Karen Hamit, CEO of the Credit Union of Dodge City, was honored with the Professional of the Year award at the Kansas Credit Union Association’s annual meeting and convention held  this week in Topeka, KS.

Hamit started at the credit union in 1979 as a part time teller. Throughout her 34 year career, she worked as a delinquency control officer, loan officer and as executive vice president before becoming interim CEO in 2008. After 120 days, she was named CEO.

This past year, Hamit led her team in the expansion of new services, adding a new premium savings account and the ability for members to transfer funds from one institution to another. Under her leadership, the credit union increased membership, deposit growth and assets.

Hamit’s political involvement includes ensuring local candidates know about the credit union movement, and attending KCUA’s Day at the Capitol to talk with legislators and others throughout the state promoting credit unions.

Hamit has also been instrumental in promoting community involvement through her work with the “Coats for Kids” project, serving on the ambassador committee of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Crisis Center Board. She was also a charter member of the Dodge City Drovers and served on the Shared Financial Solutions board from 2011-2012.