Best Credit Unions to Work For with $500M to $1B of assets in 2024

August 28, 2024 6:00 AM

The midsize category of honorees for this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For ranking features leading executives that have been with their companies for an average of 11.3 years, which was the shortest time of all the asset classes.

Notable statistics in this grouping include 91% of companies providing fitness and/or wellness programs in the workplace, as well as 100% of credit unions offering to reimburse tuition for certifications, business education workshops and/or conferences.

For additional Best Credit Unions to Work For coverage:

CBC employees participate in the company's Halloween contest.

CBC Federal Credit Union

11. CBC Federal Credit Union

Oxnard, California
Assets: $860 million
CEO: Richard Weber
No. of employees: 118

Interesting Fact: CBC will go through a rebranding process this year, including a name and logo change, to OceanAir Federal Credit Union. The new name will be effective Nov. 1.

Unusual Perk: CBC provides monthly recognitions of employee excellence.

During Members First's "Week of Joy," team members go out into their community and spread joy by surprising a stranger with a $50 gift card.

Members First Credit Union

10. Members First Credit Union

Midland, Michigan
Assets: $826 million
President and CEO: Carrie Iafrate
No. of employees: 254

Interesting Fact: Over the last year, Members First has added a diverse suite of employee programs that range from paid family care leave for employees with parents who require care to a revised hybrid work program that provides an annual allowance for outfitting at-home offices.

Unusual Perk: The credit union hosts special observance activities that highlight different cultures, with programs that include origami instruction, Spanish tile painting and virtual sign language lessons.

CPM staffers are recognized for their achievements during the credit union's Employee Day.

Clark Berry Photography

9. CPM Federal Credit Union

North Charleston, South Carolina
Assets: $627 million
CEO: James Gergen
No. of employees: 203

Interesting Fact: Using funding from its Community Development Financial Institution designation, CPM launched its Elevate program. The initiative provides members who wouldn't typically qualify for credit and are most vulnerable to predatory lending with access to affordable vehicle and debt consolidation loans.

Unusual Perk: The credit union offers flexible work options, including remote work, for improved work-life balance.

8. 5Point Credit Union

Nederland, Texas
Assets: $956 million
President and CEO: Erik Shaw
No. of employees: 212

Interesting Fact: Seasonal holiday celebrations are family-driven, allowing employees to involve their personal lives in the culture at work.

Unusual Perk: To relieve work-related stress and promote fun, employees are offered an on-site relaxation room and gym.

7. Atomic Credit Union

Piketon, Ohio
Assets: $660 million
President and CEO: Tom Griffiths
No. of employees: 220

Interesting Fact: 2023 was a year of tech adoption for Atomic, which added Apple Pay, Google Pay and other touchless payment options to their suite of products, in addition to overhauling its online and mobile banking platforms.

Unusual Perk: Full-time employees receive their birthdays off with pay, and part-time employees receive four hours paid time off for their birthdays. Staff members also receive special discounted rates for employee loans.

6. NIH Federal Credit Union

Rockville, Maryland
Assets: $835 million
President and CEO: Richard Wieczorek
No. of employees: 125

Interesting Fact: In the event of a government shutdown, NIHFCU established the Special Assistance for Federal Employees program, which allows members to borrow as much as $10,000 for up to 36 months at 7.24% APR.

Unusual Perk: Employees receive paid time off for volunteer efforts, discounted loan rates, remote work opportunities and more.

5. Justice Federal Credit Union

Chantilly, Virginia
Assets: $996 million
President and CEO: Mark Robnett
No. of employees: 169

Interesting Fact: Justice has established a team of certified credit union financial counselors to work with members on improving their financial wellbeing with professional guidance and educational tools. The credit union also rebranded its collection department as a financial counseling department to boost the efficiency of their collection efforts while also improving their customers' financial literacy.

Unusual Perk: Justice organized a Going the Extra Mile (GEM) award to recognize those that consistently go above and beyond the credit union's core values.

4. Champion Credit Union

Canton, North Carolina
Assets: $552 million
President and CEO: Jake Robinson
No. of employees: 113

Interesting Fact: Champion is launching a pre-apprenticeship program this year to help educate high-school seniors about career paths within the banking industry.

Unusual Perk: The credit union has an employee relief fund to provide financial assistance to employees who have experienced hardships due to events beyond their control.

3. Spero Financial

Greenville, South Carolina
Assets: $704 million
President and CEO: Brian McKay
No. of employees: 173

Interesting Fact: To help provide staff members with growth opportunities, Spero established an on-site library of educational resources and hosts team book clubs to encourage employees to expand their horizons and continue learning.

Unusual Perk: The credit union hosts employee shuffleboard tournaments.

2. Texell Credit Union

Temple, Texas
Assets: $696 million
CEO: Tony Hale
No. of employees: 215

Interesting Fact: After building its new headquarters, and in an effort to free up employees for more demanding tasks, the credit union installed enhanced ATMs that accept member cash and check deposits.

Unusual Perk: Texell staff members often receive spontaneous gifts like branded jackets, tumblers and hats on their doorsteps, along with a thank-you note.

1. University of Illinois Community Credit Union

Champaign, Illinois
Assets: $662 million
CEO: Chris Harlan
No. of employees: 172

Interesting Fact: 2024 is a year of improved workplace efficiency for the credit union, which plans to adopt AI-powered tools supporting chat features, underwriting and instant approval for credit cards.

Unusual Perk: Culture Captains designated at each branch help promote a collaborative culture and facilitate team-building activities across the organization.