Loyal service, unyielding support, and bold decisions led Deborah Conder to become Volunteer of the Year

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Deborah Conder has been the driving force behind Wellby Financial. Her progressive decisions have led to innovative technological changes, upgraded systems, and a successful rebranding initiative, ensuring the credit union adapted to change and thrived.

Conder was aware of the benefits of financial cooperatives and became a credit union member during her undergraduate college years. She was working at the NASA-Johnson Space Center when a colleague encouraged her to apply for an open seat on the credit union board.

“Serving the credit union industry as a volunteer provides me an opportunity to use my executive skills and experiences to benefit our members,” said Conder. “My long tenure serving credit unions is about passion, about our purpose and mission, and successfully making a difference.”

Martyn Pell, president/CEO of Wellby Financial, said Conder’s leadership is characterized by loyal service, unyielding support, and bold decisions, and her impact on the credit union has been nothing short of transformative.

Under Conder’s guidance, the credit union’s board of directors embraced progressive changes, ushering in a new era of transparency and efficiency.

In 2022, Conder and Pell, Wellby’s newly appointed CEO, unveiled an updated strategic plan and a purpose statement: “Help People Prosper.” This new direction was felt internally and externally and helped land the credit union on several “top places to work” lists, underscoring Conder’s positive influence.

But her involvement spans beyond the inner workings of the credit union. Her unwavering commitment to financial literacy, education, and local charities has been felt by many.

Last year, under her direction, Wellby Financial gave more than $378,000 to local education initiatives and nonprofits and fostered community spirit by supporting local events, which attracted thousands of participants. 

Wellby's award-winning financial literacy program aims to build financial resiliency, foster prosperity, and promote community well-being.

Inspired by her own work at NASA, Conder guided the credit union to establish a college internship program and funded an $85,000 endowment to the University of Houston Clear Lake, ensuring financial relief for unpaid interns.

“Her commitment to financial literacy, exemplified through initiatives such as the college internship program and the financial literacy program, demonstrates her vision for empowering individuals and communities,” says Pell.

This community involvement solidified Wellby Financial's leadership far beyond the financial sector. It elevated the credit union to a high standard of workplace culture and community commitment.

Back home in the credit union world, Conder knows the value of staying connected and informed within the industry and encourages participation in state, regional, and national conferences. She has been a supporter of Cornerstone League and national associations serving on committees, fostering growth, and enhancing industry initiatives.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of Conder’s influence in our region. Her passion, vision, and tireless dedication have elevated Wellby Financial to new heights.

About the Volunteer of the Year  Award
Re-imagined for 2024 and the future, Cornerstone’s Volunteer of the Year recognizes accomplishments of time and effort in support and promotion of the credit union movement by unpaid credit union volunteers.