NCBA CLUSA is pleased to share the results of the association’s 2026 Board of Directors election, announced yesterday at our 110th Annual Membership Meeting by Debbie Wege, Chair of NCBA CLUSA’s Nominating Committee and Cooperative Community Advocate at BECU.
The following individuals were reelected to the board: Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund; Juan Fernandez, President & CEO, Luminate; Esteban Kelly, Executive Director, U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives; and Emma McCormick, Senior Director of Engagement, National Farmers Union.
NCBA CLUSA welcomes the addition of one new board member this term: James Hunter, Chief Advocacy & Culture Officer at the New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union. Hunter is a cooperative finance leader and governance strategist dedicated to advancing economic inclusion through the credit union movement. He has built a career around strengthening Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and expanding access to capital in under-resourced communities.
“I have seen firsthand how cooperatives create economic stability, democratic participation and generational opportunity,” Hunter said in his candidate statement.
Watch how New Orleans Firemen’s FCU is building generational wealth
Recognition of outgoing board members
Three outgoing board members were also recognized at yesterday’s Annual Membership Meeting. Earlier on Tuesday, NCBA CLUSA’s Board of Directors thanked Christopher Roe, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs at TruStage; Rosemary Mahoney, Cooperative Development Consultant with the International Finance Corporation; and Karen Zimbelman, retired Senior Director of Membership & Cooperative Relations at National Co+op Grocers, for their years of board service with formal proclamations.
Christopher Roe served for 15 years, bringing steady judgement, strategic insight and a deep commitment to governance to the board. Rosemary Mahoney’s service spanned nearly two decades across two periods, bringing to the board a global perspective, rigorous attention to governance and dedication to the long-term strength of the association. Karen Zimbelman served for 12 years as a director, leading with thoughtfulness and integrity and advancing key initiatives.
“On behalf of the board, thank you for your dedication, your leadership and your friendship,” said Jeffrey Connor, chair of NCBA CLUSA’s Board of Directors and COO of NRECA. “The association is stronger because of your service and we wish you the very best in your next chapters.”