By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Beverly Anderson, a seasoned financial services executive with a long-standing track record of successfully executing innovative strategies and a commitment to supporting short- and long-term business goals, recently took over as President and CEO of BECU, the nation’s largest community credit union. Anderson’s appointment as CEO underscores the growing role of Black women in business and politics, as she joins a growing number of women of color who are breaking barriers and making an impact in various sectors of the economy.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, BECU is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Anderson is committed to BECU’s mission of enhancing the financial well-being of its members and communities through education, services, and values that promote financial health and prosperity.
“I am honored and humbled to lead the BECU team,” says Anderson. “BECU is unapologetic in its devotion to its members and the communities it serves.”
As BECU’s new CEO, Anderson’s vision and plans for the future of the credit union are focused on expanding its reach and impact while remaining true to its core mission. Through education, services, and values that enhance the lives of its members and communities, Anderson believes that BECU can play a critical role in promoting financial well-being and prosperity.
“BECU’s efforts in providing education, products, and services that enhance the lives of the members and communities they serve are critical,” says Anderson. “I look forward to innovating to expand its reach and impact.”
Anderson’s appointment as CEO follows the successful tenure of Benson Porter, who led the credit union for ten years. As Anderson takes over the reins of BECU, Porter transitions to CEO emeritus, supporting her onboarding through the end of 2022.
Debra Somberg, BECU’s Board of Directors chairperson, is confident that Anderson is the right person to lead BECU into the future.
“From our first introduction, Bev understood what makes BECU special and embraced our purpose around financial well-being,” says Somberg. “I’m confident she will ensure the credit union delivers on our promise and value to our members and employees, as well as our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Anderson’s recognitions include Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Corporate America,” CardLinx’s “Top 20 Women in Digital Commerce,” and the Kenneth A. Powell Award for Professional Achievement from the Harvard Business School African American Alumni Association. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Florida A&M University and received her Master of Business Administration with distinction from Harvard Business School.
