Detroit, MI (April 14, 2025) |
One Detroit Credit Union is pleased to welcome Stephanie Peoples as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). An experienced financial services leader and a lifelong proponent of economic empowerment, Peoples joins the organization with more than 20 years of experience and an unwavering dedication to community banking.
Peoples comes on board as executive leader at a landmark for One Detroit, as the credit union gets ready to mark its 90th anniversary and launches a new chapter under new CEO Portia Powell, the organization’s first woman and African American CEO. Powell and Peoples will together lead the organization’s ongoing expansion, innovation, and steadfast dedication to financial inclusion.
In this new role, Peoples will be responsible for operational strategy and implementation across the organization with a focus on expanding access to cores services, creating high-performing teams, and establishing internal systems that support long-term growth. Her near-term priorities include strengthening operational soundness, expanding business lending, and expanding community engagement through education and nonprofit collaborations.
“I was drawn to One Detroit because of its mission. It’s not just about banking. It’s about being present in the community, solving real problems, and changing lives,” said Peoples. “I’m excited to work alongside Portia Powell to drive meaningful impact through lending solutions, financial literacy, and member-focused innovation.”
Peoples comes to One Detroit following a 21-year career at JPMorgan Chase, where she held various leadership positions as district manager and senior business consultant in the Minority Entrepreneur Program. Her professional efforts to serve small businesses throughout Michigan were aimed at assisting historically under-scored entrepreneurs in accessing capital, expanding strategically, and developing sustainable businesses. This is perfectly with One Detroit’s mission to serve members who do not have access to conventional bank services.
Peoples is a hands-on leader and is motivated by what she calls her "People Principles": members, employees, processes, productivity, and profitability. She sees herself as a servant leader, a perfectionist, and a leader who leads with structure, along with empathy.
“I am thrilled to have Stephanie Peoples as the Chief Operating Officer of One Detroit Credit Union,” said Powell. “She brings an energizing blend of industry knowledge, operational focus, and a true heart for the community. I’m confident her leadership will help us deepen our impact and elevate the member experience.”
Her personal motto, “Be the change you want to see,” embodies her values-based leadership style. Peoples is driven to grow financial literacy, homeownership, and access to affordable, community-based financial solutions such as youth savings account, consolidation loans, and life insurance, for Detroiters.