MODESTO, Calif.– With both celebration and a touch of sadness, Valley First Credit Union has announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Mary Roberts – a remarkable leader, and mentor whose career in financial services spans nearly four decades, including 30 inspiring years dedicated to the credit union mission, VFCU said.
“Roberts journey into the credit union world didn’t begin with a grand plan – it began, as she puts it, with the simple need for a job change. But what she found was something deeper: a calling. A shift from shareholder-focused work to a purpose rooted in people and community,” the credit union said. “And from that moment on, her heart never really left.
“Throughout her career – across S&Ls, banks, and credit unions, Mary has been a steady hand through seasons of uncertainty, change, and challenge. From regulatory burdens to financial crises to global pandemics, she was there. Her leadership helped organizations not only survive – but grow stronger. And for so many, it was Mary’s wisdom, patience, and belief in people that made all the difference.
“When Valley First needed a CFO to help guide its next chapter, Mary answered the call – not just to lead financials, but to build a foundation for the future. And that’s exactly what she did”
“I just hoped to be of help,” Roberts said. “And in turn, I found myself part of something truly special here.”
Roberts’ impact is not measured only by balance sheets or budgets, it’s seen in the people she mentored, the trust she built, and the community she served with quiet dedication. She often says her greatest pride isn’t in titles or achievements, but in watching colleagues she’s supported grow into confident leaders and changemakers in their own right, the credit union said.
“Mary’s legacy is one of grace, strength, and generosity,” said Kathryn J. Davis, President and CEO of Valley First. “She has this beautiful ability to make even the most complex challenges feel manageable. She’s given her all to this movement – not for recognition, but because she truly believes in people helping people. And she’s made us better in every way.”
As Roberts steps into retirement, her plans are simple and beautiful: more tennis, more time in the kitchen, more moments with family – and continued service to the community she loves. “I may be retiring from my career,” she shared, “but I’m not retiring from my purpose. As I close this chapter, my heart is full. It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to serve in this industry -an industry built on trust, people, and community. To every teammate, mentor, and friend who walked this path with me – thank you. I hope I gave back as much as I received. Keep showing up for each other,
keep lifting others as you climb, and keep believing in the mission. The best is always yet to come.”
A Message from the Valley First Team:
“Mary, you’ve left a lasting mark on each of us. You led with authenticity, mentored with care, and reminded us that integrity and kindness belong at every table – even the budget one. Thank you for being the calm in the storm, the numbers whisperer, the encourager, and the example. Your legacy isn’t just what you built – it’s who you built up along the way. You will be deeply missed, but never far from our hearts.”