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Credit unions

The Best Credit Unions to Work For with assets of more than $1 billion, 2021

By W.B. King
September 3, 2021 10:45 AM
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The credit unions with over $1 billion of assets may be larger than the others on the annual Best Credit Unions to Work For list, but they strive to replicate the benefits of working at a smaller organization.

These credit unions offer perks such as meeting with the CEO, who may also personally congratulate employees on their achievements. Many also encourage volunteer work, either by organizing charitable programs or providing time off for individual employees to volunteer in their community. They also provide better loan rates to employees, as well as discounts to local entertainment.

The following cardshow provides snapshots of the Best Credit Unions to Work For above $1 billion 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.

2021 Mountain America CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Mountain America Credit Union

Sandy, Utah
Assets: $13 billion
President and CEO: Sterling Nielsen
Overall rank: 3
Asset category rank: 1
  • The cafeteria at Mountain America Credit Union’s headquarters offers healthy food, and the chef shows employees how to cook healthy food at home. 
  • Ninety-two percent of employees opt in to the credit union’s retirement plan. Former employees are allowed to stay on the plan.
  • The credit union offers virtual workout and yoga classes every day.
Pictured: Mountain America Credit Union’s leadership team serves at USANA Kids Eat during the annual “Month of Caring.”
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South Carolina Federal Credit Union

North Charleston, South Carolina
Assets: $2.1 billion
President and CEO: R. Scott Woods
Overall rank: 4
Asset category rank: 2
  • Employees earn personal time off for volunteering in their community.
  • The credit union eliminated formal performance reviews and replaced them with regular, personalized feedback from management via a program called “15Five.”
  • Employees participate in “Spirit Week” when they can dress up for themed events, such as Twin Day, Prom Day and Decade Day.
Pictured: Employees at South Carolina Federal Credit Union at a document-shredding event in Lexington.
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Mobiloil Credit Union

Beaumont, Texas
Assets: $1 billion
CEO: John Doucet
Overall rank: 5
Asset category rank: 3
  • Three formal leadership programs — Brand Ambassadors, Brand Ambassador Alumni and Emerging Leaders — are offered. Eligible employees apply and go through an interview process to participate. 
  • Loan discounts are available for employees. 
  • New employees meet the CEO and senior management team on day one. They are also connected with two “Brand Ambassadors” who serve as their go-to people for questions.  
Pictured: Mobiloil Credit Union employees attend an all-staff meeting via Zoom where they made “encouragement cards” for foster children and the volunteers of the Rainbow Room, a division of the Texas Child Protective Services Department.
2021 Consumers CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Consumers Credit Union

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Assets: $1.6 billion
President and CEO: Kit Snyder
Overall rank: 6
Asset category rank: 4
  • The credit union provides employees with stress-relieving coloring books and colored pencils. 
  • On the intranet, employees share news from their personal lives, such as baby pictures, engagements and weddings.
  • The credit union provides employee leave for military members and guarantees them a position when they return from duty, regardless of how long they are gone.  
Pictured: After a virtual toast in 2020, Consumers Credit Union employees gathered safely in July 2021 for their annual networking night. The party was held outdoors with food trucks, games and live music.
2021 Cap Com FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

CAP COM Federal Credit Union

Albany, New York
Assets: $2.2 billion
President and CEO: Christopher McKenna
Overall rank: 7
Asset category rank: 5
  • Managers award “bonus points” for performance, participation or volunteer work.As employees accrue points, they are eligible for prizes. 
  • As part of the credit union’s companywide diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, employees receive an additional “floating holiday” each year to celebrate an event or holiday that holds personal meaning.
  • Employees are given one day off each year to volunteer for an organization or cause of their choice.
Pictured: CAP COM Federal Credit Union employees gather to celebrate February Heart Month.
2021 Veridian CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Veridian Credit Union

Waterloo, Iowa
Assets: $5.5 billion
President and CEO: Renee Christoffer
Overall rank: 10
Asset category rank: 6
  • To thank employees for their loyalty and commitment to the credit union’s mission, vision and values, monetary service awards are given at five-year intervals.
  • The credit union offers assistance for those adopting children, such as reimbursement of agency fees, travel fees, and legal fees, and paid time off before or after adoption.
  • Employees celebrate International Credit Union Day and the “people helping people” credit union philosophy with random acts of kindness throughout their communities.
Pictured: Employees gather to celebrate International Credit Union Day on October 15, 2020. Every year, each branch and department receives a small budget to perform random acts of kindness in their own communities to celebrate credit unions’ “people helping people” philosophy. Employees from the e-services and accounting departments purchased the items shown here to donate to a local women’s shelter.
2021 Coastal Credit Union Best CU Picture.jpg

Coastal Credit Union

Raleigh, North Carolina
Assets: $4 billion
President and CEO: Chuck Purvis
Overall rank: 11
Asset category rank: 7
  • Flexible hours enable employees to accommodate school events or doctor’s appointments. 
  • Employees can get free or discounted tickets to local family entertainment or sporting events.
  • The credit union offers lactation facilities for breastfeeding mothers. 
Pictured: Coastal Credit Union’s development educators spend time volunteering in the community garden at Alliance Medical Ministry, one of the credit union’s community partners and foundation grant recipients. From left: Louis Guillama, vice president of real estate operations; Priscilla Awkard, vice president, teller center; and Michael Doi, marketing and member intelligence data analyst.
2021 MSU FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

MSU Federal Credit Union

East Lansing, Michigan
Assets: $6.2 billion
President and CEO: April Clobes
Overall rank: 15
Asset category rank: 8
  • The “CU Healthy Committee” hosts quarterly challenges that focus on a different aspect of an employee’s health including mental, physical and financial. Employees can earn gifts, including water bottles and gift cards.
  • Six weeks of paid parental leave provided for the birth or adoption of a child. 
  • The CEO broadcasts weekly videos to all employees. These videos highlight employees named on the “recognition platform” and provide updated information on various things, including new products or fun events.
Pictured: Three MSU Federal Credit Union employees plant trees in Lansing, Michigan, to celebrate Arbor Day. From left: Sarah-Jo Ricklefs, financial services representative; Doug Bock, quality assurance specialist; and Arianna Saldana, community development manager.
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University of Michigan Credit Union

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Assets: $1.2 billion
President and CEO: Tiffany Ford
Overall rank: 16
Asset category rank: 9
  • The credit union offers onsite personal development, stress management workshops, seminars and classes.
  • Provides employees with a home office credit to purchase necessary items for remote work.
  • Numerous parties throughout the year celebrate employee achievements. Employees receive gifts such as wireless keyboard and mouse sets, paper shredders and snack boxes.
Pictured: University of Michigan Credit Union’s “Talent Team” at the companywide Tie-Dye Event. From left: Cory Cooper, talent specialist; Maria Ricciardi, learning specialist; Candy Keene, vice president of talent and development; Erica Botka, talent and development manager; Heather Green, learning specialist; and Brittany Bentz, administrative assistant.
2021 Campus USA CU Best CU Picture.jpg

CAMPUS USA Credit Union

Jonesville, Florida
Assets: $2.5 billion
CEO: Jerry Benton
Overall rank: 20
Category rank: 10
  • The credit union fully funds the “Defined Benefit” pension plan and fully matches employee contributions to the 401(k) plan up to 5%.
  • Employee Years of Service Awards are presented at the credit union’s Annual Training Symposium attended by all employees. 
  • Custom Legos are issued to employees for many reasons, including community involvement, service anniversaries and event participation. Employees often build amazing displays with the Legos they earn.
Pictured: “Tropical Shirt Day” is one of many themes for “Fun Fridays” throughout the summer.
2021 One NEvada CU Best CU Picture.jpg

One Nevada Credit Union

Las Vegas
Assets: $1.1 billion
President and CEO: Paul Parrish
Overall rank: 21
Category rank: 11
  • As the number of employees working from home has grown, the credit union has secured workers compensation policies in five additional states.
  • Monthly “Calendar of Fun” features workplace challenges and friendly competitions. Examples include coloring contests and credit union trivia.
  • The credit union matches employee contributions to the retirement plan.
Pictured: One Nevada Credit Union shows its supports for Nevada’s National Hockey Team, the Golden Knights.
2021 Michigan First CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Michigan First Credit Union

Lathrup Village, Michigan
Assets: $1.3 billion
President and CEO: Michael Poulos
Overall rank: 23
Category rank: 12
  • The credit union offers team learning days twice a year and team appreciation days four times a year. 
  • Eligible retirees are offered full health benefits at 50 percent of the actual cost for their lifetime.
  • Incentive plans reward high-quality performance from tellers, financial service representatives, loan heroes and member service representatives.
Pictured: Michigan First Credit Union CEO Michael Poulos and Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Borowy in competition at the Michigan/Michigan State Team Appreciation Event.
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FAIRWINDS Credit Union

Orlando, Florida
Assets: $3.7 billion
President and CEO: Larry Tobin
Overall rank: 24
Category rank: 13
  • The “Debt-Free Club” recognizes employees for achieving financial milestones, such as building an emergency savings fund, paying off debt and saving for retirement.
  • The credit union created “COVID Pay” in March 2020, a supplemental sick pay program for employees unable to work due to COVID-related reasons.
  • A concierge service provides dry cleaning, meal catering, childcare arrangements and automobile services for employees.
Pictured: The Wekiva team celebrates the induction of Shannon Hill (third from left) into the FAIRWINDS President’s Club. All of the President’s Club winners go on a paid cruise to the Bahamas together.
2021 Cyprus FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

Cyprus Federal Credit Union

West Jordan, Utah
Assets: $1.3 billion
CEO: Todd Adamson
Overall rank: 25
Category rank: 14
  • The credit union hosts an annual employee appreciation summer party. 
  • Has casual dress days that are popular with employees. 
  • Celebrates any employees graduating high school or college.
Pictured: Cyprus Federal Credit Union employees wore red to show support and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
2021 Apple FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

Apple Federal Credit Union

Fairfax, Virginia
Assets: $3.7 billion
President and CEO: Andrew Grimm
Overall rank: 27
Category rank: 15
  • On a monthly basis the “Apple Way Award” recognizes individuals who exemplify corporate values. Winners receive a monetary award and are highlighted on the intranet.
  • Employees who achieve employment milestones at five-year increments are honored at a breakfast at a local hotel. Each recipient receives a service gift presented by the CEO and other senior leaders.
  • Bring your child to work day, the summer family picnic and “Happle Hour” are some of the social events that are a highlight for employees.
Pictured: Employees gather in the “Wellness Garden,” which was completed for the credit union’s community partner, Northern Virginia Family Services. From left: Jeff Callan, vice president of Apple Financial Services; Lora Mboma, member service representative; Cynthia McAree, chief marketing officer; Kaytera Caison, branch operations support manager; Jonathan Guepe, executive vice president and COO; Katie Knight, community engagement officer; and Dr. Calanthia Tucker, board chair.
2021 America First CU Best CU Picture.jpg

America First Credit Union

Riverdale, Utah
Assets: $15.8 billion
President and CEO: Thayne Shaffer
Overall rank: 30
Category rank: 16
  • Members and coworkers can nominate employees for excellent member service, a designation called “Service Star.” 
  • The credit union provides financial support to employees who have a deployed family member.
  • Employees regularly volunteer their time to support charitable initiatives like reading programs for children and community food drives.
Pictured: On April 28, 2021, America First’s senior management group, representing the credit union’s charitable foundation, teamed up with the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation to assemble packs to stock local food pantries. The packs provide food for children who are at risk of missing meals. In total, 15,000 packs were assembled and delivered. 
2021 Ascend FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

Ascend Federal Credit Union

Tullahoma, Tenn.
Assets: $3.2 billion
President and CEO: Caren Gabriel
Overall rank: 38
Category rank: 17
  • To recognize employee contributions as essential workers during the pandemic, the credit union provided them with a “Recharge Day,” an additional paid day off.
  • Milestone service anniversaries are honored with a certificate, a commemorative gift of choice and recognition in the newsletter.
  • Employees dress up for Halloween to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This event is an employee favorite with $3,750 raised in 2020.
Pictured: Ascend Federal Credit Union employees attend a “masked” masquerade party.
2021 American Heritage CU Best CU Picture.jpg

American Heritage Credit Union

Philadelphia
Assets: $3.4 billion
President and CEO: Bruce K. Foulke
Overall rank: 41
Category rank: 18
  • The credit union has a partnership with the New England College of Business and Peirce College. Associates receive a 25% discount on tuition.
  • Wellness activities, such as “take the stairs day,” are popular, along with onsite fitness classes and a micro market with healthy food options.
  • Through a partnership with WellWorks, the credit union offers employees a free monthly virtual meditation series. 
Pictured: American Heritage Credit Union hosted its 26th annual Employee Appreciation Day. Dressed in Philadelphia-themed attire, President and CEO Bruce Foulke and the entire management team welcomed all employees as they arrived at work, gifted them with new American Heritage gear, and cooked and served a lunch that included many Philly staples, such as cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, Tastykakes and Peanut Chews.
2021 Arkansas FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

Arkansas Federal Credit Union

Jacksonville, Arkansas
Assets: $1.5 billion
President and CEO: Rodney Showmar
Overall rank: 44
Category rank: 19
  • Employees are able to recognize peers for exemplifying “core values.” As points are earned, they can be redeemed for rewards like gift cards, extra personal time off or a mentor session with an executive.
  • Each month during a town hall, an executive gives a “shout out” to one or multiple employees, who are then encouraged to share their success story with the entire organization.
  • The credit union participates in the “Blue & You Fitness Challenge” through Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Employees receive reward points and recognition for completing the challenge for that week.
Pictured: Arkansas Federal Credit Union’s Member Benefit Services employees make their “mark” at a socially distant team-building event.
2021 Altura CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Altura Credit Union

Riverside, California
Assets: $1.9 billion
CEO: Jennifer Binkley
Overall rank: 45
Category rank: 20
  • The credit union sponsors “Holiday Hookups,” a program that gives employees the opportunity to receive that one special gift that they’ve always wanted to spoil themselves or their loved ones with.
  • A stipend is provided to employees to purchase business attire. 
  • Discounts on mortgage rates are available to employees. 
Pictured: Outreach Coordinator Jayla Spicer and Business Development Officer Josh Smith represent Altura Credit Union at “The Boots in the Park” country concert. Through Altura’s outreach program, Altura Cares, employees get paid to volunteer at various community events throughout the year.
2021 Verve CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Verve, a Credit Union

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Assets: $1.5 billion
President and CEO: Kevin J. Ralofsky
Overall rank: 46
Category rank: 21
  • A formal “Young Professionals” program with a peer-led steering committee is focused on supporting the next generation of leaders through monthly professional-development events and volunteering.
  • Each morning the credit union encourages daily stretch breaks for all employees.
  • Birthdays are a paid personal holiday for each employee. 
Pictured: On their first service anniversary, Verve employees are gifted with a framed cloud of words. The words used are those used by their peers to describe what makes that employee awesome. From left: Wai Ng, member specialist; Andy Luo, member advocate; and Tina Sullivan, member advocate.
2021 Palmetto Citizens FCU Best CU Picture.jpg

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Columbia, South Carolina
Assets: $1.1 billion
President and CEO: Nicholas Wodogaza
Overall rank: 47
Category rank: 22
  • Every February the credit union hosts an Awards Day for staff.
  • A monthly free dinner-and-drinks event allows employees to socialize together.
  • Each new hire has lunch with the CEO, who talks about the credit union’s values and pledges his commitment to help the employee achieve their potential.
Pictured: Palmetto Citizen Federal Credit Union employees getting into the Halloween spirit.
2021 Golden 1 CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Golden 1 Credit Union

Sacramento, California
Assets: $17.5 billion
President and CEO: Donna Bland
Overall rank: 48
Category rank: 23
  • A free membership to the Headspace meditation app is available to all employees.
  • Work anniversary gifts and retirement gifts are provided.
  • The credit union pays for 100% of long-term disability insurance. 
Pictured: The Golden 1 employees at the Cosumnes branch in Sacramento proudly display their “1s up!”
2021 Nusenda CU Best CU Picture.jpg

Nusenda Credit Union

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Assets: $17.5 billion
President and CEO: Joe Christian
Overall rank: 51
Category rank: 24
  • The “Employee Spotlight” program recognizes those nominated by peers or management for a job well done.
  • Employees who stop a fraudulent transaction are rewarded with a $25 gift card.
  • The credit union offers remote-work options with computers, headsets and ergonomic office chairs provided.  
Pictured: Nusenda Credit Union employees volunteering during the annual Community Day.
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Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Assets: $1.4 billion
President and CEO: Michael B. Magnavita
Overall rank: 54
Category rank: 25
  • During the lockdown, the credit union made sure employees continued to be paid so they did not experience any financial loss (even though at times they were not working). 
  • The credit union offers healthy cooking classes. 
  • The credit union, with the support of its employees, donated over $5,000 in personal protective equipment to local hospitals and emergency services in surrounding communities.

Pictured: Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union joined with its members to help raise more than $12,000 for local food banks. For every $10 donation to FMFCU Foundation’s food insecurity fund, donors received a Berenstain Bears face mask. Shown with Sister Bear are employees from the Media branch. From left: Sue Cahill, Kaitlin McLaughlin, Ashley Tipping, Chrissi Hines and Kevin Haines.
W.B. King
Credit unions Best Credit Unions to Work For
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