Leading with Heart: McDermott Named 2025 Professional of the Year

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Carmela McDermott’s 30-year career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to the credit union movement, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her dedication to enhancing member experience and institutional success.  

Through her leadership at multiple levels in the industry—from individual credit unions to statewide organizations—she has made a lasting impact on the financial well-being of credit union members and the communities they serve. 

At her current role at Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, McDermott champions workplace culture, drives employee engagement, supports young professionals, and is instrumental in leading the credit union's annual scholarship program, which awards more than $900,000 to graduating seniors.  

She organizes staff for community volunteer opportunities and acts as a catalyst for staff involvement with YP activities, the Houston Chapter of Credit Unions, Credit Union Leadership Academy, local food drives, and much more. 

Valarie Prillman, VP of HR & Compliance at Cy-Fair FCU describes her as a teacher, a coach, a cheerleader, and a shoulder to cry on. 

“Carmela is more than an employee; she is the heartbeat of our credit union,” Prillman wrote. “She consistently strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of the credit union leaders.”   

McDermott’s credit union journey started at Wymar Federal Credit Union, where she led a small team to implement operational improvements and member-first strategies. That experience laid the foundation for her 25-year career at Credit Union Resources (now Cornerstone Resources), where she served in various roles, including recruiter and vice president of sales. 

At Credit Union Resources, she became known across the industry as a gifted matchmaker—placing the right people in the right roles—and for her ability to cultivate relationships with warmth and authenticity. Her impact was national in scope, but always personal in approach. 

From guiding careers to shaping culture, Carmela McDermott has improved lives and strengthened communities—one relationship at a time.