Members 1st earning recognition for community impact, leadership

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Members 1st Federal Credit Union is gaining widespread recognition for the impact it’s making on the communities it serves. 

Based in Central Pennsylvania, Members 1st has close to 60 branches extending to Eastern Pennsylvania as well. While its administrative headquarters are in Enola, Members 1st services extend throughout Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Northampton, Perry, Union, and York counties, and include digital banking and call center channels. 

The member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution lists more than 625,000 members, including close to 25,000 business members, and $8 billion in assets. 

Michael Wilson, president & CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, spoke of the impact Members 1st associates are having on their communities and the difference they’re making in people’s lives. 

“The real story behind any recognition we receive is the work our associates are doing every single day,” said Wilson. “Whether it is helping a first-time homebuyer navigate the mortgage process, guiding someone through a financial challenge or stepping in to protect a member from fraud, our team understands that these moments matter. 

“At Members 1st, we often talk about helping people through some of the most important milestones in their lives like buying a home, starting a business, saving for the future or overcoming a financial setback. Those are not just transactions. They are personal moments, and our associates take that responsibility seriously.” 

Wilson said he hears stories about associates staying late to help a member, making sure someone understands their options, or going the extra mile to connect someone with the right resources. 

“That is the culture we strive for,” he stated. “The impact of that work extends far beyond our branches. It strengthens families, small businesses, and entire communities. When our associates succeed in helping someone feel more confident about their financial future, that is the difference we are trying to make.” 

The impact Members 1st makes on its communities has earned recognition recently at the local, state, and national levels. Members 1st was honored nationally when it was selected for TIME Magazine‘s inaugural list of America’s Best Financial Services 2026. Only 135 institutions nationwide were recognized, with Members 1st being the only Pennsylvania-headquartered credit union on the list. 

Members 1st was also selected as a Leaders in Financial Literacy Award recipient by the CrossState Credit Union Association for its Fraud Awareness initiative developed in partnership with Consumer Advocate Mary Bach. The program helps protect members and nonmembers through education and awareness. 

In addition, individual honors have gone to Alec Clecker, assistant branch manager I at the Quentin Road Branch in Lebanon; Jen Deck, community engagement coordinator; Shanice Mariluz, vice president of Enterprise and Portfolio Management; and Kala Umberger, relationship manager/officer. 

“These recognitions mean so much because they reflect the heart behind the work,” said Wilson. “Our associates care deeply about the people we serve. They are helping members navigate important moments and milestones, looking out for them when it comes to fraud and giving back to their community. That is what makes me most proud—the impact they are making every day.” 

Wilson said the national, state, and local honors received recently reflect the commitment to service of Members 1st associates. 

“We are incredibly honored by the recognition Members 1st has received at the national, state and local levels, but what means the most to me is what those honors represent,” said Wilson. “They reflect the everyday work our associates are doing to serve our members and strengthen our communities. 

“When you look at all these recognitions together, they reinforce what Members 1st has always been about, showing up for people, helping them navigate important financial moments and giving back to the communities we call home,” added Wilson. 

The honors eared by Members 1st associates are shared by men, women and minorities, highlighting the company’s diversity. 

“One of the things I am most proud of at Members 1st is our Culture of WE,” said Wilson. “Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to bring their ideas and perspectives to the table. When you look at the associates being recognized, across different roles, backgrounds and experiences, it reflects that commitment.” 

Wilson said Members 1st knows that when people feel included and supported, they do their best work. 

“That is why we are intentional about building a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow, lead and make an impact,” said Wilson. “The strength of Members 1st comes from the diversity of experiences and perspectives across our team, and that makes us better at serving our members. 

“At the end of the day, our mission is about people. To truly serve the diverse communities we are part of, we need a team that reflects those communities and feels empowered to make a difference. The recognitions we are seeing across our organization show that when you create an inclusive and supportive environment, great leaders emerge and meaningful impact follows.”