Jean Trainor was born in Cedar Falls, daughter of Clark and Betty Rogers. She graduated form Columbus High School and then attended the University of Northern Iowa. Following in her father’s footsteps, she received her accounting degree in 1975 and earned her Certified Public Accountant designation in 1977. Jean’s first job was with Den Hartog & Hogan Company where she worked from 1976 until 1982. She completed audit work which included the auditing of what was then John Deere Community Credit Union. She later joined what is now Veridian Credit Union in 1982 as Controller and was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 1984, a position she held until being named President/CEO in 1990.
Jean is sincerely committed to her role as CEO of Iowa’s largest credit union, and has received many professional honors, including the 2006 Woman of the Year Award from the Cedar Falls Business and Professional Women organization, induction into the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Business and Industry Hall of Fame in 2005, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry in 2005, the Matt Parrott Integrity Award in 1999 and the Athena Award-Waterloo Business Woman of the Year in 1992. Jean is a natural leader, and inspires others at Veridian to become leaders as well. She believes in the potential of all people and serves as a mentor to others in the industry.
In addition to her professional commitments, Jean is passionate about giving back to the community and specifically has a passion for inclusion. She has given much of her time and effort toward working to provide individuals with disabilities all of the opportunities which are afforded to those without disabilities. If one asked Jean what her proudest accomplishment is, she is likely to answer ‘being Nathan’s mom.’ Having a son with a disability has inspired Jean to strive for changes in the community. She has had success in making those changes happen through her numerous commitments to local organizations.
Jean has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Allen Hospital Board of Directors, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance Board, Iowa TASH-The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps Board of Directors, YMCA Together We Play Advisory Board, UNI-College of Business Administration Advisory Board, and UNI Special Education Department Advisory Board. Some of Jean’s past involvements include Allen Hospital Foundation Board, Cedar Valley Economic Development Corporation Treasurer, Cedar Valley Tech Works Board of Directors, Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors, Iowa League Corporate Central Credit Union Board, Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation Board, & Waterloo Community Playhouse Board.
Jean Trainor is a community leader who’s 28 years with Veridian Credit Union have brought about expansion and improvements that are noted by many throughout the Cedar Valley. Her dedication to an inclusive community and devotion to empowering others around her will serve as a hallmark for years to come of her successful career and commitment to community involvement.