American Banker released its most recent list of what is dubbed The Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions. The list celebrates the brightest, most forward-thinking women in the American credit union sector. It recognizes executives who are leading innovation, tailoring solutions to underserved communities and creating new paths for tomorrow’s credit union leaders.
The trade publication launched the list in 2022. It is part of American Banker’s coverage of the progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion across financial services and fulfills its mission of supporting, empowering, celebrating, and advancing women in the financial industry.
Meet the three most powerful Black women in credit unions in 2023.
1. Beverly Anderson
Ranked at number 3, Beverly Anderson is the highest-ranking Black woman on the list. She is the CEO of Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU), the largest community-based financial cooperative. She leads all aspects of the 1.4 million member credit union with approximately $30 billion in assets. Although Anderson is yet to make a year with BECU, she has already dealt with record interest rate levels and increased member expectations for new technology and a hybrid work model. She has launched campaigns to help efficiently restructure the credit union and introduced a new Interactive Voice Agent. She is leading a transformational effort to grow and scale BECU and is expanding other previously offered services. Anderson previously served as President of Global Consumer Solutions at Equifax.
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2. Tonita Webb
Webb has served as the CEO of Verity Credit Union for two years. The credit union serves over 40,000 members and manages over $800 million in assets. Webb is using tools, data and technology to increase member’s financial prosperity. Verity has partnered with Zest AI, an automated underwriting software company to create a new process for approving credit cards, personal loans, lines of credit and auto loans. It uses approximately 300 data points to assess credit risk instead of one credit score. Under her leadership, Verity has surpassed 40,000 members for the first time in its history.
3. Sherri Thomas
Sherri Thomas is the Chief Administrative Officer at Truliant Federal Credit Union and is ranked 14th on the list. The credit union has over 30 branches, serves more than 267,000 members and manages $4.7 billion in assets. Thomas is responsible for human resources, strategic direction and oversight of DEI programs and Truliant at Work, the credit union’s B2B workplace benefits program. Truliant annually surveys its employees and provides feedback on how to grow their careers which ultimately increases employee retention and engagement. Thomas has been with the credit union for 13 years. She previously served as its Chief Human Resources and Organizational Development Officer.
