Say you run a mid-sized credit union in Richmond, and you’ve spent years wishing your trade association had more muscle when regulators or legislators come calling. Or maybe you’re in Mobile, wondering why peer connections seem to stop at the state line. A newly approved merger is aimed squarely at both problems.
The Vote
On Friday, October 30, members of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates and the MD|DC Credit Union Association voted to merge. The combined group will serve credit unions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Leaders say the vote came after months of exploring the idea, talking with members, and gathering feedback.
The Timeline and Who’s Running It
The formal integration of both associations and their service corporations happens on January 1, 2027. Here’s who will lead:
- John Bratsakis becomes CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates.
- Samantha A.M. Beeler continues as President of The League’s Association.
- Steve Willis, President of LEVERAGE, leads the Service Corporation.
The Numbers
Think of two neighborhood potlucks merging into one block party. Same friendly hosts, a much bigger table. Once combined, the organization will represent:
- 458 credit unions
- $528.4 billion in assets
- 36.2 million members
The pitch is a broader network, deeper expertise, and more resources, all feeding a louder collective voice for the industry.
What the Leaders Are Saying
Ola Anise, Chair of The League’s Board and President and CEO of Azalea City Credit Union, called the approval an important step in joining two groups with a shared commitment to the credit union movement. She said the process stayed focused on opportunities for members, and pointed to a stronger voice and greater resources across the expanded footprint.
Kristin Shultz, Chair of the MD|DC Board and President and CEO of Spectra Credit Union, said members shaped the process and their vote shows confidence in what’s ahead. She stressed that the relationships and regional expertise credit unions value will be preserved, even as the support available to them grows.
Bratsakis thanked members for their confidence and described the merger as a chance to build on the strengths of both organizations. By aligning resources and capabilities, he said, the group can widen its reach while staying connected to the needs of the credit unions it serves. His goals: amplify advocacy, create more chances for engagement and collaboration, and make sure every credit union has a strong voice and a committed partner.
What It Means for You
If your credit union sits in one of these six jurisdictions, expect more peers to learn from, more weight behind advocacy efforts, and a wider menu of services starting in 2027. Between now and then, it’s a good time to tell your association what you’d like to see from the bigger version, since leaders have said member input is what got this done.