KANSAS CITY, MO (June 1, 2026) |
Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) announced a planned leadership transition as Marquita Joshua, current board treasurer and longtime Kansas City business and community leader, has been appointed incoming president, effective June 1, 2026. She will succeed President and CEO Carole Wight, who is retiring after 18 years of service.
This change marks a pivotal moment for HRCU, a mission-driven, community-focused credit union that has become a force for financial inclusion across the Kansas City region, including St. Joseph and Independence. The organization is well-positioned to leverage that momentum with greater visibility, expanded partnerships, and increased impact under Joshua.
Joshua brings more than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, business strategist, and financial expert, along with a track record of helping individuals and small businesses achieve long-term financial stability. As founder and president of Five Star Tax & Business Solutions, she has supported thousands of clients in building stronger financial futures. Her experience, community relationships, and deep understanding of the people HRCU serves position her to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.
With Joshua as president, HRCU will deepen engagement across business, nonprofit, and civic communities. It will also strengthen its ability to connect members to the full ecosystem of financial and community resources throughout the region, while inviting more individuals to align their finances with their values.
Outsized Community Impact
The U.S. Treasury has recognized Holy Rosary Credit Union as one of the top 25 financial institutions nationwide for low-income service. For a credit union of its size, HRCU’s 2025 data demonstrates this outsized economic impact across the KC metro:
- Targeted Lending: Deployed over $8.3M in new loans, with 96% going to underserved families and neighborhoods.
- Beating Payday Lenders: Provided $916,074 across 579 small loans to help local families escape high-interest debt traps.
- Small Business Support: Invested $1.49M into low-income small businesses.
- Diverse Membership: About 90% of members come from underserved communities, where 81% are people of color and financial support is provided in three languages.
Collaboration is central to this work. HRCU is expanding partnerships with companies and individuals who want to align their finances with community impact.
"The mission is clear, and my role is to move it forward. What will not change is our commitment to those who need us most. What will change is our visibility, so more individuals, families, and small businesses can access the opportunities we provide,” said Joshua.
“Holy Rosary does not just offer accounts and loans. It offers a path. My focus is making sure more people can find it, including members, partners, and companies who want to put their money where their values are.”
Transition
Wight will remain in an advisory role through the summer to ensure a seamless transition. This continuity in leadership reflects a deliberate plan that positions HRCU to maintain momentum and accelerate its impact throughout the region.
“We’ve built an organization that puts mission and people at the center of every decision,” said Wight. “Our focus has always been creating real pathways to stability and opportunity for those often left out of traditional systems. Marquita brings the leadership and commitment to carry that work forward and grow it in meaningful ways.”
During her tenure, Wight led HRCU through a period of significant transformation, modernizing operations, expanding access to underserved and immigrant communities, and building partnerships that enable the credit union to deliver responsible, life-changing financial services. Today, the majority of HRCU’s lending supports low-income communities, with a strong focus on homeownership, small business development, and alternatives to predatory lending.
Board leadership expressed confidence in the transition and the organization’s future.
“Carole has built an extraordinary foundation, one defined by integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community,” said Don Cohenour, Chair of the HRCU Board of Directors. “Marquita brings a unique combination of financial expertise, community connectivity, and forward-looking leadership. She understands both the mission and the opportunity ahead, and we are confident she will lead Holy Rosary Credit Union into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
