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.
SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with Friends of Sacramento Arts for the 2026 Heroes of Arts Education Gala
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union partnered with Friends of Sacramento Arts to honor educators and community advocates at the fourth annual Heroes of Arts Education Gala on March 12 at The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre in Sacramento, Calif. The event celebrates the educators and leaders working to expand access to arts education in K-12
SchoolsFirst FCU’s Kristin Crellin Named 2026 CSUF Vision & Visionaries Distinguished Alumna
Kristin Crellin, senior vice president of community and Membership development at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, has been named a 2026 Vision & Visionaries Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) Distinguished Alumni, the university’s highest honor recognizing alumni and community leaders for their professional achievement and service. Crellin was honored Feb. 28 at CSUF’s Vision & Visionaries ceremony.
National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals Honors SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union President Jose Lara with Legacy Leader Award
Jose Lara, president of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, received the Legacy Leader Award from the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP) during the annual NLCUP conference themed Sembrando Sueños – Sowing Dreams – held in Long Beach, Calif., Feb. 1 – 4. Lara’s leadership, advocacy and service have had a lasting impact on
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 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. The down payment requirement has been lowered from 5% to 3% allowing qualifying school employees in California to become homeowners in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the U.S. Recent data shows
SchoolsFirst FCU Spreads Holiday Cheer at Rady Children’s Health
A team of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union employees sponsored a holiday gift giving opportunity for Rady Children’s Health in Orange County on December 18.
Los Angeles Mid-City Branch Extends SchoolsFirst FCU’s Footprint to 72 Branches in California
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opened it 72nd Branch in Los Angeles on December 22.
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
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Wins Three Awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions
SchoolsFirst FCU was recognized with three MAC Awards this year for standout digital, direct mail, and in-branch campaigns. Each delivered major results, including a 43 percent increase in certificate conversions and a 412 percent jump in reactivated Members.
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 FCU Opens 71st Branch in California – Burbank Now Open
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union opens New Burbank Branch, extending its footprint to 761 branches in California.
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
CreditUnions.com Wraps Up The 2026 Innovation Series
LAFCU to host free Shred Day event April 25
36 Innovators, One Transformative Program: Introducing the 2026 CUES Emerge Cohort
2026 ALM First Financial Institute Wraps Up with Insightful Key Takeaways after 3-Days of Learning
Sound Credit Union Welcomes Jamie Mullenix as SVP/Chief People and Culture Office
Day 1 of ALM First Financial Institute Kicks Off with Economic Overview, Depository Trends & Timely Insights
For Immediate Release – Securityplus Federal Credit Union Elevates Strategy and Lending Leadership with Key Executive Moves
Orsa Credit Union Selects Appli to Modernize Digital Member Experience
University of Lending: Strengthening Credit Union Lending from the Inside Out
SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with Friends of Sacramento Arts for the 2026 Heroes of Arts Education Gala
BAXTER CREDIT UNION (BCU) ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION PLAN
Kemba Credit Union Selects Arkatechture as Strategic Data Analytics Partner
LAFCU promotes Morgan Pray to vice president of ATM/ITM operations
Women make up 60% of the workforce at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
ACUMA Recognized with Great Benefits Award from Mployer
LAFCU promotes longtime employee Kim Hengsbach to assistant collections manager
ACUMA Welcomes Three New Board Members
eDOC Innovations and Advanced Fraud Solutions Partner to Bring Deposit Fraud Intelligence to Credit Union Check Imaging
Indiana Members Credit Union Celebrates Bottleworks Headquarters Grand Opening and 70th Anniversary
Maine Credit Unions Expand Financial Education with New Curriculum Focused on Protecting Assets and Preventing Fraud
LGE Community Credit Union honored with MemberXP Best of the Best Award
Illinois Credit Union League Announces New Young Professional Associate Director Position
FMSI and Appli Partner to Help Credit Union Branches Drive Member Revenue
Alogent’s FASTdocs Earns Finalist Spot in CreditUnions.com’s 2026 Innovation Series for Employee Enablement
Vizo Financial Named 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner for Fourth Consecutive Year
EECU Sponsors Clovis Unified’s Latino Student Success Conference
Suntell launches AI-powered SpreadIQ™ to accelerate tax return analysis and underwriting workflows
ORIGENCE ANNOUNCES DAYMOND JOHN AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR LENDING TECH LIVE ’26 CONFERENCE
ELGA Credit Union Completes Acquisition of Marine Bank
Heartland Credit Union Selects Aaron Rios As New CEO
CreditUnions.com Wraps Up The 2026 Innovation Series
LAFCU to host free Shred Day event April 25
36 Innovators, One Transformative Program: Introducing the 2026 CUES Emerge Cohort
2026 ALM First Financial Institute Wraps Up with Insightful Key Takeaways after 3-Days of Learning
Sound Credit Union Welcomes Jamie Mullenix as SVP/Chief People and Culture Office
Day 1 of ALM First Financial Institute Kicks Off with Economic Overview, Depository Trends & Timely Insights
For Immediate Release – Securityplus Federal Credit Union Elevates Strategy and Lending Leadership with Key Executive Moves
Orsa Credit Union Selects Appli to Modernize Digital Member Experience
University of Lending: Strengthening Credit Union Lending from the Inside Out
SchoolsFirst FCU Partners with Friends of Sacramento Arts for the 2026 Heroes of Arts Education Gala
BAXTER CREDIT UNION (BCU) ANNOUNCES CEO SUCCESSION PLAN
Kemba Credit Union Selects Arkatechture as Strategic Data Analytics Partner
LAFCU promotes Morgan Pray to vice president of ATM/ITM operations
Women make up 60% of the workforce at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
ACUMA Recognized with Great Benefits Award from Mployer
LAFCU promotes longtime employee Kim Hengsbach to assistant collections manager
ACUMA Welcomes Three New Board Members
eDOC Innovations and Advanced Fraud Solutions Partner to Bring Deposit Fraud Intelligence to Credit Union Check Imaging
Indiana Members Credit Union Celebrates Bottleworks Headquarters Grand Opening and 70th Anniversary
Maine Credit Unions Expand Financial Education with New Curriculum Focused on Protecting Assets and Preventing Fraud
LGE Community Credit Union honored with MemberXP Best of the Best Award
Illinois Credit Union League Announces New Young Professional Associate Director Position
FMSI and Appli Partner to Help Credit Union Branches Drive Member Revenue
Alogent’s FASTdocs Earns Finalist Spot in CreditUnions.com’s 2026 Innovation Series for Employee Enablement
Vizo Financial Named 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner for Fourth Consecutive Year
EECU Sponsors Clovis Unified’s Latino Student Success Conference
Suntell launches AI-powered SpreadIQ™ to accelerate tax return analysis and underwriting workflows
ORIGENCE ANNOUNCES DAYMOND JOHN AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR LENDING TECH LIVE ’26 CONFERENCE
ELGA Credit Union Completes Acquisition of Marine Bank
Heartland Credit Union Selects Aaron Rios As New CEO
CreditUnions.com Wraps Up The 2026 Innovation Series
LAFCU to host free Shred Day event April 25
36 Innovators, One Transformative Program: Introducing the 2026 CUES Emerge Cohort
2026 ALM First Financial Institute Wraps Up with Insightful Key Takeaways after 3-Days of Learning
Sound Credit Union Welcomes Jamie Mullenix as SVP/Chief People and Culture Office
Day 1 of ALM First Financial Institute Kicks Off with Economic Overview, Depository Trends & Timely Insights