Members of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates and the MD|DC Credit Union Association voted in favor of the merger, a strategic move designed to amplify the reach and impact of the credit union industry across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The decision follows months of thoughtful exploration, member conversations, and feedback and sets the stage for a unified organization with expanded advocacy, resources, and service offerings.
On Jan. 1, 2027, both associations and service corporations will be formally integrated, with John Bratsakis leading the organization as CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. President Samantha A.M. Beeler would continue leading The League’s Association with Steve Willis, President of LEVERAGE, leading the Service Corporation.
"The members’ approval represents an important step bringing together two organizations with a shared commitment to the credit union movement,” said Ola Anise, Chair of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates Board, and President and CEO of Azalea City Credit Union. “We have approached this process thoughtfully, with a clear focus on the opportunities this combination creates for our members. We are excited about what we can accomplish together and the stronger voice and greater resources we can bring to credit unions across our expanded footprint.”
“Our members have played an important role in shaping this process, and their vote reflects confidence in the opportunities ahead,” said Kristin Shultz, Chair of the MD|DC Credit Union Association Board, and President and CEO of Spectra Credit Union. “This next chapter allows us to preserve the relationships and regional expertise that are so important to our credit unions while expanding the resources and support available to them. I am grateful to our members for their thoughtful engagement throughout this process and excited to see what we can build together.”
“This merger brings together two respected organizations with a shared purpose of helping credit unions thrive,” said John Bratsakis, CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “I want to thank our members for the confidence they have placed in us and for the opportunity to build on the strengths of both organizations. By aligning our resources and capabilities, we can expand our reach while remaining connected to the needs of the credit unions we serve. Together, we will amplify our advocacy, create more opportunities for engagement and collaboration, and ensure every credit union has a strong voice and a committed partner working on its behalf.”
With the merger, the combined organization will represent 458 credit unions with $528.4 billion in assets and 36.2 million members across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The expanded organization will bring together a broader network, deeper expertise and additional resources to support credit unions and strengthen the industry’s collective voice.