She is the longest running CEO in The Jewel
Mrs. Jane Usher, 96, fondly known as “Miss Jane” throughout the country, the Executive Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer of the Holy Redeemer Credit Union (HRCU), who is arguably the longest running Chief Executive Officer in the country, is now Doctor Jane Usher.
She has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Galen University. The award was presented on Sunday, August 18, during Galen University’s graduation ceremonies, which were held at the Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City.
Miss Jane was presented as a candidate for the award by Marion McNab, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Public Service and Governance Improvement.
In receiving the award, Miss Jane said that she was happy to be honored, especially since the honor was bestowed upon her on her 96th birthday, and said that she was humbled that her work to help her people has been recognized. She pledged to continue her service to Belizeans.
Doctor Jane Usher said that she had not imagined that one day she would receive such high honors for helping people. She thanked Galen University for the recognition and everyone else who made it a reality.
Doctor Usher served as a Minister of Health and Cooperatives in the PUP Cabinet between 1979 and 1984, and also as a member of the Opposition in the House of Representative when her party sat on the other side of the House between 1984 and 1989; she also served as the President of the Senate.
When she joined the Holy Redeemer Credit Union as a regular clerk (who would undergo training at the institution), it had less than $13,000 in assets. Records indicate that the HRCU was started in May 1944, with an investment of 75 cents – consisting of the savings of three young ladies, each of whom contributed 25 cents. Doctor Usher and her dedicated team set about developing the credit union and now the HRCU is the most powerful credit union in the country, boasting over 60,000 members and over $300 million in assets.
Doctor Usher said that through many programs they are assisting members of the community, one of which is the Henry Usher Eagle Scholarship. Through this program, needy students are assisted with a school grant (not a scholarship) to help them remain in, or return to, school.
Over $1 million has been given out under this program, and the program is ongoing, said Doctor Usher.