – Contact Center Team Lead, Aloha Pacific Credit Union
  • Chance Hartley – Risk Manager, CapEd Credit Union

Thanks to Acumen Financial Advantage’s support, the 2026 CU4Kids Crew will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend Elevate alongside credit union and industry leaders
  • Connect with a national cohort of emerging professionals
  • Learn how CU4Kids and CMN drive impact across our network of hospitals
  • Grow as ambassadors for the credit union movement and kids’ health

Read the Crew’s bios here: 2026 CU4Kids Crew

Contributed by CU4Kids.

Jess Francis