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2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Melissa Cade

Chief Experience Officer, Chartway Credit Union, Virginia Beach

Kira Jenkins //January 30, 2025//

2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Melissa Cade

Chief Experience Officer, Chartway Credit Union, Virginia Beach

Kira Jenkins //January 30, 2025//

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Cade was promoted to her current role in January 2024, after 24 years with the credit union as director of its call center, director of retail, regional president of branches and senior vice president of product and innovation. She now oversees Chartway’s branch and member care teams, as well as the credit union’s multicultural initiatives.

FIRST JOB: My first job in high school was at McDonald’s. My first professional role was as a relationship banker with Bank of America.

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: I’m passionate about creating meaningful, people-centered financial solutions. Early in my career, I saw how connecting people with the right solution changed their lives. It inspired me to pursue a leadership role to drive these experiences on a large scale by combining my strategic thinking, empathy and leadership skills to build a system that truly enhances lives.

HOW I GIVE BACK: I participate in leadership programs at Chartway and the African American Credit Union Coalition, offering guidance on career development to emerging leaders. I also serve on the Chartway Promise Foundation Board. Seeing individuals gain confidence and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding and aligns with my commitment to building a better future.

BOOK I’D RECOMMEND: “Everything is Figureoutable,” by Marie Forleo resonates with me. It reminds me that every problem has a solution if approached with resilience, creativity and collaboration, and inspires me to roll up my sleeves, engage others and tackle complex problems with determination and an open mind.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: The beautiful province of Bali in Indonesia! The beaches were stunning and the landscapes colorful and lush.

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