Michigan Business Beat | Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU - Elected to AACUC and September 2025 News!

Originally uploaded September 19, reloaded October 4th. Chris Holman welcomes back Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome back, Kelli, remind the Michigan business community about LAFCU? What does your election to the AACUC (African American Credit Union Coalition) national board mean for LAFCU and for Michigan’s role in shaping the future of credit unions? How do you see AACUC’s work influencing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the financial services industry? What lessons from your work at LAFCU will you bring to your role on the AACUC board? How can credit unions strengthen their impact on underserved communities through initiatives like those you’ve led at LAFCU? Looking ahead, what opportunities or challenges do you see for credit unions in advancing financial empowerment nationwide? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan executive to help shape the future of credit unions nationwide through AACUC leadership LANSING, Mich. — The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) has elected Kelli Ellsworth Etchison to its national board of directors for a three-year term. Ellsworth Etchison is the chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer for LAFCU. She also serves as CEO of the StableCommunities Foundation powered by LAFCU. Her election elevates Michigan’s role in the national credit union movement and underscores LAFCU’s leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the financial services industry. Ellsworth Etchison will join peers from across the country in helping guide strategies that shape the future of credit unions and their ability to serve African Americans and other underrepresented communities. Founded in 1999, the AACUC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity within the credit union industry through advocacy, mentorship, and professional development. Its board provides strategic direction for industry-wide conversations on equity, opportunity, and access. “I am deeply honored to join the AACUC Board of Directors,” Ellsworth Etchison said. “The AACUC community is bold, mindful, and brave in advancing equity and opportunity. This role is about more than professional leadership — it’s about ensuring that credit unions remain strong advocates for financial empowerment and inclusion. I’m proud to bring LAFCU’s voice to this important work.” At LAFCU, Ellsworth Etchison has spearheaded initiatives ranging from multicultural engagement to financial literacy programs for youth, seniors, and underserved groups. The AACUC announced its 2025-2026 Executive Committee and newly elected directors on Sept. 3. About LAFCU Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members' financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For’ and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com. # # #