Tansley Stearns, president and CEO of Community Financial Credit Union (CFCU) in Plymouth Township, has been inducted into the Herstory exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum in New Hampshire.
The accolade honors Stearns, the first Michigander to be recognized in this way, as a trailblazing leader in the credit union movement, honoring the women who have made significant contributions to the credit union movement.
America’s Credit Union Museum’s Herstory exhibit is dedicated to recognizing women whose visionary leadership and transformative efforts have profoundly shaped the financial industry. Stearns’ induction is a testament to her exemplary leadership, innovative approach and unwavering commitment to advancing the credit union movement.
Stearns is known for her foresight and ability to lead Community Financial to new heights. Under her guidance, the credit union had launched groundbreaking initiatives that address critical issues, including:
- CloseEnuff: A pioneering cashflow account designed to revolutionize fee management by raising the de minimis on Courtesy Pay from $5 to $50, eliminating overdraft transfer fees and reducing NSF fees from $25 to $9. Additionally, it offers Early Pay, allowing members to access direct deposit funds up to two days earlier, enhancing liquidity and financial control.
- Choose the Bear: This movement addressed financial hurdles faced by survivors of domestic violence, offering crucial support and resources to help them achieve financial stability and independence.
- Roof the Block: Community Financial Credit Union’s Relentless Care Foundation is partnering with Brilliant Detroit and Nine Design + Homes on a collaborative initiative aimed at repairing roofs in Detroit’s Fitzgerald neighborhood to enhance housing conditions and community welfare.
Stearns’ influence extends beyond her role at 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.
“I am humbled to be inducted into the Herstory exhibit. I stand on the shoulders of so many others who helped create space for the opportunities I’ve enjoyed. Our credit union movement is a unique and special space for women to lead and to elevate financial opportunities for women across our great country,” said Stearns. “As our industry shapes the future of work, through Herstory, I hope that the next generation of leaders see even more potential to build their career at a credit union. One of my impossible dreams is to ensure credit unions become an employer of choice for those shaping their career options.”
The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at America’s Credit Union Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire. This special event will celebrate the women who have shaped the credit union movement, with Stearns’ story now part of this inspiring exhibit.
For more information on the Herstory exhibit, visit acumuseum.org/herstory.
 in Plymouth Township, has been inducted into the Herstory exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum in New Hampshire.){kind=link}