Kelly McDonough, President/CEO of Earthmover Credit Union, was recently inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Fame, in recognition of her significant contributions to the credit union movement. Kelly’s monumental career demonstrates her perceptive leadership, prudent business acumen and charitable service. This designation honors Kelly and her numerous professional achievements.

“I am deeply honored to receive this commendation from the Credit Union House,” said Kelly. “Throughout my career, I have always sought to apply myself to the advancement of the credit union mission. Financial wellness is a major component of overall wellbeing; putting in place best practices allows credit unions to thrive and best serve members. Earning this designation alongside so many talented credit union faces is a true pleasure.”

Kelly has worked in the credit union industry for over 30 years; she held vice president roles at two credit unions and has served as President/CEO of three different credit unions. Not only did she graduate seventh in her class at St. Michael’s College with a bachelor’s in business administration—she did so while raising her son as a single mother. As President/CEO of First Alliance Credit Union, Kelly earned a master’s degree in business continuity management from Norwich University in order to create business continuity plans for the credit union. In 1983, Kelly earned her CPA designation in Vermont. She is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s School for Bank Administration and the University of Missouri Columbia for Senior Management Institute.

“As someone who knows Kelly, I have seen dedication shine through her every move,” Earthmover Credit Union Executive Vice President Janel Cabadas said. “She is deeply loyal to her credit union colleagues and passionate about serving members. We truly could not think of an individual more deserving of this honor than Kelly.

A skilled leader, Kelly has spearheaded significant business growth. She recently oversaw the merger between Earthmover Credit Union and Peoples Energy Credit Union, which expanded the availability of products and services to the incoming membership. During her tenure as President/CEO, Kelly grew Earthmover’s assets from $292 million in 2019 to $420 million in 2025, and increased its membership from 29,000 to 31,000. Throughout the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly’s stable and confident leadership allowed members to receive crucial financial services, while keeping employees safe and protected. Earthmover worked with members to modify existing loans, established hardship loans and postpone loan payments during the difficult season.

Kelly is an active leader in the community, having served on numerous boards and committees. In 2014, Kelly served as Political Involvement Committee Chairman for the Minnesota Credit Union Network. Additionally, Kelly was Director for the Minnesota Credit Union Network between 2013 and 2016; Board Chairman of the Minnesota Credit Union Network in 2016; Campaign Finance Chair for United Way of Olmsted County in 2013; and served on the Political Involvement Committee for the Wisconsin Credit Union League in 2018 and 2019. Kelly was on a committee that brought the Wincentive program to Wisconsin, a savings account that enters members into cash drawings.

Kelly deeply respects those who serve members, and as such implemented generous employee-benefit programs at different credit unions that were a resounding success and made a major difference in the financial health of employees. Kelly is well known among her colleagues as a personable and friendly leader; she considers her employees family, even inviting staff to her home for a summer picnic. A longtime fan of United Way, she has contributed to local chapters in every community she has lived. Currently, she is the Treasurer for the Fox Valley United Way Board of Directors.

Kelly has received numerous accolades in acknowledgment of her tremendous contributions to the credit union movement. Being inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Fame bookends a lengthy career of service and commitment to credit union ideals.