Kellie Terhune Neely graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, enjoying a nearly 40-year career in business, finance, and marketing. She was recognized for her professional accomplishments and contributions as top in her field nationally by industry peers when named as the Credit Union National Association Marketing Professional of the Year in 2010. She has received numerous Credit Union National Association Diamond Awards – the most prestigious recognition of excellence in marketing and business development in the credit union industry.
Kellie has worked tirelessly to strengthen the well-being of families and consumers through volunteer service to the community, CALES, and the University for more than 30 years. Her passions include youth financial education, where she was a co-founder of the Junior Duel in the Desert youth personal finance competition, now called the Arizona Financial Face-off, and serving on the Earn to Learn Board, a higher-education savings-to-scholarship program that started in Tucson.
Highlights of her university volunteerism include partnering with the UArizona and Take Charge Cats to provide financial education to countless youth and adults in the community, serving as the University of Arizona Alumni Association Governing Board Chair during the 100th Homecoming in 2014, and supporting the Angel Charity for Children Culinary Education Center at Tucson Village Farm. She was recognized as the National Endowment for Financial Education Presenter of the Year in 2007; Take Charge America Institute for Consumer Financial Education and Research, CALES Legacy Award in 201); and University of Arizona Asian Alumni Faculty, Staff and Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni of the Year in 2015.
Kellie was Vice President of Marketing at Hughes Federal Credit Union, leading efforts such as their Arizona Athletics corporate sponsorship, award-winning debit cards, title sponsorship of Women’s Sports, and Arizona Kid Cats Club K-8 partnership. Kellie served on the Desert Yearbook and UArizona Rodeo Club while in college. She is also a former rodeo queen and National High School Rodeo champion!
Her volunteer service includes the University of Arizona Foundation Board of Trustees, University of Arizona Alumni Association Past Governing Board Chair, Angel Charity for Children, Arizona Sands Club, Banner Health Foundation Women’s Commission, Earn to Learn, First Tee of Tucson, Take Charge America Institute, among many others. She is a very proud Wildcat for Life.