Susan Frank Named as One of City’s Most Admired CEOs

Phoenix Business Journal Names Susan Frank of Desert Schools as One of Valley’s Top 25 Most Admired CEOs

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Susan Frank, President and CEO of the $3.4 billion Desert Schools Federal Credit Union was named by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the city’s Top 25 Most Admired CEOs.

The award was presented earlier this month at an event attended by more than 400 business leaders from throughout Arizona. Selections were made based on feedback solicited from the Journal’s newsroom, peers and others in the business community.

“I was humbled by the award, and very thankful for the recognition,” said Frank who credits her parents and older brother for teaching her about integrity, compassion and hard work. Two bosses early in her career also reinforced those values while emphasizing effective communication.

Business Journal Editor Ilana Lowery called the local leaders the epitome of achievement. “Their companies are successful; they’ve helped to build Valley business; and they’ve contributed their time and expertise in the community on numerous levels,” she said.

Frank has been with Desert Schools since 1992 after serving twelve years with Bethpage Federal Credit Union in New York.  She is active in the credit union movement at the state and local levels and was instrumental in expanding the number of products and services offered at Desert Schools.

Frank was the first-ever female CEO of a billion dollar credit union. Desert Schools has a strong tradition of female leadership beginning in 1939 with founding manager Annis King and, later president Betty Gregg. Today, with $3.4 billion in assets and 64 locations, the credit union is celebrating its 70^th year of local service in Arizona.

Building a career on trust and mentoring others is what defines Susan Frank. “I think anytime you’re there to help someone work out a problem, define a career path or provide constructive feedback, you’re mentoring them. To me it’s a responsibility, a way of giving back to others,” she said.

Submitted on behalf of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Desert Schools is Arizona’s largest credit union with $3.4 billion in assets, more than 360,000 members and 64 locations. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Schools has been serving members since 1939 with stellar service, innovative products, community outreach and education. Learn more at desertschools.org.

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