RADCLIFF, Ky.–Two credit union industry executives have received recognition for their leadership and contributions to the financial services industry, with Abound Credit Union Executive Vice President Shelley Mitchell receiving a statewide Kentucky honor and CU*SOUTH CEO Bob West being named among 25 fintech leaders nationally.
Abound Credit Union said Mitchell received the Frank Moore Outstanding Professional Award from Kentucky’s Credit Unions, recognizing her leadership, professional integrity and commitment to the credit union movement.
The Radcliff, Kentucky-based credit union said Mitchell is the first Abound executive to receive the statewide award since 1994.
‘Incredible Professional Achievements’
“The award highlights Shelley’s incredible professional achievements and her remarkable dedication to advancing the mission and value of credit unions,” Abound President and CEO Ray Springsteen said. “She is highly deserving of this recognition.”
Springsteen said Mitchell has played a key role in making the credit union more accessible and improving products for members.
Abound credited Mitchell with helping modernize its systems, advance technology and improve its digital banking experience. The credit union also cited her work in industry collaboration, advocacy and financial education.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this award,” Mitchell said. “Abound Credit Union’s mission to make more possible aligns with my own personal commitments to education, serving members, and the advancement of the credit union industry overall.”
CU*SOUTH CEO Named Among Fintech Leaders
Separately, Fairhope, Alabama-based CU*SOUTH said CEO Bob West has been named to Powered Magazine’s 25 Outstanding Fintech Leaders of 2026.
CU*SOUTH, a credit union-owned credit union service organization, said Powered Magazine selected 25 executives from 2,700 profiles based on published work, industry impact and peer recognition.
West was listed seventh among the honorees, alongside executives from financial technology companies including Revolut, Rapyd and TIFIN, according to CU*SOUTH.
West has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and the credit union industry. Before joining CU*SOUTH, he was executive vice president and chief information officer at Members 1st Federal Credit Union and served as vice president of client operations management at Fiserv from 2013 to 2018.
U.S. Air Force Veteran
A U.S. Air Force veteran, West became CEO of CU*SOUTH on June 15, 2022.
CU*SOUTH said that under West’s leadership it has expanded its collaborative network, core technology offerings and Essential Services while strengthening its financial position. The organization said total income has nearly doubled over the past five years, while gross profit has increased 125%.
West also oversees Visionary, CU*SOUTH’s annual conference focused on credit union strategy, technology and collaboration. Visionary 2027 is scheduled for April 26-28 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla.
What the Data Show
CU*SOUTH said its client credit unions also have outperformed similarly sized credit unions nationally.
Citing Callahan & Associates Peer Suite Analytics, CU*SOUTH said that among U.S. credit unions with less than $350 million in assets in 2025:
- CU*SOUTH clients recorded membership growth of 2.18%, compared with a 0.45% decline among national peers.
- Loans grew 4.77% among CU*SOUTH clients, compared with 2.35% among peers.
- CU*SOUTH clients reported a 0.88% return on assets, compared with 0.77% among peers.
“I am honored and flattered to be named to this list alongside such singular fintech leaders,” West said. “Everything I do as leader of CU*SOUTH is aimed at helping credit unions grow and giving them the best possible means to serve their members.”
West said the recognition also belonged to CU*SOUTH’s employees and
