Community Financial CEO Inducted into America's Credit Union Museum's Herstory Exhibit
Community Financial Credit Union President/CEO Tansley Stearns is one of seven women who will be honored with an induction into the “Credit Union Women Making History: Herstory” exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum (ACUM).
“We are honored to announce the 2024 inductees into the ‘Credit Union Women Making History: Herstory’ exhibit,” said ACUM Board Chair Kristi Arrington. “Through this exhibit, we continue to celebrate the remarkable women shaping the credit union movement"
This exhibit celebrates the incredible contributions of women in the credit union movement and highlights the impactful stories of those who have shaped the industry.
Stearns is renowned for her visionary leadership, innovative approach and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement. With over 26 years of experience, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to foresee future possibilities, tackle emerging challenges and inspire teams to reach unprecedented heights.
Her iterative strategy has fostered a dynamic team at Community Financial, capable of adapting to ever-changing environments. Under her leadership, the credit union has launched groundbreaking programs, including:
- In the Cellar: As the founder, organizer, and Board Chair of In the Cellar, Stearns leads a collaborative fundraiser across the Great Lakes States benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with an emphasis on mental health which raised over $925,000 in its first year, and is hosting its second annual event at Chicago’s Union Station on Sept. 20, 2024.
- Cancer Care Agent Pilot: In partnership with Andy Janning, under the leadership of Stearns, Community Financial is currently conducting a pilot program aiming to reduce the financial burden of cancer on individuals.
- Domestic Violence Financial Support Program: In partnership with First Step, the Choose the Bear™ movement aims at helping those impacted by domestic violence overcome financial hurdles and find a solid footing as we walk together to healing.
- Affordable Housing Programs: Addressing the housing crisis with innovative solutions is one of the pillars of the Relentless Care Foundation, created under Stearns two-year tenure. This expands beyond lending, to encompass direct work with Otsego Housing Task Force, Hillman Affordable Housing initiatives and more.
- Community Partnerships: Stearns strategically builds partnerships that demonstrate our cooperative finance model commitment to collaboration. These include collaborations with local artist Tony Roko’s Art Foundation (one of the Charitable Contributions CFCU members can choose from when each debit card swipe ignites a one cent donation to these causes), and Roof the Block initiative in collaboration with Nine Design + Homes Keith and Evan to repair 50 roofs in Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood.
Stearns’ influence extends beyond Community Financial. She has led innovation programs, facilitated strategic sessions for credit unions across North America and inspired countless industry professionals through her public speaking engagements at major events, including America’s Credit Unions’ GAC, NAFCU, TruStage Discovery and international forums in Ireland, Spain and Australia.
Her dedication to the industry is exemplified by her roles as founder and Board Chair of In the Cellar, and her participation on the boards of Trellance and Painted Hills. Stearns’ tenure at Canvas Credit Union and her pivotal role at the Filene Research Institute further highlight her substantial contributions to the credit union movement.
The induction ceremony will take place on Sept. 26, 2024, at ACUM in Manchester, New Hampshire. This event will celebrate the remarkable women shaping the credit union movement and inspire future leaders.
For more information on the Herstory exhibit, please visit acumuseum.org/herstory.
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