OSWEGO, Ill. — Earthmover Credit Union has named longtime executive Janel Cabadas as its next president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2026, following the retirement of current President/CEO Kelly McDonough.
Cabadas brings more than 20 years of experience at the credit union and will assume the role as McDonough concludes a more than 30-year career in senior credit-union leadership marked by community involvement and member-focused service.
McDonough praised Cabadas’ leadership and commitment to the organization, calling her “one of the finest leaders” she has worked with. She highlighted Cabadas’ people-first approach, passion for the credit union mission, and focus on Earthmover’s long-term success, adding that the organization will be led by “an exceptional leader.”
A lifelong Oswego resident, Cabadas began her career at Earthmover as a student teller at Panther Credit Union, the student-run branch at Oswego High School. After earning a bachelor’s degree in communication with minors in Spanish, English and psychology, she returned to the credit union in business development. She later served more than seven years as vice president of marketing and business development before becoming executive vice president in 2024. Cabadas is also a 2025 graduate of the CUES CEO Institute, which includes executive education at Cornell University, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
During her tenure, Cabadas has led major initiatives including a full rebrand in 2022, branch remodels, the opening of the Batavia branch, a merger with Peoples Energy Credit Union, and expanded digital services. Known internally for a hands-on, servant-leadership style, she emphasized continuity and momentum ahead, saying, “The future of the credit union is bright. We have a very strong foundation and strong team, with many initiatives in mind to help serve our membership.”