Industry Press

The Press Center allows credit unions and their partners to share important news and keep accomplishments front and center in the credit union industry.

Date

Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators

The Education Foundation for California Schools, a nonprofit created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education, awarded 95 grants to teachers in California to support programs that inspire students to learn and excel in core subjects, including language arts, science, mathematics, foreign language and social studies. The grants, awarded in

Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has earned a spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list for the third consecutive year, ranking among the top 500 credit unions nationwide. The recognition highlights SchoolsFirst FCU’s financial strength, trusted member experience and ongoing investment in California’s school communities.

SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network

I wanted to share some exciting news from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: in 2025, the Credit Union contributed more than $3.3 million to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Rady Children’s Health, and UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Highlights include a $3 million donation to Rady Children’s Health’s new ambulatory building in

SchoolsFirst FCU Expands Financial Planning Services for Members and Educators Across California

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union announced that its Third-Party Administrator (TPA) affiliate, SchoolsFirst Plan Administration, LLC, successfully onboarded a number of new school districts in California in 2025, greatly expanding its presence into new regions. As a TPA, SchoolsFirst Plan Administration helps school districts with IRS plan compliance, education and customized personal financial advice.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Partners with Orange County Department of Education to Celebrate 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year

I thought your readers might be interested in a great community story. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union partnered with the Orange County Department of Education to celebrate the 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year, honoring 62 exceptional educators and supporting finalists with special awards and recognition. I’ve included the full release and a photo below

Redwood Credit Union and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Host an International Delegation of Industry Leaders

TUSTIN, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) – Redwood Credit Union in Northern California and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in Southern California welcomed more than 40 credit union leaders from across Africa to their respective headquarters for a multi-day Learn & Share Visit focused on collaboration, community impact and cultural exchange. The visit was part of a

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Names Michael Pfau SVP of Digital Experience

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has named Michael Pfau as its new Senior Vice President of Digital Experience, a role focused on enhancing online and mobile banking for more than one million Members. Pfau brings extensive experience in digital strategy, product development, and financial technology, most recently serving as Chief Digital Officer at Axos Financial. In

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and Sacramento Republic Football Club Honor Sacramento 2026 Teachers of the Year

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union recognized eleven educators as Sacramento County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year in an on-field ceremony at the Sacramento Republic Football Club game at Heart Health Park on Oct. 4. In partnership with Sacramento County Office of Education, the annual event spotlights local educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation in the classroom

SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with the California County Superintendents to Recognize Education Leaders Throughout the State

Photos available here: https://assets.schoolsfirstfcu.org/share/50C8B60C-1006-4552-8489351E8AA7D264/ Education leaders and county offices of education throughout California were recognized for their outstanding contributions to public education at the 2025 County Superintendents Awards Reception, held Sept. 30, 2025, in San Diego. The annual event, hosted by the California County Superintendents in partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, celebrated individuals and

SchoolsFirst FCU and Sacramento Republic FC Surprise and Honor 10 School Employees From Sacramento Area

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, recognized 10 employees in the Twin Rivers Unified School District in Sacramento County as Classified Employees of the Year during a surprise ceremony. These employees represent various categories of non-certified, non-management employees who have gone above

SchoolsFirst FCU Recognized for Financial Education and Community Engagement

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, received the Business Team Award from the Classroom of the Future Foundation, for the Credit Union’s longstanding dedication to the community, educators and the students they serve in the San Diego region. SchoolsFirst FCU also received

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Receives Four National Awards for Financial Education Initiatives from Credit Union Financial Education Network

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, received four national awards for its financial education initiatives from the Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN). Presented during the CUFEN annual conference held July 28 – 30 in Philadelphia, PA, CUFEN equips credit union industry

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Donates 3,200 Backpacks Throughout California

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, delivered 3,200 backpacks filled with school supplies—including pencils, erasers, notebooks, and other classroom essentials—to 13 county offices of education throughout California, including the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). In an effort to serve students in

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Raises Awareness for Children’s Hospital Orange County Through the 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, helped raise awareness for Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC), now part of Rady Children’s Health, through participation in the CHOC Walk in the Park event and a team member “T-Shirt for Kids Fridays” fundraiser. SchoolsFirst FCU

SchoolsFirst FCU Honors School Employees in Recognition Events Throughout California

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, recently recognized 30 school employees, representing various categories of non-certified, non-management employees across four California counties. Nine of these school employees were also named 2025 Classified Employee of the Year by the California Department of Education.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Through Event Participation and In-Branch Fundraising Activities

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, helped raise awareness for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through participation in CHLA’s Make March Matter, the Walk & Play L.A. annual event and a “T-Shirt for Kids Fridays” fundraiser for team members.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lobby to Support Healing and Hope in CHOC’s New Outpatient Tower

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, as part its ongoing commitment to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), now part of Rady Children’s Health, has announced support of a nine-story ambulatory building designed to provide care for children and families across Southern California. In recognition of this donation, the first-floor lobby of the tower has been named

SchoolsFirst FCU Team Members Help Harvest 6,000 Pounds of Produce on Credit Union Industry’s Development Education Day of Service

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, participated in the credit union industry’s annual Development Education (DE) Day of Service on June 11, joining forces with credit union teams from around the world to complete a day of community service. This designated day

SchoolsFirst FCU Recognizes Four San Diego School Superintendents at the Classroom of the Future Foundation Innovation in Education Awards

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, presented the Innovative Superintendent and Team Award to four school district leaders in San Diego County during the 22nd Annual Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) Innovation in Education Awards program held May 15 at SeaWorld

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Ranked #1 in California by Forbes

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families in the U.S., has landed as No. 1 on Forbes’ 2025 list of the Best Credit Unions in California. America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025 ranking lists the financial institutions that stood out for fulfilling the unique

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Announces Winners of 2025 Member Education Award Scholarships

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the nation’s largest serving school employees and their families, has awarded $210,500 in college scholarships to 248 students as part of its annual Member Education Award scholarship program for 2025. Launched in 2000, the scholarship program was established to invest in Members’ long-term success.

Kirsten Tahara, First Grade Teacher at Ethel I. Baker Elementary School in Sacramento, Named 2024/2025 Esquire IMAX Teacher of the Year

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, in partnership with ABC10 Sacramento, Esquire IMAX Theatre, Papa Murphy’s Pizza and the Sacramento State College of Education, today announced that Kirsten Tahara of Ethel I. Baker Elementary School in the Sacramento City Unified School District

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Celebrates School Employee Appreciation Night at May 9 Angels Game

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, sponsored a special night to honor school employees in recognition of School Employee Appreciation Month at the Angels game on May 9, 2025. School employees who attended the game received discounted tickets, an Angels promotional giveaway,

SchoolsFirst FCU Sponsors Awards Gala for Santa Maria-Bonita School District

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California and the largest serving school employees and their families, today announced its sponsorship of the Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Excellence in Education Awards Gala held on March 6. The event celebrated the achievements of the district’s employees by honoring the talent, dedication and passion they

New Product Releases

TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*

TAPP Engine has launched 9Squid Private Markets*, an AI-powered securitization platform built to help credit unions of all sizes access ...
Other

Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators

The Education Foundation for California Schools, a nonprofit created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of ...
Personnel Promotions

OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS

OCCU President & CEO Ron Neumann has announced his retirement and the OCCU Board of Directors has unanimously selected current ...
Strategic Partnerships

First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell

Suntell, a leading provider of loan origination software for commercial and agricultural lending, announced that First Independent Bank has selected ...
Making A Difference

PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM

Louisville, KY- Park Community Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Pathways to Prosperity grants. ...
Making A Difference

Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again turning student voices into opportunity, inviting Michigan high school seniors to share their ...
Making A Difference

LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to host entrepreneurship mixer focused on lending essentials

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing will host the second session of their Entrepreneurship Mixer Series, The Lending Essentials, ...
Other

CUES and TruStage® Launch Leadership Pathways to Expand Access to Executive-Ready Talent Across the Credit Union System

CUES and TruStage® today announced Leadership Pathways, a yearlong, integrated leadership development experience designed to expand access to advanced leadership ...
New Product Releases

Coastal Credit Union Expands Mortgage Options with VA Loan Programs

Coastal Credit Union has announced the rollout of new mortgage programs designed to expand access to homeownership for more North ...
Lending

Appli Calculator Deployment Drives 23% Conversion Rate for First Source Federal Credit Union

Appli, a provider of AI-powered financial calculators for credit unions and community banks, today released year-one results from First Source ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 30, 2026

Released every Friday, BMU is a brief and informative newsletter that provides financial institutions a review of the week’s economic ...
Personnel Promotions

ALM First Welcomes Jennifer Walker as Director, Sales & Client Relations

Dallas, Texas – ALM First, a strategic partner to more than 300 financial institutions nationwide, continues to expand its Sales & ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s February 2026 Education Calendar

At Vizo Financial we are committed to providing quality education to credit unions and their staff, which is why we ...
Other

Coastal Credit Union Surpasses $6 Billion in Assets

Coastal Credit Union announced that it has reached $6 billion in assets. Through the end of December, Coastal’s assets are ...
Making A Difference

13 families celebrate the new year in new homes thanks to RCU Community Fund’s Down Payment Assistance program

For one Novato family of four, the start of a new year marks a milestone they once thought impossible—celebrating in ...
Other

Vizo Financial Recaps Successful Year of Credit Union Education in 2025

In 2025, Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union initiated its Education Rewards Program, which allows attendees to earn points on an ...
Other

Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has earned a spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list for ...
Making A Difference

Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates 5 Years with $250,000 in Donations

MINNEAPOLIS — Elan Credit Card today announced the expansion of its charitable giving program, delivering $250,000 in donations to 25 ...
Personnel Promotions

One Nevada Announces Promotions for Five Leaders

LAS VEGAS, NV. – One Nevada Credit Union, one of the strongest credit unions in the country, recently announced five ...
Strategic Partnerships

eDOC REPORTS ADOPTION GROWTH ACROSS DOCUMENT IMAGING AND eDOCSignature PLATFORMS

eDOC CUSO network and partnerships bring growth across document imaging and eDOCSignature solution adoption.
Technology

Arkatechture Announces Launch of AI Data Analyst Tool: ArkaIQ

Arkatechture’s new product, ArkaIQ, empowers teams to interact directly with trusted data with no reports or data requests required.
Making A Difference

Indiana Members Credit Union Recognized at Best Regional Credit Union by Newsweek and Indianapolis Community Choice Awards

Indiana Members Credit Union has earned two major honors for the third consecutive year. Newsweek named IMCU one of America’s ...
Making A Difference

SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network

I wanted to share some exciting news from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: in 2025, the Credit Union contributed more than ...
Personnel Promotions

Will Valadez Earns SPHR Credential, Advancing Strategic HR Leadership at Corporate Central

Corporate Central is proud to recognize Will Valadez for earning the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, a prestigious ...
Marketing

Registration Now Open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium

Dallas, TX – Registration is now open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium—a premier in-person mini-conference designed for treasury and ...
New Product Releases

Corporate One Successfully Closes Inaugural Multi-Seller Prime Auto Securitization

Corporate One Federal Credit Union today announced the successful closing of its inaugural multi-seller prime auto loan securitization. This $335 ...
Other

Newsweek names Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions for third year in a row

Newsweek has named Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions, recognizing its member satisfaction, financial strength, and community ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lowers Down Payment Requirements to Expand Mortgage Access for School Employees

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest Credit Union in California, is helping make home ownership a reality for school employees. ...
New Product Releases

Corporate Central Supercharges Business Onboarding with Next Generation Verification, powered by Middesk, in Beastro

Corporate Central and Middesk are turning business onboarding into a competitive advantage for credit unions. The organizations recently announced a ...
New Product Releases

CUNA Strategic Services Expands Sparrow Alliance to Help Credit Unions Deepen Member Relationships Beyond the Branch

MADISON, WI – January 22, 2026 – CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) is pleased to announce the expansion of its alliance ...
New Product Releases

TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*

TAPP Engine has launched 9Squid Private Markets*, an AI-powered securitization platform built to help credit unions of all sizes access ...
Other

Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators

The Education Foundation for California Schools, a nonprofit created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of ...
Personnel Promotions

OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS

OCCU President & CEO Ron Neumann has announced his retirement and the OCCU Board of Directors has unanimously selected current ...
Strategic Partnerships

First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell

Suntell, a leading provider of loan origination software for commercial and agricultural lending, announced that First Independent Bank has selected ...
Making A Difference

PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM

Louisville, KY- Park Community Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Pathways to Prosperity grants. ...
Making A Difference

Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again turning student voices into opportunity, inviting Michigan high school seniors to share their ...
Making A Difference

LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to host entrepreneurship mixer focused on lending essentials

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing will host the second session of their Entrepreneurship Mixer Series, The Lending Essentials, ...
Other

CUES and TruStage® Launch Leadership Pathways to Expand Access to Executive-Ready Talent Across the Credit Union System

CUES and TruStage® today announced Leadership Pathways, a yearlong, integrated leadership development experience designed to expand access to advanced leadership ...
New Product Releases

Coastal Credit Union Expands Mortgage Options with VA Loan Programs

Coastal Credit Union has announced the rollout of new mortgage programs designed to expand access to homeownership for more North ...
Lending

Appli Calculator Deployment Drives 23% Conversion Rate for First Source Federal Credit Union

Appli, a provider of AI-powered financial calculators for credit unions and community banks, today released year-one results from First Source ...
Industry Analysis & Trends

Baker Market Update – Week in Review: January 30, 2026

Released every Friday, BMU is a brief and informative newsletter that provides financial institutions a review of the week’s economic ...
Personnel Promotions

ALM First Welcomes Jennifer Walker as Director, Sales & Client Relations

Dallas, Texas – ALM First, a strategic partner to more than 300 financial institutions nationwide, continues to expand its Sales & ...
Other

Vizo Financial’s February 2026 Education Calendar

At Vizo Financial we are committed to providing quality education to credit unions and their staff, which is why we ...
Other

Coastal Credit Union Surpasses $6 Billion in Assets

Coastal Credit Union announced that it has reached $6 billion in assets. Through the end of December, Coastal’s assets are ...
Making A Difference

13 families celebrate the new year in new homes thanks to RCU Community Fund’s Down Payment Assistance program

For one Novato family of four, the start of a new year marks a milestone they once thought impossible—celebrating in ...
Other

Vizo Financial Recaps Successful Year of Credit Union Education in 2025

In 2025, Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union initiated its Education Rewards Program, which allows attendees to earn points on an ...
Other

Newsweek Names SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union One of America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions in 2026

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has earned a spot on Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list for ...
Making A Difference

Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates 5 Years with $250,000 in Donations

MINNEAPOLIS — Elan Credit Card today announced the expansion of its charitable giving program, delivering $250,000 in donations to 25 ...
Personnel Promotions

One Nevada Announces Promotions for Five Leaders

LAS VEGAS, NV. – One Nevada Credit Union, one of the strongest credit unions in the country, recently announced five ...
Strategic Partnerships

eDOC REPORTS ADOPTION GROWTH ACROSS DOCUMENT IMAGING AND eDOCSignature PLATFORMS

eDOC CUSO network and partnerships bring growth across document imaging and eDOCSignature solution adoption.
Technology

Arkatechture Announces Launch of AI Data Analyst Tool: ArkaIQ

Arkatechture’s new product, ArkaIQ, empowers teams to interact directly with trusted data with no reports or data requests required.
Making A Difference

Indiana Members Credit Union Recognized at Best Regional Credit Union by Newsweek and Indianapolis Community Choice Awards

Indiana Members Credit Union has earned two major honors for the third consecutive year. Newsweek named IMCU one of America’s ...
Making A Difference

SchoolsFirst FCU Raised More Than $3.3M for Children’s Miracle Network

I wanted to share some exciting news from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: in 2025, the Credit Union contributed more than ...
Personnel Promotions

Will Valadez Earns SPHR Credential, Advancing Strategic HR Leadership at Corporate Central

Corporate Central is proud to recognize Will Valadez for earning the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, a prestigious ...
Marketing

Registration Now Open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium

Dallas, TX – Registration is now open for ALM First’s 2026 Derivatives Symposium—a premier in-person mini-conference designed for treasury and ...
New Product Releases

Corporate One Successfully Closes Inaugural Multi-Seller Prime Auto Securitization

Corporate One Federal Credit Union today announced the successful closing of its inaugural multi-seller prime auto loan securitization. This $335 ...
Other

Newsweek names Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions for third year in a row

Newsweek has named Redwood Credit Union one of America’s Best Credit Unions, recognizing its member satisfaction, financial strength, and community ...
Other

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Lowers Down Payment Requirements to Expand Mortgage Access for School Employees

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest Credit Union in California, is helping make home ownership a reality for school employees. ...
New Product Releases

Corporate Central Supercharges Business Onboarding with Next Generation Verification, powered by Middesk, in Beastro

Corporate Central and Middesk are turning business onboarding into a competitive advantage for credit unions. The organizations recently announced a ...
New Product Releases

CUNA Strategic Services Expands Sparrow Alliance to Help Credit Unions Deepen Member Relationships Beyond the Branch

MADISON, WI – January 22, 2026 – CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) is pleased to announce the expansion of its alliance ...

TAPP Engine’s 9Squid Private Markets: First to Democratize Securitization for All Credit Unions*

TAPP Engine has launched 9Squid Private Markets*, an AI-powered securitization platform built to help credit unions of all sizes access institutional capital without the traditional ...

Education Foundation for California Schools Awards $280,000 in Grants to California Educators

The Education Foundation for California Schools, a nonprofit created by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education, awarded 95 grants to ...

OCCU PRESIDENT & CEO NEUMANN RETIRING; SCHUMACHER TO TAKE REINS

OCCU President & CEO Ron Neumann has announced his retirement and the OCCU Board of Directors has unanimously selected current OCCU Executive Vice President Gregory ...

First Independent Bank Selects Square 1 Credit Suite by Suntell

Suntell, a leading provider of loan origination software for commercial and agricultural lending, announced that First Independent Bank has selected the Square 1 Credit Suite ...

PARK COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $97,960 IN GRANTS THROUGH PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM

Louisville, KY- Park Community Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Pathways to Prosperity grants. Announced at the annual Friendsgiving ...

Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again turning student voices into opportunity, inviting Michigan high school seniors to share their perspectives through its 2026 Write ...
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