Rooted in People, Driven by Purpose: Community Financial Credit Union Earns Dual Recognition for Impact and Innovation

For the second year in a row, Community Financial has been named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Credit Unions in Michigan, a recognition based entirely on real consumer feedback. The Forbes list, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluates credit unions nationwide on trust, terms and conditions, branch and digital services, customer service, and financial advice. Community Financial was one of only 10 credit unions recognized in the state and was highlighted for its people-first values, financial innovation, and heartfelt commitment to serving Michigan communities.

“This recognition reflects the passion and purpose our entire team brings to serving our members each day,” said Tansley Stearns, president and ceo of Community Financial Credit Union. “We’re proud to be recognized by Forbes and our community for building meaningful relationships, delivering trusted financial guidance, and creating a credit union that meets the needs of today while preparing members for tomorrow.”

Stearns herself was also named one of Crain’s Detroit Business 2025 Notable Leaders in Finance, a recognition honoring professionals who drive innovation in the financial sector while strengthening their communities. Since becoming ceo in 2022, Stearns has redefined what leadership in cooperative finance looks like—launching purpose-driven initiatives that support Michiganders at every stage of life.

Under her leadership, Community Financial introduced breakthrough tools like CloseEnuff, which has helped members save over $1 million, and the Choose the Bear campaign, which raised awareness and support for abuse survivors. Stearns has led more than $2 million in fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and expanded financial literacy and equity through programs like HERd and Crisis Text Line services in local schools.

“When the Community Financial Credit Union Board hired Tansley in June 2022, we were impressed by her vision for the potential of cooperative finance,” said Board Chairperson Teri Kuehn. “In three years, she has demonstrated a unique ability to dream and bring bold ideas to execution. We see even more potential for the future under her leadership.”

These recognitions underscore Community Financial’s longstanding commitment to putting people first—from launching innovative financial wellness tools and community programs to providing emergency relief and uplifting families across the state. Whether it’s through AI-powered fraud protection, mobile-first banking, or grassroots outreach after a crisis, Community Financial continues to lead with care, courage, and connection.

To learn more about Community Financial’s mission and services, visit www.cfcu.org. To view the full Forbes list, visit www.forbes.com. To read Stearns’ Crain’s profile, visit CrainsDetroit.com.

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About Community Financial Credit Union
Community Financial Credit Union goes beyond banking to help moms, teachers, students and members find belonging and financial family. As a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan and with nearly 85,000 members across southeast and northern Michigan, we dedicate our 350+ employees’ time, and $1.6 billion in assets, to uplift the communities we serve for the past 70 years. Named one of America’s Best Credit Unions by Forbes and certified as a Great Place to Work, Community Financial fosters real connections with its members and the community; providing solutions for a better quality of life. With our mission of creating joy and igniting Michiganders’ impossible dreams, Community Financial believes in building a brighter tomorrow by fostering belonging and putting people first. To learn more, visit: www.cfcu.org.