Winona Nava, who is retiring next year, took over Guadalupe Credit Union in 1991 when it had dwindled to just above $10 million of assets. Nava's immigrant-friendly policies led some staffers to resign in protest, but that didn't discourage her. "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity," she said.

In its inaugural Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions listing, American Banker is proud to share the stories of 25 of the women leading the credit union industry through times of rapid and unprecedented change.

When credit union leaders are open to feedback from members and employees of many backgrounds, they can strengthen workplace morale and attract new customers, inclusion advocates say.

Wings Financial Credit Union in Apple Valley, Minnesota, has agreed to buy Settlers Bank in DeForest, Wisconsin. It's the third bank acquisition deal Wings has announced, one of which fell through.

Rising interest rates are forcing credit unions to pay more for deposits while they are sitting on low-yielding loans, according to the National Credit Union Administration's eastern regional director, John Kutchey.

Affinity Federal Credit Union in Basking Ridge said Kevin Brauer will succeed John Fenton as president and chief executive on Jan. 1.

Truliant Federal Credit Union plans to build three more locations in the northwest corner of South Carolina by the end of next year. The $4 billion-asset credit union also recently opened a regional office in Greenville, South Carolina.

Even the most passionate workers may need a more flexible schedule, a hybrid office or unique training. Credit unions that want to hire and retain those people need to not only meet those needs, but also know when to help them move on to a new employer, experts say.

Telhio promoted Derrick Bailey to be its next president and said he'll eventually be CEO, though it did not say when he would succeed Leslie Bumgarner at the helm.

Steve Brewer, who has been with the credit union for roughly 20 years as its chief financial officer, will take the helm on Nov. 1.