Valerie C. Brown is retiring as president/CEO of the $117 million, 14,200-member Service One Credit Union after leading the Bowling Green, Ky., institution for 34 years.

Brown joined the credit union as its manager in 1978 when it was the $400,000 Western Kentucky University Credit Union and housed in the school's Faculty House. Now it has four branches and is the largest locally owned financial institution in its market.

“So much change has happened in financial services and technology over the past 34 years,” said Brown.  “I have enjoyed collaborating with our credit union's board, employees and members to help lead these advancements at Service One Credit Union.”

An active community leader, Brown also has helped lead the credit union in its efforts to be socially responsible, including in its own facilities. The credit union's Campbell Lane branch was built to Platinum LEED specifications.

“I believe that profitability cannot be the only concern of business. Social and environmental responsibility impacts credit union member value and market success as well,” Brown said.    

She currently is on the Kentucky Department of Financial Institution's Board of Directors and has been active on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and national levels.