Members Choice Credit Union CEO Wins Prestigious Award

Members Choice Credit Union's CEO, Cheryl Deborde, was presented the Frank Moore Outstanding Professional Award at the Kentucky Credit Union League Annual Meeting on August 27, 2021.

The purpose of the Frank Moore Outstanding Professional Award is to recognize the distinguished achievements, time, and effort in support and promotion of the credit union idea put forth by the credit union professionals in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

"It is an honor to have been chosen for the Frank Moore Outstanding Professional Award, and to have won the award is amazing," Deborde said. "I have been so fortunate and blessed with opportunities to grow and thrive in the wonderful state of Kentucky, and to be recognized among so many terrific financial institution leaders is truly humbling!"

Deborde has been with Members Choice Credit Union since March of 2010, when she was hired as the Compliance Manager. She was chosen to be CEO by the Board of Directors in the Winter of 2015. Her integrity and work ethic over 30 years in the financial industry have made her one of the most respected business leaders in Eastern Kentucky. She passed on these values and a wealth of knowledge to each of us here at Members Choice.  Most notably, Cheryl's devotion to the financial well-being of MCCU's members led to her being recognized as the CU Times "Credit Union Hero of the Year" for the entire nation in 2021.

More than anything else, Cheryl demonstrates the model of "People Helping People." During her tenure as President, MCCU has won 2 Excellence Awards from CUNA's Operations & Member Experience Council for member service and several local commendations for the best financial institution and credit union.  Under her leadership, MCCU has transitioned from a sales-oriented model to one dedicated to member service.  Her mantra of "people are our most important asset" has given Members Choice a sharp focus on meeting the needs of both our members and our community.  Her desire to bring positive change to the area has made Members Choice recognized as a vital part of the community.

She models the behavior of People Helping People in her own life as well.  Deborde serves on several local boards as a committed community supporter, including the United Way of Northeast Kentucky, Emmaus Respite & Resource Center; most notably, on the board of Sonlight Academy in Port-Au-Paix, Haiti, for the past thirteen years. She has made over 30 mission trips to the country. 

"Staff and associates describe Cheryl as a visionary, someone always looking to better members' lives—through member experience, financial counseling, or new technologies," says Don Neikirk, Members Choice CU's Board Chairman. "In our minds, she's an ideal Credit Union Hero, and we celebrate the difference she has made throughout our membership and the entire State of Kentucky."