WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Sunday, March 2, 2025, four distinguished Illinois credit union leaders were inducted into the prestigious Credit Union House Hall of Leaders. Kerry Fearn of Area Educational Credit Union, Sean Rathjen of Consumers Credit Union, Kelly McDonough of Earthmover Credit Union, and Tom Kane of the Illinois Credit Union System were honored for their exceptional dedication and lasting contributions to the credit union movement.

The Illinois inductees were among twenty industry champions recognized during a special ceremony at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. The Hall of Leaders celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on the credit union industry and whose leadership has advanced the mission and philosophy of credit unions at every level.

Kerry Fearn, Sean Rathjen, Kelly McDonough, and Tom Kane have each demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the financial well-being of credit union members and strengthening the cooperative movement in Illinois and beyond.

"We are incredibly proud of Kerry, Sean, Kelly, and Tom for receiving this well-deserved recognition," said Libby Calderone, President/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League. "Their leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have helped grow and protect the credit union movement—not only in Illinois but nationwide. They embody the cooperative principles that make our industry so special."

The Credit Union House, located on Capitol Hill, exists to support and strengthen relationships between credit union advocates and elected officials. Owned by every statewide credit union association/league and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), CU House is a powerful symbol of the credit union movement and a space that fosters positive awareness and advocacy for credit unions throughout the country.

The Illinois Credit Union League congratulates all three inductees on this prestigious honor and thanks them for their service and dedication to advancing the credit union mission.