Hazelmae Overturf

Hazelmae Overturf is a passionate advocate for financial inclusion and equity. As Chief Impact Officer at Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union—the island’s first and only CDFI—she has elevated access for historically marginalized communities, particularly Native Hawaiians and other underrepresented groups. She builds coalitions locally and nationally, leveraging partnerships to ensure communities have the resources they need to thrive.

 

Hazelmae is also deeply engaged in credit union advocacy at the policy level. She is a frequent participant at national events such as GAC Capitol Hill visits, where she highlights the role credit unions can play in addressing critical needs such as affordable housing, small business development, and financial literacy. Beyond her credit union, she co-founded HAPICUP (Hawaiian Asian Pacific Islander Credit Union Professionals), previously served as Vice President of the West Coast chapter of AACUC, and contributes to national councils and advisory boards—always ensuring equity and representation are centered in industry conversations.

 

Hazelmae is nationally recognized for her innovative approaches to credit union leadership. Under her guidance, Kaua‘i FCU launched award-winning initiatives that earned the prestigious Catalyst Award at the 2024 Spark! Conference for social innovation. These included a down payment assistance program to expand Native Hawaiian and first-time homebuyer homeownership and a green lending initiative (cesspool-to-septic conversions) addressing urgent environmental needs. The latter is projected to reach $1 million in green lending, setting a national example for environmental finance within the credit union system.

She is also known for applying human-centered design thinking to credit union operations, empowering teams to approach challenges with creativity and empathy. This approach fosters a culture of learning and adaptability, enabling her organization to continuously innovate in service of members and community.

 

Hazelmae’s impact is both tangible and enduring. Her initiatives have already helped Native Hawaiian families achieve homeownership and enabled Kaua‘i residents to access critical environmental upgrades. By pairing community relevance with national collaboration, she has created replicable models that are being adopted by other credit unions seeking to expand their community impact.

 

Her work ties credit union growth directly to social outcomes—whether through impact deposits, housing initiatives, or environmental lending. Hazelmae’s lifelong commitment to the credit union movement, with more than 15 years of service, is reflected in the lasting programs, partnerships, and policies she has shaped. She is a trailblazer whose leadership demonstrates how cooperative finance can drive measurable, positive change for members and communities.