Bonnette Dawson Reflects On Her Impact Over Five Decades

On August 1, Old Hickory Credit Union (OHCU) hosted a packed celebration. Family, friends, colleagues and loved ones all gathered to honor CEO Bonnette Dawson’s 50th anniversary at the helm, a milestone anniversary marking five decades of service, leadership and dedication to the members and communities she continues to serve each day.

A 2017 Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame inductee and multiple award-winning businesswoman, Dawson is recognized for her natural leadership, her dedication to others and her lifelong commitment to community service. Over the years, her influence has reached far beyond the credit union, touching countless lives through both professional and personal acts of kindness.

When reflecting on her career thus far and what has driven her
accomplishments, Dawson’s answer was simple yet powerful: “To be successful, you have to love people. It’s all about helping others and helping them succeed.” This mentality encapsulates her leadership style, reflects the heartbeat of Old Hickory Credit Union and serves as a testament to OHCU’s staff and members.

Under Dawson’s ongoing guidance, Old Hickory Credit Union has grown to $342 million in assets, serving more than 21,000 members through seven branches in the greater Nashville area. 

Always with a focus on doing what’s best for members, her vision has carried the credit union through decades of change. From expanding services and embracing new technologies to fostering a culture of trust and care, Dawson’s leadership continues to shape the future of OHCU.

Beyond her career as CEO, Dawson demonstrated her dedication to her community in almost every other avenue of her life. As a civil and public servant, she has held roles from Chamber of Commerce ambassador to Board of Directors Chair and from City Alderman to her six year term as Mayor of the City of Greenbrier.

The celebration of her 50 years as CEO was as much a tribute to the values she champions—integrity, compassion and service—as it was to Dawson herself. Attendees shared stories of her mentorship, her unwavering dedication and her ability to make each person she meets feel valued.