Community Financial Credit Union's president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, Celebrated at America's Credit Union Museum's Herstory Exhibit Induction Ceremony

Community Financial Credit Union is proud to announce that our president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, was officially inducted into the prestigious Herstory Exhibit at America's Credit Union Museum on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The induction ceremony, held at the museum in Manchester, New Hampshire, celebrated the remarkable contributions of women who have significantly advanced the credit union movement for the benefit of all.

A Celebration of Visionary Leaders
The event honored not only Tansley Stearns but also six other outstanding leaders whose dedication and innovation have shaped the industry. Congratulations to Donna Bland, Crystal Long, Judy McCarthy, Joanne Todd, Caroline Willard, and Patsy Van Ouwerkerk.

These seven honorees, join the ranks of influential figures such as Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, and Sarah Canepa Bang in this permanent exhibit, which showcases the stories of women who have left an indelible mark on the credit union movement. Their collective stories serve as inspiration for future generations committed to the principles of cooperative finance.

During the event’s each honoree addressed the audience and provided inspiring remarks (complete recording available here, Stearns’ starting at 17m 37s). In her remarks, Stearns launched a bold challenge, “We must do better.” Stearns said, “We should be restless about progress because it’s not fast enough, and we have to do more. I hope that today’s ceremony gives you an opportunity to be inspired, and that tomorrow you find someone to walk with toward an even brighter future, because credit unions are needed, and women are needed to lead.”

Tansley Stearns: Visionary Leadership and Commitment
With over 26 years of experience, Tansley Stearns is renowned for her visionary leadership, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to foresee future possibilities, tackle emerging challenges, and inspire teams to reach unprecedented heights.

Under her leadership, Community Financial Credit Union has launched groundbreaking programs that
many believed impossible, including:

• In the Cellar: As the founder and Board Chair, Stearns leads a collaborative fundraiser across the Great Lakes States benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with an emphasis on mental health. The initiative raised over $2,033,255 in its first two years. In the Cellar returns for its third annual event at Milwaukee’s Harley Davidson Museum on September 12, 2025.
• Cancer Care Agent Pilot: In partnership with Andy Janning, Community Financial is conducting a pilot program aiming to reduce the financial burden of cancer on individuals.
• Domestic Violence Financial Support Program: In collaboration with First Step, the Choose the Bear™ movement helps those impacted by domestic violence overcome financial hurdles and find solid footing on the path to healing.
• Affordable Housing Programs: Addressing the housing crisis with innovative solutions is one of the pillars of the Relentless Care Foundation, created during Stearns' tenure. This includes direct work with the Otsego Housing Task Force, Hillman Affordable Housing initiatives, and more.
• Community Partnerships: Stearns strategically builds partnerships that demonstrate the cooperative finance model's commitment to collaboration. These include collaborations with local artist Tony Roko's Art Foundation and the Roof the Block initiative with Nine Design + Homes' Keith and Evan to repair 50 roofs in Detroit's Fitzgerald neighborhood.

Lasting Impact and Industry Advocacy
Stearns' influence extends beyond Community Financial Credit Union. 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. Her tenure at Canvas Credit Union and her pivotal role at the Filene Research Institute further highlight her substantial contributions to the credit union movement.

Inspiration and Mentorship
Stearns is a critical thinker and strategist who shares her insights through her weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Curiously Driven. She engages strategically with system organizations and participates in CEO panels at national events. Her storytelling prowess and collaborative spirit have motivated many to achieve the impossible.

She has mentored and advised numerous credit union CEOs, helping develop talent across the industry. Her legacy includes the promotion of direct reports to senior executive roles, contributing to the overall growth and success of the credit union system.

A Champion for Change
Tansley Stearns is a champion for change within the credit union movement. Her leadership initiatives exemplify her commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of credit union members, including the development of CloseEnuff™, a checking account aimed at addressing financial insecurity, and her advocacy for gender equity.

Celebrating Herstory
The induction ceremony was a momentous occasion that celebrated the remarkable women shaping the credit union movement and inspired future leaders. For more information on the Herstory exhibit and to learn about all the honorees, please visit acumuseum.org/herstory.

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