Community Financial Credit Union is proud to announce that our president & ceo, Tansley Stearns, has been honored with an induction into the prestigious Herstory exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum. 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.
Community Financial Credit Union's President and CEO Tansley Stearns
Visionary Leadership and Commitment
Tansley Stearns is renowned for her visionary leadership, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to the credit union movement. With over 26 years of experience, Stearns has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to foresee future possibilities, tackle emerging challenges, and inspire teams to reach unprecedented heights.
As the first Michigander to be inducted, Stearns’ name will forever be tied to leaders who shaped the movement as Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, or Sarah Canepa Bang in this permanent exhibit at the Museum. Learn more about their stories here.
Her iterative strategy has fostered a dynamic team at Community Financial Credit Union, capable of adapting to ever-changing environments. Under her leadership, the credit union has launched groundbreaking programs that many believed impossible, 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 September 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: Realizing we can do even more together, 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.
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. 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.
Inspiration and Mentorship
Stearns’ ability to inspire and mentor is unparalleled. She is a critical thinker and strategist who shares her insights through 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 been a mentor and advisor to 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 will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at America’s Credit Union Museum 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.