The Best Credit Unions to Work For, under $500 million of assets, 2021

September 3, 2021 10:45 AM

Enjoy complimentary access to top ideas and insights — selected by our editors.

Among the 55 institutions were ranked in our annual Best Credit Unions to Work For, the smallest focused on maintaining normalcy in a hybrid workplace.

For some, the perks are of the kind that can only be experienced in person, such as massages, a "bring your dog to work" policy, and on-site flu shots. For others, the benefits are focused on working remotely, such as telemedicine and Zoom happy hours.

The following cardshow provides snapshots of the Best Credit Unions to Work For under $500 million of assets, and specific highlights of how each has gone the extra mile to boost employee morale and preserve its organizational culture. (The list was formerly produced by Credit Union Journal, which is now part of American Banker.)

Click here to see the full list of the Best Credit Unions to Work For.

Colorado Credit Union

Littleton, Colorado
Assets: $291 million
President and CEO: Mike Williams
Overall rank: 1
Category rank: 1

Encourages lunchtime walks and provides passes to local and private hiking trails.
Management has an open door policy for all employees.
Expanded employee access to telemedicine benefits.

Pictured: Colorado Credit Union employees enjoying spirit day.

2021 Southwest Financial Best CU Picture .jpeg

Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union

Farmers Branch, Texas
Assets: $76 million
President and CEO: Melanie Kennedy
Overall rank: 2
Category rank: 2

During the holidays, employees gather for breakfast and participate in ugly sweater and mask contests.
Hires a therapist to give massages one day a quarter. During COVID-19, the credit union provided massage gift cards to employees to use when they were comfortable.
Team members are allowed to wear jeans every Friday.

Pictured: Southwest Financial Federal Credit Union employees gather to show their support for the credit union and its membership.

Texas Tech Credit Union

Lubbock, Texas
Assets: $320 million
President and CEO: Chris Hutson
Overall rank: 8
Category rank: 3

Mandates a week of vacation for every full-time employee annually.
Provides time management and work/life balance training.
Offers a “Family Referral Program,” which provides loan discounts and deposit rate specials.

Pictured: Texas Tech Credit Union employees gather at the annual meeting.

Infirst Federal Credit Union

Alexandria, Virginia
Assets: $224 million
President and CEO: Martha Wye
Overall rank: 9
Category rank: 4

“Thank You Tuesday” is a weekly recognition email sent to all employees.
Has a popular “bring your dog to work” policy.
Provides paid extended time off for employees who have experienced loss.

Pictured: Infirst Federal Credit Union employees.

Railway Credit Union

Mandan, North Dakota
Assets: $143 million
President and CEO: Paul Brucker
Overall rank: 12
Category rank: 5

Hosts random gift card giveaways.
March Madness tournament brackets and Super Bowl square contests with cash rewards provided entirely by the credit union (no buy-in necessary).
Every year the credit union buys each employee a new pair of shoes.

Picture: During Railway Credit Union’s annual meeting employees gathered holding signs depicting the various reasons they like working at the credit union.

Nymeo Federal Credit Union

Frederick, Maryland
Assets: $343 million
President and CEO: Victoria “Vicki” Johnston
Overall rank: 13
Category rank: 6

Supports employee well-being initiatives such as standing desks, telecommuting and flexible scheduling.
“Stand Out Staff Awards” given to employees for identifying expense reduction or income opportunities.
Offers “Diversity Day,” a paid holiday that recognizes Black History Month, Asian American/Pacific Islanders and Hispanic Heritage Month, among others.

Pictured: At Nymeo Federal Credit Union’s Annual Member Appreciation Night, the executive team and community relations department welcomed members to a baseball game.

Northern Credit Union

Watertown, New York
Assets: $363 million
President and CEO: Daniel St. Hilaire
Overall rank: 14
Category rank: 7

Quarterly and annual employee attendance recognition.
“Wow Space” recognition notices based on member or employee feedback for showing initiative that goes above and beyond.
Offers onsite personal development and/or stress management workshops, seminars and classes.

Pictured: During the onset of the pandemic, employees pitched in to safely start working from home. From left: Dan St. Hilaire, CEO and Jarah Papin, marketing professional.

Lookout Credit Union

Pocatello, Idaho
Assets: $301 million
President and CEO: Doug Chambers
Overall rank: 17
Category rank: 8

Offers “President’s Excellence Awards” to up to five employees. The award includes a plaque, monetary bonus and recognition at the annual employee dinner.
When overnight travel is required, the credit union offers monetary incentives or extra paid time off.
Massage chairs are available to employees during the work day.

Pictured: Lookout Credit Union’s volunteer program, the “Rangers,” gives staff the opportunity to serve the community.

PCM Credit Union

Green Bay, Wisconsin
Assets: $346 million
President and CEO: Dan Wollin
Overall rank: 22
Category rank: 9

Provides a holiday bonus, which increases with each year of service.
During the holidays, female employees receive two pearls for each year of service and male employees receive individualized gifts.
On their birthday, every employee gets to spin a wheel for prizes.

Pictured: PCM Credit Union employees and members.

North Bay Credit Union

Santa Rosa, California
Assets: $97 million
CEO: Chris Call
Overall rank: 29
Asset category rank: 10

To get to know the staff better, senior leadership sends a “Staff Anniversary Spotlight” email on the employee’s annual review date.
The CEO provides discretionary bonuses based on extraordinary employee performance.
The credit union’s tuition assistance program does not have a cap.

Pictured: North Bay Credit Union’s “wear your favorite sports team” attire day. From left: Chris Call, CEO; Amanda Barry, lending support; Darius Dills, member service representative; and Craig Lifto, member service representative.

PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union

Washington, D.C.
Assets: $290 million
CEO: Miguel Boluda, Jr.
Overall rank: 31
Asset category rank: 11

Closes quarterly on a Wednesday and provides an afternoon of fun activities, such as game or team-building exercises.
Supports ongoing education, training and continued professional growth initiatives.
Offers paid volunteer leave for community service, serving on nonprofit boards, and other activities.

Pictured: The PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union team.

Landings Credit Union

Tempe, Arizona
Assets: $221 million
CEO: Brian Lee
Overall rank: 32
Asset category rank: 12

Annual holiday gift and cookie exchange.
Reimburses employees for business education workshops and conferences.
Rewards employees with restaurant or store gift cards to recognize exceptional service or achievements.

Pictured: Every year Landings Credit Union’s staff creates encouragement cards for United Way’s student backpack program.

Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union (formerly Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union)

Charleston, West Virginia
Assets: $213 million
CEO: Dan McGowan
Overall rank: 33
Asset category rank: 13

Donut and bagel Fridays.
Brings a pharmacist on site to administer flu shots, shingle shots, tetanus shots and other medical-related offerings.
Luncheons are provided for employees who obtain certifications pertaining to job performance.

Pictured: Employees from the main office gathered in June 2021 to celebrate the name change from Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union to Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union.

Simplicity Credit Union

Marshfield, Wisconsin
Assets: $370 million
CEO: Nick Faber
Overall rank: 34
Asset category rank: 14

During the pandemic, the credit union offered 0% emergency loans to employees.
Employees participate in virtual “Yappy Hour.”
If an employee is faced with a terminal illness diagnosis, the credit union’s accelerated death benefit clause allows the early payout of 75% of the employer-paid life insurance policy.

Pictured: "Yappy Hour"

Red Crown Credit Union

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Assets: $264 million
President and CEO: Mike Moyer
Overall rank: 35
Asset category rank: 15

Gives recognition to staff via a program called “Success Stories.” Management will receive and collect reviews from fellow employees and members and then choose and share one review. The selected staff member receives $50.
Every month the credit union recognizes employees’ birthdays and anniversaries. The employees’ names for that month are put into a drawing to win a prize.
Offers rewards for reaching corporate goals. In the past, these rewards included back massages for all staff, extra vacation days, jeans week and shorts and flip flop week.

Pictured: Red Crown Credit Union employees demonstrate their support for veterans by wearing “Folds of Honor” T-shirts.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Assets: $335 million
President and CEO: B. Timothy Carlisle
Overall rank: 36
Asset category rank: 16

“Rock Your Socks” contest for Down Syndrome Awareness Day.
Employees are offered premium tickets to collegiate sporting events.
Sponsors the “Limelight Program,” an employee of the month initiative where employees nominate a co-worker based on core values. Those nominated receive a half day of pay.

Pictured: Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union was a sponsor of the inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium. From left: Tim Vogel, chief financial officer; August Mize, brand ambassador; Jessica Wilson, chief development officer; Danae English, controller and Tim Carlisle, president and CEO.

Atomic Credit Union

Piketon, Ohio
Assets: $492 million
President and CEO: Thomas Griffiths
Overall rank: 37
Asset category rank: 17

Pays 100% of the employee health care plan premium and 90% of the dependent’s cost.
The board of directors hand delivers Christmas bonuses to all employees.
Staff promotions and incentive-based promotion awards are acknowledged via company email, press releases and on social media.

Pictured: The winner for the most creative costume for the annual “Halloween Dress Down Day” were some “Hungry, Hungry Hippos” from the Oak Hill branch. From left: Derrick Brisker, branch manager; Kayla Gray, teller; Tony Gilliland, assistant branch manager and Rhonda Shipman, head teller.

Astera Credit Union

Lansing, Michigan
Assets: $194 million
President and CEO: Martin Carter
Overall rank: 39
Asset category rank: 18

Offers tuition reimbursement for advanced or graduate degrees.
Launched a career development program, which seeks to identify each employee’s career ambitions and connect them with resource.
Provides all employees with free, confidential financial counseling and access to financial wellness education resources.

Pictured: Astera Credit Union employees fill backpacks for a campaign assisting children in need through Child and Family Charities in Lansing.

Denver Community Credit Union

Denver, Colorado
Assets: $400 million
Co-CEOs: Tessa Bonfante and Shane Silvernale
Overall rank: 43
Asset category rank: 19

Five comprehensive health care plan options.
Every employee receives a birthday card and gift from the executive team, plus paid time off to celebrate.
Vrtual “Wednesday Water Cooler,” a targeted weekly blog designed to bring staff from all offices together.

Pictured: Denver Community Credit Union employees volunteered for a local hunger-relief organization, Metro Caring. From left: Sarae Bay, Rachael Calderon, Jill Montgomery and Elaina Herrera.

2021 Rocky Mtn Law Enforcement FCU BEst CU Picture.jpg

Lone Tree, Colorado
Assets: $273 million
President and CEO: Christine Wiley
Overall rank: 49
Asset category rank: 20

The board of directors and/or executive management sends letters with a gift card to individual employees recognizing their job performance.
Delays start time on snow days so employees do not have to stress and rush to work.
The credit union is a sponsor of the Special Olympics.

Pictured: During the “Annual Member Appreciation Luncheon” in early August 2021, staff members gather before eating. From left: Jon Hagemen, Cary Karcher, Derek Horton, and Jessica Smedes.

Heritage South Credit Union

Sylacauga, Alabama
Assets: $174 million
CEO: Jamie Payton
Overall rank: 52
Asset category rank: 21

Based on measured results, all employees receive an annual bonus, an employee appreciation bonus and a holiday bonus.
Employees celebrate “Crazy Sock" day and “Ugly Holiday Sweater” day, among other festive events.
To show appreciation for team members, the credit union randomly provides snacks and lunches.

Pictured: Heritage Federal Credit Union employees at a Halloween event.