PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Crain’s Detroit Business has named Tansley Stearns, president and ceo of Community Financial Credit Union (Community Financial), to its prestigious list of 2025 Notable Leaders in Finance. This recognition honors influential professionals who drive innovation in the financial sector while strengthening their communities.
Since stepping into her role, Stearns has redefined what it means to lead with both heart and strategy, championing initiatives that expand Community Financial’s positive impact across Michigan. Her people-first approach is visible in everything from groundbreaking financial tools to community programs that meet real needs.
Under her leadership, Stearns launched the Choose the Bear campaign to support abuse survivors and introduced CloseEnuff, a cashflow tool that has helped members save over $1 million. She has also led major fundraising efforts, raising $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through In the Cellar, established a financial relief program for cancer patients, and replaced roofs for families across Detroit. These initiatives reflect her commitment to building stronger communities—efforts that also contributed to Community Financial being recognized as one of America’s Best Credit Unions by Forbes.
“When the Community Financial Credit Union Board hired Tansley in June 2022, we were impressed by her vision for the potential of cooperative finance,” said Board Chairperson Teri Kuehn, “In three years, she has demonstrated a unique ability to dream and bring bold ideas to execution. We see even more potential for the future under her leadership. We welcome this opportunity to celebrate with her and the team and keep building toward even more impact together.”
Stearns’ commitment to purpose-driven leadership extends beyond her organization. She brought Crisis Text Line services to Northville Public Schools, expanded financial literacy efforts, and founded HERd, an annual event designed to amplify women's voices, financial health, and empowerment in the workplace. In 2024, her work earned her induction into the Herstory Exhibit at America’s Credit Union Museum, celebrating the contributions of women in the industry.
Through her 25-year credit union career, Stearns developed a leadership philosophy she calls “Cushion and Wings.” Cushions offer safety, connection, grace and empathy. Wings challenge people to innovate, speak boldly and imagine new possibilities. Stearns believes blending both concepts creates a culture where individuals thrive and organizations flourish.
Beyond her role at Community Financial, Stearns serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including In the Cellar, Inc.; Relentless Care Foundation; Michigan Humanities; Painted Hills; and Fostering Love Rescues.
Crain’s selects its Notable Leaders in Finance through a competitive peer nomination and editorial review process. Since launching the series in 2017, Crain’s has recognized more than 5,000 industry leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation, and impact. Read Tansley Stearns’ full profile now at CrainsDetroit.com. The story will also appear in Crain’s Detroit Business print edition on June 30.
