Mrs. Barbara A. Stephens is the new Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Prairie View Federal Credit Union, (PVFCU) effective May 3, 2021.

Stephens joins PVFCU after a five-year retirement, having served 23 years as the President and CEO of the Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union.

Barbara began her career in the credit union industry in 1976 as a teller at San Diego County Credit Union. She brings more than 40 years of experiences in credit union management, stellar member service and outstanding leadership. She has managed all of the strategic activities of the credit union: including lending, investments, marketing, business development, and human resources. She also saw the transition of Houston Municipal Credit Union into Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union with an estimated $48 Million in assets. Her last achievement prior to retiring in 2015 was the receipt of a $1.5 Million grant to Houston Metro from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund.

As the interim CEO, Stephens is responsible for the overall direction and administrative management of the operations affecting member service, lending and improving the infrastructure of the credit union. When as
ked why give up retirement and come back to a credit union, Stephens jubilantly replied, “I had enjoyed five-years of freedom to do whatever I wanted to but now am ready to give back.  I am committed to the PVFCU because it has a great reputation for caring about its members and I look forward to continuing this opportunity to serve.”  Stephens was convinced to take on this role by Mrs. Linda Milton, president of Team Financial Federal Credit Union Houston and a mentor for the PVFCU. Milton and her team will assist during the transition period. Incidentally, Milton was a student assistant for the credit union under Mr. Jacob Boyer in the early 70s. When learning of the appointment, Stephens’ former Board Chairman, Eric K. Dargan commented, “PVFCU should be pleased to have such a dynamic leader with integrity and good person because I know she will do a great job for the credit union and the community.  We were sad to see her retire but I am happy to see her giving back.” 

For the past seven months, the credit union has been operated by the Paul Withey Consulting Group of Houston, Maria Flores and Frederick V. Roberts as Interim CEO and Board Secretary. Withey Consultant’s contract expired on April 30.  In announcing the appointment of Stephens, Dr. Mary Hawkins, Board Chairwoman said, “We believe Mrs. Stephens’ knowledge, experiences and commitment to excellence will enhance and propel the credit union to new heights.”  If you’ve been to the credit union lately, you’ve experienced the lady with a sense of purpose and character. Roberts will assist Stephens through the transition.

Barbara has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from San Diego State University.  Additionally, Barbara holds certificates and training in NCUA, Cornerstone League and other financial entities.  Stephens is also CDFI certified.  She is the recipient of the Cornerstone Award by NAFCU and in the Hall of Fame of the African American Credit Unions.  Stephens’ civic and professional membership and service include the Cornerstone Credit Union Association International Relations and Communications Committees and the Corporate American Corporate Credit Union National Users Committee, Texas Credit Union League Board, Credit Union Managers Association, Houston Chapter of CU’s and National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, now Inclusiv.

Barbara is married to Reginald Stephens and has 4 children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.   She is a proud member of the Fort Bend Church in Sugarland under the Leadership of Pastor Byron C. Stevenson