California’s Largest Credit Union Joins Backbone Coalition to Amplify the Credit Union Movement’s Positive Impact on Americans
California’s Largest Credit Union Joins Backbone Coalition to Amplify the Credit Union Movement’s Positive Impact on Americans
TUSTIN, Calif. – SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union for school employees and the largest in California, has joined Backbone, a growing public relations coalition dedicated to strengthening awareness of the credit union movement and the vital role credit unions play in helping Americans and their communities thrive.
With nearly 1.5 million Members and more than $32 billion in assets, SchoolsFirst FCU ranks as the third-largest credit union in the nation. By joining Backbone, SchoolsFirst FCU reinforces its commitment to ensuring that Americans understand their options when seeking financial solutions and trusted advice to support their financial well-being.
“Joining Backbone is an important step in uniting credit unions across the country to amplify our collective impact,” said Bill Cheney, chief executive officer of SchoolsFirst FCU. “When credit unions come together and speak with one voice, we strengthen our ability to serve Members and help more Americans achieve financial success.”
SchoolsFirst FCU is the twelfth credit union to join Backbone, further accelerating the coalition's mission to elevate the credit union story through the voices of their Members. The coalition’s rapid growth highlights the increasing momentum behind its efforts to showcase the essential role that credit unions play in fostering financial stability and opportunity nationwide.
“We are overjoyed to welcome SchoolsFirst FCU to our coalition,” Backbone coalition leader, Tansley Stearns, said. “Their longstanding dedication to serving school employees and families in California perfectly embodies the core principle of credit unions – community-driven, people helping people, Member-focused and committed to improving lives.”
With the addition of SchoolsFirst FCU, Backbone now represents 12 credit unions across 11 states. In the coming months, the coalition will continue to spotlight the crucial role that credit unions play as the backbone of financial stability for more than 100 million Americans in communities all across the United States.
About Backbone:
Backbone is a coalition of credit unions championing everyday Americans and their economic and overall health. Fairness and access matter in personal finance, and credit unions put people first. Through education and storytelling, the coalition aims to increase understanding of credit unions’ purpose, services and benefits— especially those overlooked by traditional banking institutions. Backbone is committed to building support for credit unions’ essential role that prioritizes people over profits and invests in local communities.
About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union:
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees, and once again, Forbes has named SchoolsFirst FCU the top credit union in California. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to delivering World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve nearly 1.5 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2024, the Credit Union reported more than $32 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California and the third largest credit union in the United States. For more information about SchoolsFirst FCU, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org.
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