Best Credit Unions to Work For with more than $1B of assets in 2024

August 28, 2024 6:00 AM

Among the 30 honorees that make up the largest asset class in this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For, top executives have led their organizations for 12.3 years on average. This is in addition to 83% of credit unions employing formal programs for actively recruiting and retaining a diverse set of staff.

Noteworthy statistics throughout this grouping include 63% of companies offering workplace facilities for exercise and fitness, 97% running wellness campaigns and 97% reimbursing costs for staff members pursuing an advanced or post-graduate degree.

For additional Best Credit Unions to Work For coverage:

LAFCU employees participate in internal training related to cybersecurity and fraud prevention, called Shields Up! The series included videos featuring employees as well as quiz contests. The first phase of Shields Up! won the Innovation Award from the Michigan Credit Union League in 2023.

LAFCU

30. LAFCU

Lansing, Michigan
Assets: $1 billion
CEO: Patrick Spyke
No. of employees: 168

Interesting Fact: The credit union is launching a $50 certificate of deposit program to entice members of various income levels to "make wealth-building more accessible and inclusive, empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity," LAFCU said.

Unusual Perk: LAFCU makes sure each employee knows how much they mean to the credit union during its staff appreciation day, where team members receive personalized gifts and hand-written notes from managers to express gratitude for their work.

Employees of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union at a baseball game.

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

29. Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Columbia, South Carolina
Assets: $1.3 billion
President and CEO: Robert Dozier Jr.
No. of employees: 314

Interesting Fact: Palmetto Citizens allocated $250,000 for a program to help employees of the Orangeburg County School District with the homebuying process. Employees financing their home with the credit union are eligible for up to $15,000 in assistance toward the down payment and other closing costs.

Unusual Perk: Credit union employee benefits feature a 4% profit share, immediate vesting for the 401(k) and fully paid health insurance for associates.

HAPO Community Credit Union team members volunteer their time.

HAPO Community Credit Union

28. HAPO Community Credit Union

Richland, Washington
Assets: $2.4 billion
President and CEO: Scott Mitchell
No. of employees: 499

Interesting Fact: HAPO offers professional developmental and succession planning at the individual business unit level to promote internal growth and development.

Unusual Perk: HAPO offers employees a central website known as HYPE to connect with other employees in challenges, clubs and shout-outs. Staff members can earn points to spend on gift cards by interacting with their peers.

As part of CCU Florida's community service programs, employees volunteer to support the Children's Hunger Project.

Community Credit Union of Florida

27. Community Credit Union of Florida

Rockledge, Florida
Assets: $1.4 billion
CEO: Laurie Cappelli
No. of employees: 164

Interesting Fact: To better prepare for succession and employee moves, CCU Florida has established a business continuity program that relies on managers to identify growth opportunities for employees and ensure that processes are captured for the next staff member in that role.

Unusual Perk: Flexible hybrid scheduling to emphasize work/life balance is part of the credit union's work-from-anywhere program.

"Do Good" is the credit union's motto for volunteering in the community. These capes are given to the Do Gooder of the week in Blue Federal's Cheyenne and Denver communities.

Blue Federal Credit Union

26. Blue Federal Credit Union

Cheyenne, Wyoming
Assets: $2.1 billion
CEO: Stephanie Teubner
No. of employees: 399

Interesting Fact: In 2023, Blue Federal implemented a new human resources information system to create a central hub for employee needs such as payroll, performance evaluation, succession planning and more.

Unusual Perk: Blue Federal has an "employee engagement passport" which is an in-house app that allows employees and leaders to prompt one-on-one meetings with upper management concerning their growth and future development in the company.

In support of its "Get Active" programming and wellness initiatives, FMFCU partners with a local YMCA to host a Pickleball Clinic for employees to learn the game.

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

25. Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Assets: $1.8 billion
CEO: Michael Magnavita
No. of employees: 322

Interesting Fact: Employees are granted employer-sponsored care assistance for aging family members, such as transportation to medical appointments or meal delivery, securing of proper care or assistance facilities.

Unusual Perk: The credit union offers golf and pickleball clinics for employees eager to learn the fundamentals of the games.

Employees during Michigan First's team learning day.

Michigan First Credit Union

24. Michigan First Credit Union

Lathrup Village, Michigan
Assets: $1.5 billion
President and CEO: Jennifer Borowy
No. of employees: 490

Interesting Fact: Michigan First has previously steered clear of online account opening tech due to the propensity for fraud and risk, but the credit union is ready to dive in after bolstering its security.

Unusual Perk: The credit union operates a bowling alley for employees to use during down time.

Employees during the company Christmas party at Disneyland Hotel.

Altura Credit Union

23. Altura Credit Union

Riverside, California
Assets: $2.6 billion
CEO: Jennifer Binkley
No. of employees: 456

Interesting Fact: To support the local Riverside art scene, the credit union sponsors the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. Close to half of Altura's permanent full-time and part-time employees based in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Unusual Perk: Altura has an open-door policy that allows employees to submit constructive feedback to leadership at every level through various channels.

Ascend employees dress up to support fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2023, employees raised $3,720 for the cause.

Ascend Federal Credit Union

22. Ascend Federal Credit Union

Tullahoma, Tennessee
Assets: $4.4 billion
President and CEO: Matt Jernigan
No. of employees: 631

Interesting Fact: Coaching, development and succession planning are at the forefront of Ascend's long-term sustainability strategy, which led to a 43% internal promotion rate last year.

Unusual Perk: Ascend worked with Middle Tennessee State University to provide an 18% tuition discount to employees in addition to its pre-existing tuition reimbursement program.

A snapshot capturing the Cyprus culture as the credit union's team comes together to participate in its annual mortgage event.

Cyprus Federal Credit Union

21. Cyprus Federal Credit Union

West Jordan, Utah
Assets: $1.7 billion
CEO: Todd Adamson
No. of employees: 446

Interesting Fact: Cyprus adopted a user-friendly AI knowledge base over the past year to help bolster its teams by providing data-driven insights to create new efficiencies.

Unusual Perk: The credit union regularly gives away tickets to employees for various sporting events, concerts, shows, general travel and more.

Empower Federal Credit Union

20. Empower Federal Credit Union

Syracuse, New York
Assets: $3.2 billion
President and CEO: Ryan McIntyre
No. of employees: 644

Interesting Fact: Empower has a partnership with Syracuse University to bring athletes and coaches on-site for autographs and meet-and-greets.

Unusual Perk: Employees can have hybrid work schedules, with an in-office requirement of five days a month.

Golden 1 and community leaders celebrate the opening of the Golden 1 Credit Union Financial Resource Center in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood of Sacramento.

Golden 1 Credit Union

19. Golden 1 Credit Union

Sacramento, California
Assets: $19.3 billion
President and CEO: Donna Bland
No. of employees: 2,038

Interesting Fact: As the sixth-largest credit union by assets in the country, Golden 1 has committed itself to helping lower barriers to homeownership across its membership through the launch of a new closing cost credit program. The initiative provides members with financial support.

Unusual Perk: Golden 1 provides comprehensive health and well-being support for employees with its Be Well, FitOn Health and Golden 1 Cares programs.

American Heritage's Spring Adopt-A-Highway clean up

American Heritage Credit Union

18. American Heritage Credit Union

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assets: $4.8 billion
President and CEO: Bruce Foulke
No. of employees: 612

Interesting Fact: American Heritage Credit Union leaders host an annual employee appreciation for associates with games, prizes and food prepared by management.

Unusual Perk: As part of helping employees maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of the office, the credit union offers staff members access to free wellness programs for quitting smoking and nicotine replacement therapy. Added benefits include biometric screenings for illnesses and flu shots.

Chartway Promise Foundation delivers “Ready Bags” for medically fragile children and their families.

Chartway Credit Union

17. Chartway Credit Union

Virginia Beach, Virginia
Assets: $2.9 billion
President and CEO: Brian Schools
No. of employees: 548

Interesting Fact: Through its Chartway Promise Foundation, the credit union has awarded $15 million in charitable grants to support medically fragile children and their families.

Unusual Perk: Chartway's wellness program includes pet adoption reimbursement for the emotional health of team members and for rescuing animals.

UMCU hosts the National Championship trophy as a proud partner of Michigan Athletics.

University of Michigan Credit Union

16. University of Michigan Credit Union

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Assets: $1.4 Billion
CEO: Tiffany Ford
No. of employees: 227

Interesting Fact: UMCU is expanding its leadership development program to include tailored plans and paths for specific roles.

Unusual Perk: Free in-person yoga classes help staff members unwind.

Apple Federal's Women Giving Back program.

Apple Federal Credit Union

15. Apple Federal Credit Union

Fairfax, Virginia
Assets: $4.5 billion
President and CEO: Andy Grimm
No. of employees: 533

Interesting Fact: To nurture its diverse array of staff members, with over 30 different languages and nationalities represented across several branches, Apple Federal created a three-tier leadership development program to support its managers. The first tier focuses on management basics, while the second tier focuses on becoming an effective coach, and the third tier deals with strategic leadership.

Unusual Perk: The credit union offers paid time off for community volunteer activities such as youth-mentoring programs and working in food pantries.

MAX team members in the 2023 The Shoppes at Eastchase Christmas Parade.

MAX Credit Union

14. MAX Credit Union

Montgomery, Alabama
Assets: $2 billion
President and CEO: Martin Head
No. of employees: 305

Interesting Fact: The credit union's philanthropic campaign MAX4Kids has raised more than $1.6 million for local children's charities since its debut in 2001. MAX also gave out roughly $50,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors this year.

Unusual Perk: MAX hosts an annual company-wide tailgate party to don their team colors, enjoy food together and commemorate the start of football season.

Deseret First employees at the credit union's Orem,Utah-based branch.

Deseret First Credit Union

13. Deseret First Credit Union

West Valley City, Utah
Assets: $1.1 billion
CEO: Shane London
No. of employees: 218

Interesting Fact: Deseret has emphasized its Visa card products over the last several months, allowing members to pick their own PIN and receive digital cards when their physical cards are lost or stolen. The credit union has also integrated its card platform into its mobile banking portal.

Unusual Perk: For employees seeking to unwind a bit, the credit union offers access to an on-site fitness center and game room.

Employee volunteers help EcoAction Arlington with park clean-up and invasive plant removal at Lubber Run Park as part of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Day.

Northwest Federal Credit Union

12. Northwest Federal Credit Union

Herndon, Virginia
Assets: $4.5 billion
President and CEO: Jeff Bentley
No. of employees: 495

Interesting Fact: NWFCU adopted a new customer relationship management system through Salesforce, which allows front-office employees to better understand member relationships and capitalize on other tools like preapproved loans through CuneXus — generating $11 million in direct consumer loans.

Unusual Perk: Through the credit union's For Achievements Made Every day (FAME) platform, employees can acknowledge the accomplishments of their peers using a points-based system. Points can then be used to donate to a charitable organization of their choice.

United team members create Valentine's cards for senior citizens in the credit union's local communities in Nevada.

United Federal Credit Union

11. United Federal Credit Union

Saint Joseph, Michigan
Assets: $4.1 billion
President and CEO: Terry O'Rourke
No. of employees: 715

Interesting Fact: United is exploring the addition of loan products for members that are designed as a more financially sound alternative to payday lenders. Other initiatives that the credit union is working on include revisions to its downpayment assistance program and the adoption of a new employee experience platform to regularly gather feedback from staff.

Unusual Perk: The credit union established a "Memorable Moments" program to fund staff gestures toward credit union members during important life events such as marriages and deaths.

Members of America First's senior management and board of directors pack food pantry packets for school children in addition to presenting a financial contribution.

America First Credit Union

10. America First Credit Union

Ogden, Utah
Assets: $20 billion
President and CEO: Thayne Shaffer
No. of employees: 3327

Interesting Fact: Established in 1939 by a group of 59 consumers struggling with access to financial services, America First Credit Union will celebrate its 85th anniversary this year. America First is also one of the 10 largest credit unions in the U.S.

Unusual Perk: The credit union offers supplemental leave for single-parent employees and food assistance for in-need employees.

AmeriCu team members.

AmeriCU Credit Union

9. AmeriCU Credit Union

Rome, New York
Assets: $2.7 billion
President and CEO: Ronald Belle
No. of employees: 419

Interesting Fact: AmeriCU launched a virtual financial center last year that allows members to access the credit union from anywhere in the world, which is especially helpful for military members serving overseas.

Unusual Perk: Employee morale events are held multiple times throughout the year, including a full week in April celebrating employee accomplishments, where each department is allotted a set amount of funding to spend on festivities.

Veridian’s chief officers serve a traditional meal at the 2023 Mike and Leona Adams Thanksgiving Dinner. The event is named for a former Veridian board member who organized the first meal in 1982 to help families in need during the farm crisis.

Veridian Credit Union

8. Veridian Credit Union

Waterloo, Iowa
Assets: $7.6 billion
President and CEO: Renee Christoffer
No. of employees: 977

Interesting Fact: Several positions at Veridian are hybrid-eligible, allowing team members to work in-office two days a week.

Unusual Perk: Veridian offers eligible full and part-time employees tuition assistance as added help for career advancement and continuing education.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union employees celebrate Halloween at the company's headquarters.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union

7. Arkansas Federal Credit Union

Little Rock, Arkansas
Assets: $2.5 billion
President and CEO: Rodney Showmar
No. of employees: 417

Interesting Fact: Arkansas Federal recently implemented a chatbot, Ava, that is available to answer basic questions so staff can address more complex issues with members directly. The credit union also overhauled its digital card experience to add self-service options like adding cards to digital wallets and setting up real-time alerts for spending limits.

Unusual Perk: Departmental team-building activities, including escape rooms, hiking and Top Golf, are held frequently.

Consumers employees volunteer at the 2024 Special Olympics Basketball State Finals in Illinois.

Consumers Credit Union

6. Consumers Credit Union

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Assets: $2.2 billion
President and CEO: Scott Sylvester
No. of employees: 425

Interesting Fact: CCU is developing a sports center within its headquarters to promote employee health. Features include pickleball courts, corn hole and fire pits for relaxing.

Unusual Perk: In emphasizing employee wellness and building a healthy work-life balance, the credit union has partnered with AM Wellness. The personalized program and app provide staff members with wellness resources to help with nutrition, physical activity and stress management.

Credit Union West employees celebrate a surprise branch anniversary.

Credit Union West

5. Credit Union West

Glendale, Arizona
Assets: $1.2 billion
President and CEO: Karen Roch
No. of employees: 212

Interesting Fact: In 2023, Credit Union West launched its CU West Cares Charitable Foundation, which has provided more than $121,000 in sponsorships and donations. CU West supported 53 non-profit organizations, and its dedicated employees provided 509 hours of volunteer time to the communities it serves.

Unusual Perk: Employees have free access to the credit union's on-site wellness center, complete with exercise equipment, as well as the ability to participate in creative wellness challenges to encourage healthy activities.

FAIRWINDS' CommUNITY crewmember volunteers have a paw-some time helping out at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

FAIRWINDS Credit Union

4. FAIRWINDS Credit Union

Orlando, Florida
Assets: $4.7 billion
President and CEO: Larry Tobin
No. of employees: 578

Interesting Fact: In the last year, FAIRWINDS has focused on employee retention and celebration programs. Employees are granted paid parental leave, enhanced adoption assistance and time off for community volunteer activities.

Unusual Perk: High-performing employees are inducted into FAIRWIND's Presidents and Executive Clubs. Winners enjoy an award ceremony, a cocktail reception, an all-expense-paid three-day cruise to the Bahamas or a VIP celebration dinner and show.

Leaders Credit Union employees got together on President's Day to celebrate a great year in 2023 and hear the plans for 2024.

Leaders Credit Union

3. Leaders Credit Union

Jackson, Tennessee
Assets: $1 billion
CEO: Todd Swims
No. of employees: 194

Interesting Fact: Leaders worked with TruStage's Financial Certification program in 2023 to educate its employees about a variety of financial health topics to help them better counsel credit union members. More than 50 employees are already certified, and the credit union estimates that one in three staff members will receive the certification this year.

Unusual Perk: The credit union hosts an annual Halloween costume contest for its employees, where members can vote on their favorite outfits.

Employees participate in Football Jersey Day, part of One Nevada's "Calendar of Fun," which established themed days for Fridays.

One Nevada Credit Union

2. One Nevada Credit Union

Las Vegas, Nevada
Assets: $1.3 billion
President and CEO: Paul Parrish
No. of employees: 195

Interesting Fact: This year, One Nevada plans to pursue new initiatives like a modernized collections platform, digital credit and debit card issuance and management portal, marketing automation product and more.

Unusual Perk: The credit union aims to promote a healthy work-life balance through programs such as its "Now Clinic," which features zero-copay virtual doctor visits for ailments like the common cold, seasonal allergies and non-controlled substance medication refills.

South Carolina Federal sponsors and participates in Dragon Boat Charleston's race each year in support of the physical and mental wellness of cancer survivors.

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

1. South Carolina Federal Credit Union

North Charleston, South Carolina
Assets: $2.6 billion
President and CEO: Scott Woods
No. of employees: 566

Interesting Fact: Using employee feedback, the credit union committed to adopting new programs like additional medical insurance benefit tiers for staff and children, a team member recognition initiative and more.

Unusual Perk: SC Federal's focus on personal health includes treadmill desks, an onsite gym, health screenings, flu shots and gym reimbursements.