The Foundation’s successes are attributed to the guidance and wisdom of an elected Board of Directors. The Foundation’s 15-member Board is comprised of credit union leaders and business partner professionals representing communities from across the Carolinas. Those interested in serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors may submit a Declaration of Candidacy form to Lauren Whaley for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Board candidates are approved by the committee and voted on by the members of the Foundation at its Annual Meeting to serve three-year terms.
Lauren Whaley, CUDE
President/CEO
About Lauren
Lauren Whaley has served in various roles in her nearly 20-year history in the credit union movement. In late 2015, Lauren was hired as the President of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation having most recently served as Vice President of Governmental Affairs in Raleigh, NC at the Carolinas Credit Union League. In her nearly eight years at the League, Lauren developed influential relationships with lawmakers and credit union officials while advocating for credit union business concerns as well as their unique focus on people and communities. Lauren was also instrumental in the growth of CUaware, a young professionals networking group (now CUxEL), having served as a founding Board member while at the League. Lauren’s passion for the credit union industry started shortly after graduation from NC State University, when she served as Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for Truliant Federal Credit Union in Winston-Salem.
In her current role at the Carolinas Foundation, Lauren has expanded its focus in serving as a philanthropic partner to credit unions, business partners and Chapters in the Carolinas. Lauren previously served as the Chair of the State Credit Union Foundation Network, comprised of her counterparts around the country at other state foundations as well as those at the National Credit Union Foundation and the Worldwide Credit Union Foundation. Lauren was elected to serve on the National Credit Union Foundation Board in January 2025 to represent the State Credit Union Foundation Network. Lauren earned her Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation in 2019 and was recognized in 2023 with the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.
Jeff hardin, CUDE
Director of Collaborative Programs
About Jeff
In April 2021, Jeff Hardin joined the Foundation’s team in the newly-created role of director of collaborative programs. In his role, Hardin assists Foundation President/CEO Lauren Whaley on key programs, including the organization’s robust scholarship and fund management programs, as well as grants offerings for Chapters, non-profits, small credit unions and credit union employees for disaster relief.
Jeff joined the Foundation after more than 17 years on the Carolinas Credit Union League’s team. First hired by the NC Credit Union League in 2004 as its communications specialist, Jeff was later promoted to director of communications. He served in this role until the consolidation of the North and South Carolina Credit Union Leagues, when he assumed his most recent role as the Director of Cooperative Initiatives. A Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) for 12 years, Hardin worked with a group of fellow CUDEs in the Carolinas to create the Principles & Philosophy Conference, a two day event focused on the history and cooperative philosophy of credit unions.
Starting in 2021, the Carolinas Credit Union League and Foundation will work collaboratively with DEs in North Carolina and South Carolina to produce the Principles & Philosophy Conference, slated for the fall of each year. In his role at the Foundation, Hardin will spearhead this key partnership between these stakeholders and continue to lead the conference.
Aisha Everett, CUDE
Director of Strategy & Communications
About Aisha
Aisha is a seasoned strategist with more than 20 years of experience guiding executives, aligning strategy, and driving meaningful growth. At the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, she leads strategic planning and communications, shaping the Foundation’s narrative, elevating visibility, and deepening engagement across the Carolinas’ credit union movement. Known for her people-centered approach, Aisha turns vision into action and connection into lasting impact.
Melody Fisher
Program Support & Accounts Payable Coordinator
Melody brings more than a decade of experience in customer relations, administrative coordination, and donor engagement to her role. Known for her attention to detail and genuine care for others, Melody manages databases, processes grants, and supports outreach that strengthens the Foundation’s philanthropic mission. Her background in both financial services and healthcare has honed her ability to balance precision with empathy, ensuring every interaction reflects excellence, trust, and a people-first approach.