Recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal for outstanding leadership, insight and judgment

SEATTLE, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Purnell-Hepburn, was named winner of the highly coveted Puget Sound Business Journal 2011 CFO of the Year Award. Purnell-Hepburn was honored as the winner of this prestigious award in the Small Non-Profit category based on her achievements in the last several years.

Purnell-Hepburn joined Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union in 1999 and has played an instrumental role in the cooperative's growth and success. In 2010, when all financial institutions were still struggling to survive the largest recession in decades, Michelle led the credit union to an extremely profitable year, ending with double the amount of planned income through cost containment, smart investment and responsible pricing. A true champion of the Seven Cooperative Principles, she uses her talents to help raise money for various non-profits including Food Life Line, Stage 4 Cancer patients and several scholastic scholarships.  Michelle is also a full participant in Seattle Metropolitan's community outreach programs that do charity work the Jubilee Women's Center, Wellspring Foundation, TreeHouse and Seattle Food Banks.

"We are extremely proud that Michelle has earned this well-deserved distinction, which is especially meaningful in the current economic environment," said Robert Harvey, CEO of Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. "It's been said that success is a journey not a destination. It's my continuing pleasure to be associated with Michelle and the other professionals at SMCU as we journey down the road of success at the credit union. Congratulations Michelle."

The Puget Sound Business Journal award honors Washington State's top financial executives in six categories. Winners are selected by a panel of judges that included prominent CFOs and business leaders and past award recipients.

About SMCU:  Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union, "Home of the Seven Cooperative Principles," has provided sound solutions to its members' financial needs since 1933. Originally founded by City of Seattle municipal employees who wanted a fairer and more accessible financial institution, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union now serves the entire State of Washington with a full range of financial services.

SOURCE Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union