Community Choice Remembers Catherine Roberts
On April 26, the credit union movement lost a respected and admired leader in Catherine Roberts, former CEO of Research Federal Credit Union (now Community Choice Credit Union).
Community Choice shared this message following her passing:
Many of us share the experience of working for or alongside Catherine, as she was CEO of Research Federal Credit Union from 1991-2008. There, she assembled a talented team to lead one of the industry’s biggest come back stories, and prepared Research Federal for a merger-partnership with Community Choice to form the basis of the strong organization we are today. She was a celebrated industry leader, earning the distinction of the first woman to serve on the World Council of Credit Unions Board of Directors, and being named one of Crain’s Detroit Businesses Most Influential Women, among many other honors. Following her retirement, she would continue to serve the industry via the World Council, and her female-owned consultancy, InFUSION Group.
But beyond all of that, she was best known as an inspiring and nurturing servant leader who cared deeply for our team members, and our members. She lived and breathed the purpose of our movement to financially empower people and communities. She was also a devoted parent, and a friend and mentor to many. Please join us in taking a moment to honor Catherine. She’d truly not have wanted it to be in grief – if she could, she’d likely ask us to focus instead on what we’re going to do to make the world a better place in the time we still have ahead.
Each year, the Community Choice Foundation designates a Catherine Roberts Scholar, recognizing a student who is blazing their own trail of firsts and modeling Catherine’s brand of servant leadership. Catherine will be honored at our upcoming 2024 scholar ceremony in memoriam.
