LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is proud to announce that Leslie Rorie, chief financial officer, has been named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2025 Notable Leaders in Finance, an honor that recognizes executives who are leading the finance industry in their communities.
Rorie made history as LAFCU’s first African American CFO—male or female—in the credit union’s 89-year history. She was hired as controller in 2022 and quickly rose through the ranks, promoted to interim CFO within 10 months and then to full-time CFO just three months later. She now leads a nine-person team overseeing finance, asset liability management, and investment strategies for the $1 billion credit union.
“This recognition is more than a personal honor—it’s a tribute to the trailblazers who made this path possible,” Rorie said. “I stand on their shoulders with gratitude and hope to provide that same foundation for those who follow. This moment is not just mine—it belongs to every dreamer who came before, and everyone still to come. We are, truly, our ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 2016, Rorie has served as chair of the Finance Committee and treasurer of the Service Builders Foundation. She is deeply dedicated to community service, especially mentoring high school girls in financial literacy to help build the next generation of financially empowered leaders.
Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Leaders in Finance program honors professionals who demonstrate excellence in financial stewardship, leadership, and community engagement. For more information, visit https://www.crainsdetroit.com/awards/notable-leaders-finance-2025.
About LAFCU
Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. Twice honored as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For’ and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.
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