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.
State Employees’ Credit Union Kicks Off Its Annual Holiday Toy Drive
State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) is pleased to announce the kickoff of its fourth annual statewide Toy Drive to help spread the joy of the holiday season to local children and families. The drive is happening now through Friday, December 5, 2025, with all 275 SECU branches serving as drop-off sites for the event.
For Immediate Release – Humanidei Welcomes Katy Zaleski as Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant
Ontario, CA, November 10, 2025. Humanidei has announced the addition of Katy Zaleski as its new Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant. In this role, Zaleski will partner with credit unions across the country to design and deliver leadership development programs, facilitate strategic planning and governance workshops, and advance organizational effectiveness through people-centered transformation. “Katy’s career
ALM First Wins Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award
Dallas, Texas – ALM First is proud to announce that it is a 2025 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence winner, as the firm closes out its year-long 30th anniversary celebration. The Top Workplaces program has a 17-year history of surveying and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 60 regional markets. Specifically, ALM First ranked #23 for mid-size companies in the
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Selects Razi Qadri as President/CEO
Kingston, NY – Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (MHV) has selected Razi Qadri to serve as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: November 07, 2025
Released every Friday, BMU is a brief and informative newsletter that provides financial institutions a review of the week’s economic developments.
FAMILY TRUST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NAMED BEST MORTGAGE LENDER/BROKER IN THE POST AND COURIER’S BEST OF YORK COUNTY AWARDS
Family Trust Federal Credit Union has been voted Best Mortgage Lender/Broker in The Post and Courier’s Best of York County Awards, an honor based on community voting that recognizes exceptional local businesses. The recognition highlights Family Trust’s long-standing commitment to putting members first. For nearly 70 years, the credit union has served York County as
Meriwest Credit Union Executive Named 2025 C-Suite Award Winner by Silicon Valley Business Journal
Congratulations to Chad Maze, Meriwest’s EVP & Chief Operating Officer, on receiving the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 2025 C-Suite COO Award. This recognition highlights Meriwest’s operational strength, strategic vision, and member-first innovation that drive our success.
EECU Sponsors Magic of Storytelling Event Bringing Books to Fresno Students
FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2025) – Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) was proud to partner with Disney, ABC30, and First Book to bring the Magic of Storytelling to children at Addams Elementary School in Fresno on November 6. As a sponsor of the program, EECU helped ensure each child at the school was able to
Synergent and Partner Credit Unions Honored with Four MAC Award Wins
Synergent® is pleased to announce it has received four Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Awards for creative marketing campaigns developed for Bayer Heritage FCU, Central Maine FCU, Lisbon Community FCU, and New Dimensions FCU. The MAC Awards recognize excellence in creativity, strategy, and results, celebrating the “People Helping People” philosophy that drives innovation in
Open Lending Launches ApexOne Auto to Expand Auto Lending Decisioning to Full Spectrum of Borrowers
Open Lending Corporation, a leading provider of automotive lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, has announced the launch of ApexOne Auto, an advanced decisioning platform that expands the Company’s capabilities to serve the full spectrum of auto borrowers.
Central Willamette Credit Union Selects Cedric Bousquet as CFO
ALBANY, Oregon, November 5, 2025 — Central Willamette Credit Union has selected Cedric Bousquet to serve as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Bousquet, who was placed by DDJ Myers, brings more than two decades of industry experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Capital Planning & Modeling Director for
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
Synergent and Clutch Sign New Partnership
Synergent is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Clutch, a cutting-edge fintech platform that provides credit unions with omni-channel consumer loan and deposit account opening capabilities. This collaboration is designed to help credit unions accelerate digital transformation, enhance member engagement, and streamline operational efficiency.
Meriwest Credit Union Announces Gene Fichtenholz as Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Meriwest Credit Union announces Gene Fichtenholz as Vice President, Chief Technology Officer (CTO). We are confident his expertise will advance our commitment to secure, cutting-edge financial solutions.
BECU names Carla Costa-Perales as Chief Impact Officer
BECU, the nation’s fifth largest credit union, today announced Carla Costa-Perales as executive vice president and chief impact officer. In this role, Costa-Perales will lead the teams driving BECU’s social impact, equity, inclusion and belonging, communications and government relations work.
TowerCares Foundation Donates $70,000 to Local Food Banks to Help Marylanders Impacted by the Government Shutdown
To help local food banks meet the increased demand brought on by the federal government shutdown, the TowerCares Foundation has donated $70,000 to six local-area food banks and pantries. The Anne Arundel, Capital Area, Howard County, and Maryland Food Banks each received a $15,000 donation from the TowerCares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Tower Federal
CUNA Strategic Services Announces Huloop Automation as Latest Alliance Provider Driving Efficiency Through Work Intelligence and Automation for Credit Unions
CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) announces its new alliance with HuLoop Automation, a leader in AI-powered work intelligence for financial institutions. This new relationship will broaden usage of HuLoop’s tools among credit unions, empowering them to boost efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve member experience through its innovative solution portfolio.
Centra President and CEO Rick Silvers announces retirement; Centra’s Brad Davis named next President and CEO
COLUMBUS, IND. (October 31, 2025) — Centra Credit Union President and CEO Rick Silvers has announced his retirement effective January 9, 2026. Following a nationwide search, Centra’s Board of Directors selected Centra Chief Growth Officer Brad Davis as the Credit Union’s next President and CEO.
Vizo Financial’s November 2025 Education Calendar
At Vizo Financial we are committed to providing quality education to credit unions and their staff, which is why we provide a wide array of educational conferences, workshops and webinars. Our educational webinars and events in November 2025 cover a variety topics including payments, enterprise risk management, Regulation E compliance and more!
Safelight, Inc. Receives $500,000 Grant from SECU Foundation for Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion
SECU Foundation is pleased to announce a $500,000 grant to Safelight, Inc. for the expansion of the non-profit’s domestic violence shelter in Henderson County. The expansion will allow Safelight to serve an additional 150 individuals annually with programs and services that are offered free-of-charge in a secure, safe environment conducive to recovery.
Alogent Partners with Vine to Accelerate Commercial Lending Workflows
Vine, a commercial lending accelerator for banks and credit unions, has partnered with Alogent, a leading provider of software solutions for financial institutions. The collaboration integrates Vine’s AI-powered lending platform with Alogent’s AccuAccount loan management system, creating a unified document workflow that spans from application to post-close. This collaboration brings together two powerful solutions for
One Nevada Sets New Food Bank Donation Record During 75th Anniversary Year
LAS VEGAS, NV. – Each year, One Nevada Credit Union’s Shred Day events raise funds and collect food to fight hunger in Southern Nevada. This year’s spring and fall events took place amid the credit union’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration and set a new record in terms of both dollars and food donated. In total, One
ALM First’s 2026 Conference Calendar Announced
Dallas, TX – ALM First has announced its schedule of industry-leading, in-person events for 2026. Those interested in attending are encouraged to mark their calendars, follow ALM First on LinkedIn and visit www.almfirst.com/events for more details, including registration information as it becomes available.
Freedom First Announces CEO Retirement and Selection of New CEO
October 29, 2025 (Roanoke, VA) — Freedom First Credit Union would like to announce the retirement of Paul Phillips, President and CEO. After 25 years of dedicated service, Phillips plans to retire effective December 31, 2026
1st Community FCU CEO Bill Nikolauk appointed to CU*Answers Board of Directors
The board of directors of cooperative CUSO CU*Answers recently announced that Bill Nikolauk has been appointed to serve as a board member. Nikolauk, President/CEO of 1st Community FCU (San Angelo, TX), has served as an associate board member of CU*Answers for the past two years, and will serve a term ending September 20, 2026.
LAFCU Breaks Ground on New Drive-up Teller Site in Perry
LANSING, Mich. — On a brisk, sunny October morning, LAFCU leaders joined local officials and community partners, to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) development in Perry, Michigan that will bring expanded services to the area.
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.
myCUmortgage Recognizes Partner Credit Unions for Making Members’ Homeownership Dreams a Reality
Awards Luncheon is a key component of myCUmortgage’s annual Partner Conference, highlighting the best of the best in credit union mortgage lending
Corporate Central Energizes the Credit Union Movement at Inaugural Momentum Conference
Corporate Central proudly hosted its debut Momentum: Insights, Innovation, and Connection conference October 7–9 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells and the energy was unmistakable. The event united credit union leaders, technology partners, and financial visionaries for an unforgettable experience focused on powering progress across the credit union movement.
EECU Earns Prestigious Raddon Crystal Performance Award
FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU) has been honored with the 2024 Raddon Crystal Performance Award, marking the second consecutive year EECU has earned this honor. The award places EECU among the top-performing credit unions nationwide for exceptional growth, member engagement, and financial strength.
State Employees’ Credit Union Kicks Off Its Annual Holiday Toy Drive
For Immediate Release – Humanidei Welcomes Katy Zaleski as Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant
ALM First Wins Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Selects Razi Qadri as President/CEO
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: November 07, 2025
FAMILY TRUST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NAMED BEST MORTGAGE LENDER/BROKER IN THE POST AND COURIER’S BEST OF YORK COUNTY AWARDS
Meriwest Credit Union Executive Named 2025 C-Suite Award Winner by Silicon Valley Business Journal
EECU Sponsors Magic of Storytelling Event Bringing Books to Fresno Students
Synergent and Partner Credit Unions Honored with Four MAC Award Wins
Open Lending Launches ApexOne Auto to Expand Auto Lending Decisioning to Full Spectrum of Borrowers
Central Willamette Credit Union Selects Cedric Bousquet as CFO
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Names Michael Pfau SVP of Digital Experience
Synergent and Clutch Sign New Partnership
Meriwest Credit Union Announces Gene Fichtenholz as Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
BECU names Carla Costa-Perales as Chief Impact Officer
TowerCares Foundation Donates $70,000 to Local Food Banks to Help Marylanders Impacted by the Government Shutdown
CUNA Strategic Services Announces Huloop Automation as Latest Alliance Provider Driving Efficiency Through Work Intelligence and Automation for Credit Unions
Centra President and CEO Rick Silvers announces retirement; Centra’s Brad Davis named next President and CEO
Vizo Financial’s November 2025 Education Calendar
Safelight, Inc. Receives $500,000 Grant from SECU Foundation for Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion
Alogent Partners with Vine to Accelerate Commercial Lending Workflows
One Nevada Sets New Food Bank Donation Record During 75th Anniversary Year
ALM First’s 2026 Conference Calendar Announced
Freedom First Announces CEO Retirement and Selection of New CEO
1st Community FCU CEO Bill Nikolauk appointed to CU*Answers Board of Directors
LAFCU Breaks Ground on New Drive-up Teller Site in Perry
SchoolsFirst FCU Opens 71st Branch in California – Burbank Now Open
myCUmortgage Recognizes Partner Credit Unions for Making Members’ Homeownership Dreams a Reality
Corporate Central Energizes the Credit Union Movement at Inaugural Momentum Conference
EECU Earns Prestigious Raddon Crystal Performance Award
State Employees’ Credit Union Kicks Off Its Annual Holiday Toy Drive
For Immediate Release – Humanidei Welcomes Katy Zaleski as Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant
ALM First Wins Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Selects Razi Qadri as President/CEO
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: November 07, 2025
FAMILY TRUST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NAMED BEST MORTGAGE LENDER/BROKER IN THE POST AND COURIER’S BEST OF YORK COUNTY AWARDS
Meriwest Credit Union Executive Named 2025 C-Suite Award Winner by Silicon Valley Business Journal
EECU Sponsors Magic of Storytelling Event Bringing Books to Fresno Students
Synergent and Partner Credit Unions Honored with Four MAC Award Wins
Open Lending Launches ApexOne Auto to Expand Auto Lending Decisioning to Full Spectrum of Borrowers
Central Willamette Credit Union Selects Cedric Bousquet as CFO
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Names Michael Pfau SVP of Digital Experience
Synergent and Clutch Sign New Partnership
Meriwest Credit Union Announces Gene Fichtenholz as Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
BECU names Carla Costa-Perales as Chief Impact Officer
TowerCares Foundation Donates $70,000 to Local Food Banks to Help Marylanders Impacted by the Government Shutdown
CUNA Strategic Services Announces Huloop Automation as Latest Alliance Provider Driving Efficiency Through Work Intelligence and Automation for Credit Unions
Centra President and CEO Rick Silvers announces retirement; Centra’s Brad Davis named next President and CEO
Vizo Financial’s November 2025 Education Calendar
Safelight, Inc. Receives $500,000 Grant from SECU Foundation for Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion
Alogent Partners with Vine to Accelerate Commercial Lending Workflows
One Nevada Sets New Food Bank Donation Record During 75th Anniversary Year
ALM First’s 2026 Conference Calendar Announced
Freedom First Announces CEO Retirement and Selection of New CEO
1st Community FCU CEO Bill Nikolauk appointed to CU*Answers Board of Directors
LAFCU Breaks Ground on New Drive-up Teller Site in Perry
SchoolsFirst FCU Opens 71st Branch in California – Burbank Now Open
myCUmortgage Recognizes Partner Credit Unions for Making Members’ Homeownership Dreams a Reality
Corporate Central Energizes the Credit Union Movement at Inaugural Momentum Conference
EECU Earns Prestigious Raddon Crystal Performance Award
CES Credit Union Appoints Mike Copley as President/CEO
BECU members help direct $450,000 to nonprofits through People Helping People Awards
Coastal Credit Union Collects Toys for 200 Children in Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
Vizo Financial Gives Back more than $4.8 Million to Capital Members
Baker Market Update – Week in Review: December 12, 2025
Illinois State Credit Union Selects Alogent’s Unify to Modernize Deposit Automation and Drive Digital Transformation
