Cornerstone CU president/CEO selected as Credit Union Magazine Hero of the Year

Credit Union Magazine announced today that Harlene Johnson, president of Light Commerce Credit Union, is the winner of the 2019 Credit Union Hero of the Year award. Sponsored by CUNA system partner CUNA Mutual Group, the Credit Union Hero of the Year award recognizes an individual who serves as an example for the entire movement through their service, advocacy, and commitment to credit union ideals.

Johnson’s credit union journey stared when marriage took her to Houston, where she opted to be a stay-at-home mom and dedicate her free time to volunteerism and the church. She previously enjoyed a successful banking career in Louisiana.

Soon enough, New Light Christian Center Church in Houston made plans to charter a credit union. And church leaders determined that Johnson was well-qualified to lead that initiative.

”Harlene’s passion for her community and her financial expertise, inspired New Light Christian Center Church to ask her to lead the chartering process for a new credit union,” said Ann Hayes Peterson, CUNA vice president of publishing and editor-in-chief. “Light Commerce Credit Union was built with her passion. And its success is defined by her determination and leadership.”

“The league aligned me with credit unions in the area that mentored me,” Johnson says. “I also connected with other faith-based credit unions, who shared their wisdom and their experiences. Even to this day I can call any of those credit unions, and they’ll provide me with the support I need.”

As a CUNA Certified Financial Counselor, Johnson plays a pivotal role in helping members facing financial trouble avoid predatory payday lenders and attain affordable lending alternatives under a federal grant recently awarded to her $2.7 million asset credit union. Johnson also assists these members in developing long-term financial plans and strategies to secure a better financial future.

“We take advantage of every opportunity we can—church events and credit union workshops—to speak to our members about finances,” said Johnson. “I do a lot of one-on-one, free financial counseling.”

One way she and her staff help protect members is by always speaking to them first before verifying their deposits in response to calls from payday lenders. During these phone conversations, Light Commerce representatives urge the members to contact the credit union for a one-on-one consultation before taking out a loan. The credit union representative then outlines the repercussions of a payday loan, and more often than not fills that void with a loan from the credit union with more manageable terms.

Johnson takes great pride in the fact that, although small, Light Commerce offers a robust menu of products and services, including mobile banking, online banking, and debit cards. She offers no secret to success other than sponsor support and efficient operations, which have allowed the credit union to grow.

“Because we are small, I am always monitoring expenses,” she says. “As contracts come up for renewal, I am always looking for a better way of doing something that will provide us more for less.”

Johnson has made Light Commerce a part of the Houston community—and a true reflection of her passion for serving others.

“I love to share the knowledge and the blessings I have with others,” she says. “Being a part of a wonderful church that helps people not just spiritually but in all areas of their lives has given me the freedom to pursue that passion and make a difference in the community.”

Johnson will be recognized at America’s Credit Union Conference, June 17-20 in Walt Disney World^® Resort, Florida.

Source: CUNA