Cornerstone Honors Two Longtime Employees Ahead of Retirement

Cornerstone League is celebrating two longtime colleagues, Janine McBee, director of Southwest Credit Union Management School, and Doug Foister, director of research, as they prepare to begin their next chapters in retirement.

Nearly 45 Years of Service

McBee’s final day with Cornerstone will be Aug. 28, concluding a career spanning nearly 45 years. Throughout her tenure, she became a trusted presence to generations of colleagues, credit union professionals, students, faculty, and industry partners.

Known by many SCMS students as “Momma J,” McBee’s connection to SCMS dates to 1986, when students arrived with typewriters, completed financial analysis on calculators, and saved their work on floppy disks. While technology and education have transformed dramatically, McBee told graduates at this year’s commencement that one thing has remained constant: the value of lifelong learning and the relationships formed through SCMS.

“SCMS has been woven into the fabric of my life,” McBee said.

At the 53rd SCMS commencement, McBee was recognized for 44 years of service. The Cornerstone Foundation also established the Janine McBee Honorary SCMS Scholarship, extending her legacy by supporting future credit union professionals.

McBee looks forward to spending more time with her husband of 40 years and their twin grandchildren.

41 Years of Research and Service

Foister has spent 41 years with Cornerstone, beginning as a research analyst before becoming director of research. His work has helped Cornerstone and its members better understand the people behind the data.

Among his most meaningful experiences were focus groups with credit union members.

“These groups always reminded me that we’re ultimately serving real people with real hopes and needs in life,” Foister said. “More than once I’ve seen focus group participants weep when recounting how their credit union helped them through difficult times.”

His advice to those earlier in their careers reflects that same people-first perspective: “I would encourage them to seek to develop a servant’s spirit at work.”

In retirement, Foister looks forward to spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and becoming more involved in ministry activities.

Cornerstone congratulates McBee and Foister and thanks them for a combined 85 years of service.