Latest News
- LAFCU Honored with Delta Township Community Impact–Legacy Award
LAFCU has been presented with the prestigious Community Impact–Legacy Award from Delta Township, an honor recognizing the organization’s dedication to enriching the community in which it has been headquartered since 1971.
- Perry Upper Elementary School Transforms Classroom with $10,000 LAFCU Innovation for Education Grant
LAFCU, a Michigan-based credit union, proudly awarded its $10,000 LAFCU Innovation for Education (LIFE) Grant to Perry Upper Elementary School, enabling an extraordinary classroom transformation.
- LAFCU Named One of the Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2024
LAFCU is proud to announce that it has been named one of the Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2024 by American Banker. This is the second time LAFCU has received this prestigious recognition, which highlights credit unions that excel in workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and overall business influence.
- LAFCU strengthens team with hires in professional services and finance
LAFCU has expanded its team with the addition of two experienced professionals in key roles—Danna Finney joins as compliance officer, and Monica Roark as accounts payable specialist.
- LEPFA and LAFCU introduce new Mamava® Lactation Pod at the Lansing Center
LAFCU and the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), in coordination with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting ceremony recently to unveil the newly installed Mamava lactation pod at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. LEPFA and LAFCU are co-sponsors of the suite.
- LAFCU’s Kelli Ellsworth Etchison named a 2024 Top Chief Diversity Officer by COLOR Magazine
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison has been named to COLOR Magazine’s Top Chief Diversity Officers POWERLIST. This special edition recognizes exceptional leaders shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the country.
- LAFCU earns national recognition as finalist for Credit Union Times Luminaries Award
LAFCU has been named a finalist for the Credit Union Times Luminaries Award in the category of Innovation in Tech – AI/Cybersecurity/Mobile Banking, recognizing the credit union’s cutting-edge efforts to protect its operations and members from the ever-evolving threat of cybercrime.
- LAFCU announces addition of payroll and benefits, talent acquisition specialists
LAFCU has welcomed Angela O’Neel as payroll and benefits specialist and Candace Williams as talent acquisition specialist, a newly-created position at the Michigan credit union. Both O’Neel and Williams bring key expertise that strengthens LAFCU’s human resources team.
- Robyn Howell Named Crain’s Notable Black Business Leader
LAFCU is proud to announce that Robyn Howell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, has been recognized as a Crain’s Notable Black Business Leader. The recognition highlights Howell’s outstanding leadership, community contributions, and dedication to fostering diversity in the workplace.
- Enrollment for LAFCU’s free personal finance course open through Sept. 8
LAFCU is excited to announce that enrollment is open to all Michigan residents for its acclaimed and transformational personal finance course through Sept. 8.
- LAFCU’s new Listen & Learn Program is a sweet success, helps kids learn about ‘making the donuts’
LAFCU recently launched a new chapter of its Listen & Learn Program – All About Donuts. The Michigan credit union partnered with Quality Dairy to create a fun and innovative financial literacy event for three first-grade classes at Wilcox Elementary School and a first-grade class at Horizon Elementary in Holt, Michigan.
- LAFCU promotes Umar Tahir to vice president of marketing, enterprise innovation and digital assets
In his new role, Tahir oversees LAFCU’s digital platforms while guiding the credit union’s innovative and transformative efforts in alignment with LAFCU’s strategic plan.
- LAFCU’s DEI internal communication initiative wins international award
LAFCU was selected from over 1,600 submissions worldwide and honored in New York City with a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category for its four-week, diversity, equity and inclusion internal communications campaign.
- LAFCU’s Write to Educate Essay Contest winners announced, $20K in college scholarships to be awarded
LAFCU is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Write to Educate Essay Contest: Vivian Hansen (Pinckney High School), Thomas Hays (Napoleon High School), Antonio Rojas (East Lansing High School) and Elvis Vue (Waverly High School).
- Pam Pier promoted to LAFCU controller
LAFCU has announced the promotion of Pamela (Pam) Pier to controller, where she will monitor and analyze the Michigan credit union’s financial activities.
- LAFCU’s personal finance course transforms financial futures across generations
Michigan credit union’s comprehensive course empowers participants to conquer debt, elevate credit scores.
- LAFCU hires Stephen Schmitt as corporate strategist
Newly created position will play vital role in guiding Michigan credit union’s strategic plan, continued growth
- LAFCU offers $10K in grants for debt repayment, financial assistance
Michigan credit union to award four individuals with $2,500 each as part of essay contest; applications due May 31
- LAFCU announces addition of two loan officers
Zachary Emerson, Brook Jones join Michigan credit union lending department to serve members
- LAFCU welcomes David Ostrowski as enterprise project manager
Ostrowski is responsible for overseeing the overall direction, implementation, execution, control and project management of enterprise-wide projects. This includes ensuring consistency with LAFCU's strategic direction, commitments to service, and goals.
- Deadline approaching for LAFCU essay contest, $20K in scholarships up for grabs
Michigan high school seniors are encouraged to submit 1-page essay by March 31; scholarship not determined by academic performance.
- LAFCU’s IT manager among presenters at international conference
LAFCU’s IT manager, Ahmed Issawi, was recently on the world stage after being selected to present at the Service Management World Conference in Orlando, Florida.
- LAFCU names Robyn Howell executive vice president, chief operating officer
LAFCU is pleased to announce the promotion of Robyn Howell to executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Michigan credit union.
- LAFCU accepting entries for Write to Educate Essay Contest
LAFCU is now accepting submissions for its annual Write to Educate Essay Contest, which will award $5,000 in college scholarships to each of four Michigan high school seniors for a total of $20,000.
- LAFCU’s new $10K grant to provide funds for needed school improvements, upgrades
LAFCU is encouraging all K-12 schools in Michigan to submit a video application by April 30 for a chance to win $10K to make necessary improvements to their school.
- See What's Happening With LAFCU
View all of the latest and greatest news in LAFCU's first quarter newsletter edition.
- LAFCU honored by Credit Union National Association for diverse, innovative financial literacy program
LAFCU received an award for our focus on transforming Michiganders' financial futures
- LAFCU’s Kelli Ellsworth Etchison honored for second time as Notable Leader in Michigan
Crain’s Detroit Business recognizes Ellsworth Etchison as Notable Leader in DEI, also named 2023 Notable Leader in Marketing
- LAFCU, community partners provide hundreds of free backpacks, supplies for local kids
Over 225 local children in grades K-12 received free backpacks and school supplies as part of LAFCU’s second annual Back-to-School Extravaganza event at The Village Lansing. The number of backpacks handed out in 2023 was more than double last year’s count.
- LAFCU awards $4K to Michigan teachers to stock classrooms, alleviate financial burden
Credit union provides eight teachers with $500 as part of its Teachers Grant program
- LAFCU, community partners to ‘activate’ space focused on health, financial well-being
Public invited to free event as part of 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 22 and 23.
LAFCU partnered with Ourspace (517), Muralmatics, and Nelson Gallery to create Lansing Thrive Space, an innovative, creative and educational hub that showcases the importance of financial well-being through various mediums, activities, and methods.
- LAFCU awards $10K to essay contest winners for debt repayment
LAFCU continues transforming lives by offering Michigan residents opportunities to reflect on current financial behaviors and create tangible ways to build financial stability.
- LAFCU appoints Leslie Rorie as chief financial officer
LAFCU announced it has appointed Leslie Rorie as chief financial officer (CFO). Ms. Rorie is the first African American to hold the position in the Michigan credit union’s 87-year history.
- LAFCU wins 3 national awards for achievement in credit union marketing
LAFCU was recognized with three national marketing awards May 24 during the 2023 MAC Conference in Nashville, Tenn. The Michigan credit union was presented with two top awards in their individual categories from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions as part of its annual competition that recognizes achievements in credit union marketing.
- LAFCU awards $2K to contest winner
LAFCU announced Reid Gritsavage of St. Johns was named the winner of its contest that encouraged members to direct deposit their IRS tax refunds into a LAFCU account.
- LAFCU teaches Lansing Christian seniors financial literacy skills with hands-on ‘reality’ fair
LAFCU hosted its fourth annual Financial Reality Fair at Lansing Christian School to teach high school seniors the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing with an interactive, hands-on, 1.5-hour activity.
- LAFCU raises $1,120 to send Everett High School senior to prom
LAFCU held a check presentation April 6 for Eric Cooper, an Everett High School senior, so he can attend a quintessential part of the high school experience: prom. The credit union, along with other community-minded donors, including Centennial Group and Lansing Church of God in Christ, raised $1,120 to cover Cooper’s expenses for the May 13 event.
- LAFCU personal finance course transforms graduates' lives, creates pathways to success
Michigan credit union’s 8-month, comprehensive course helped participants pay off debt, improve credit scores
- LAFCU’s Listen & Learn Program helps local kids learn about money, teaches magic of math
Credit union partners with Perry Elementary School for event featuring reading, magician and 340 donated books for students
- LAFCU’s chief marketing officer named top marketing leader in Michigan
LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer has been recognized as a notable leader in marketing by Crain’s Detroit Business, a leading business publication in Michigan. Kelli Ellsworth Etchison was selected as one of the 2023 honorees based on her accomplishments over the past 18 months.
- LAFCU wins Innovation Award for cybersecurity campaign, Ryan Larson named Young Professional of the Year
LAFCU has been chosen as the winner of the Michigan Credit Union League’s Innovation Award for its Shields Up! Campaign, and Ryan Larson, LAFCU director of professional services, was named MCUL Young Professional of the Year.
- LAFCU Financial Reality Fair provides Perry High School students with “real-world” money management simulation
Over 150 students learn important personal financial information in engaging, hands-on activity
LANSING - LAFCU awards $1,936 to contest winner, longtime member
LAFCU announced Jeffrey Reeves, of Lansing, a fourth-generation automobile industry worker and longtime LAFCU member, as the winner of its contest celebrating the newly renovated lobby of its West Lansing headquarters and branch.
- LAFCU wins 4 national awards in SIAA competition
LAFCU has won four national awards in the 20th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) competition, with three entries receiving top honors in their respective categories.
- LAFCU wins coveted Brandon Hall Award for DEI communications program
Michigan credit union honored for staff education, promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion
- LAFCU mourns death of longtime board president, Harold Foster
LAFCU is saddened to announce the passing of Harold F. Foster, longtime board member and president, who passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 24, surrounded by his family.
- LAFCU recognizes Harold Foster for 37 years of service as board president
Foster’s dedication to LAFCU, community epitomizes credit union philosophy
- LAFCU accepting entries for $20K in college scholarships
High school seniors can submit 1-page essay beginning Feb. 1 as part of credit union’s Write to Educate Essay Contest
- Leslie Rorie joins Michigan credit union LAFCU as controller
Leslie Rorie has joined LAFCU as a controller, where she will supervise the credit union’s accounting department and oversee its financial and regulatory functions.
- LAFCU launches 10/6 adjustable-rate mortgage to help home buyers counter effects of inflation and rising interest rates
As inflation grows, the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that was a hallmark of the 1980s inflationary period and the mid-2000s mortgage crisis is making a comeback with LAFCU offering a new 10/6 ARM.
- LAFCU honored with statewide award for financial education, literacy program
Credit union recognized by Credit Union National Association for leadership, innovative finance course
- LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer honored as business leader, DEI champion
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer, was named a 2022 Salute to Diversity Award recipient by Corp! Magazine and honored at the 15th annual Salute to Diversity awards celebration Oct. 13 at The Henry in Dearborn.
- Diversity Insight: Nurturing DEI In LAFCU’s Cultural Journey
DEI is an ongoing challenge that is a long way from being resolved. LAFCU is working toward change by beginning where it is.
- Morgan Pray will lead LAFCU ATM, ITM strategy
New position focuses on member experience, new opportunities for LAFCU’s newly doubled ATM/ITM fleet
- LAFCU connects reading, kids and players at Lansing Lugnuts’ final game of season
Despite the fact that the Lansing Lugnuts’ final game of the season was cancelled due to heavy rain, LAFCU still had time to make an impact and get kids and their families excited about reading through its Listen & Learn program.
- LAFCU holds ribbon cutting to celebrate newly remodeled HQ lobby
Event attended by community leaders, LAFCU members, staff and volunteers, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Quality Dairy and LAFCU to host three udderly amazing ‘Spot the Savings’ events to celebrate ATM partnership
Events are free, open to public and offer prizes, activities
- LAFCU’s reading program for kids plays Jackson Field Sept. 11
Fascinating baseball history read by Lansing Lugnuts players, broadcaster will get kids excited about reading
- Two LAFCU mortgage holders win travel vouchers
Closing on a LAFCU mortgage was lucky for Dave and Shay Cooper, of Stanton, and Octavia Zurhorst, of Grand Ledge, in more than the traditional way.
- Enrollment open for LAFCU's free personal finance course
Comprehensive course helps adults build a pathway to financial transformation
- LAFCU wins 5 national marketing, branding awards
Winning initiatives represent enhanced service to members, support of an inclusive, kinder community
- LAFCU wins statewide Innovation Award & recognized for Social Responsibility Community Service
For the fourth time in 7 years, LAFCU has been chosen as the winner of the Innovation Award from the Michigan Credit Union League, the state’s credit union trade association. The award was received for LAFCU’s Love & Equality Art Initiative, which uses Michigan art to help heal the community after the tumultuous events of 2020.
- LAFCU’s personal finance course grads ‘better prepared for life success’
Michigan credit union’s comprehensive course helped students improve credit scores, start savings accounts, pay off debt, create budgets
- LAFCU focuses on financial stewardship at Lansing Christian School
LAFCU employees were serving up financial reality at Lansing Christian School in May.
- LAFCU appoints three to senior staff positions
LAFCU has named Chrystal Murphy Vice President of Operations, Melissa Whiteman Branch Manager, and Umar Tahir Branch Manager.
- LAFCU awards $3K to teachers at Perry Public Schools
Kindergartners to high school students will be touched by the grants; funds will help boost mental, physical health and engaged learning
- LAFCU names business development officer; two promoted in audit department
LAFCU has named Justin Tuck business development officer, Beth Gill director of operational risk, and Brian Tribell audit coordinator.
- LAFCU to offer ATM service in all 27 Quality Dairy stores
Two iconic Greater Lansing businesses join forces. LAFCU ATM service will soon be available in all 27 Quality Dairy Store locations in Greater Lansing. Transition to LAFCU ATMs will begin early May.
- LAFCU offers $2,500 personal grants to aid in debt repayment
Michigan credit union’s support of three recipients part of financial literacy/stability program; entry deadline May 6
- LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke elected board chair of technology provider
LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke has been elected chair of the board of directors for Member Driven Technologies. MDT provides technology services to more than 100 U.S. credit unions, cumulatively representing nearly 2 million members and more than $26 billion in assets.
- LAFCU earns national ‘Best of Show’ marketing award
Michigan credit union’s programs wins 5 awards; all programs created to benefit and strengthen communities LAFCU serves
- LAFCU opens Shred Day to public April 23
Spring cleaners: Credit union offers free secure destruction of personal information to help prevent identity theft
- LAFCU welcomes three new employees
LAFCU has welcomed three employees to the team; Britney Weber, digital and graphic designer; Ahmed Issawi, IT manager; and Kyle Anderson, security engineer.
- LAFCU featured on BadCredit.org to discuss financial access
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison shares about LAFCU programming to broaden credit access and resources to help members and communities succeed.
- LAFCU earns 3 national marketing awards
Two LAFCU programs have been recognized in the 19th Annual Service Industry Advertising Awards competition, one earning awards in two categories. Both programs earned a Gold award, the highest in the category.
- LAFCU accepting entries for $10K in college scholarships
Michigan credit union invites high school seniors to submit 1-page essay; entry deadline March 31.
- LAFCU shares ‘healing words’ to help community
If you passed the Lansing Center on your way to Silver Bells in the City, you likely saw artwork that LAFCU is sharing to raise awareness of the importance of love and equality.
- LAFCU donates $1,000 to Eaton Rapids High School Band Boosters
Partnership with Lansing chamber leads to $12K for area HS band programs.
- LAFCU, reindeer farm celebrate holiday magic Dec. 7
Storytime, Santa’s workshop and fun reindeer facts highlighted in virtual, family event
- LAFCU’s Nov. 17 reading event highlights importance of thankfulness
Michigan credit union, library and food bank partner to encourage everyday grateful living.
- LAFCU promotes Robyn Howell to chief human resources officer
Howell is responsible for LAFCU’s human resource strategy in support of the credit union’s business plan and strategic direction.
- LAFCU names Zac Williams data analyst
In his new position, Williams analyzes and provides data on which the credit union bases strategic decisions affecting product development, on-target communication and goal achievement.
- LAFCU launches free personal financial course open to public
LAFCU is inviting the public to enroll in its new comprehensive personal financial course that helps strengthen the financial stability of individuals in Michigan.
- LAFCU honors chamber honorees with creation by local jeweler
Two Grand Ledge business owners receive Athena leadership Award pendants in celebration of leadership excellence.
- LAFCU promotes Emily Jannereth to chief technology officer
In her new role, Jannereth is responsible for planning, establishing and administering strategy for the Michigan credit union’s technology, including its remote infrastructure.
- LAFCU announces winners of ‘Love & Equity’ art competition
Credit union aims to unite community; 10 art pieces displayed online, across Michigan
- LAFCU donation presentation included serenade by Charlotte HS Symphony Band
Partnership with Lansing chamber in its 11th year of supporting high school band departments
- LAFCU’s pandemic response earns gold in national competition
The Michigan credit union won a 2021 CUNA Diamond Gold Award in the new category of Crisis Management, added due to the pandemic.
- LAFCU reading event celebrates butterflies, bees April 28
Listen & Learn event features a Michigan author, an MSU garden, exploration of a beehive by a Grand Rapids beekeeper; optional craft kits available.
- LAFCU giving away free internet hotspots to help students, adults connect during pandemic
May 8 application deadline for 40 households to receive 3-month internet accessibility
- LAFCU, DeWitt District Library to present virtual, ‘magical’ event for kids March 24
Area residents featured at this LAFCU Listen & Learn event; a magic show, flute performance, storytime encourage engaged reading
- LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke named Michigan MVP
LAFCU CEO Patrick Spyke has been named a 2021 Most Valuable Professional (MVP) by Corp! Magazine.
- LAFCU invites Michigan artists to depict words of ‘Love & Equality’
Credit union to feature 10 pieces of art as reminders of what’s important; application deadline March 31
- LAFCU offers $10K in college scholarships, $2K in charity donations
Winner selection based on 1-page essay about pandemic impact; application deadline March 31
- LAFCU names James McHale as chief financial officer
McHale has more than 20 years of executive experience with small-to-large credit unions. Positions he has held include CFO, COO, CEO and chief risk officer.
- LAFCU presents virtual MLK celebration for kids Jan. 12
LAFCU is presenting a free, virtual, kids-focused celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.
- LAFCU hires Rebecca Allan as commercial loan officer
Allan, a 20-year veteran of the banking and finance industry, will work to provide lending opportunities to businesses and investors throughout Michigan.
- Pandemic crisis moves LAFCU to double number of scholarships
Credit union awards $10,000 in scholarships, $2,000 in charity donations for its annual Write to Educate Essay Contest
- LAFCU offers virtual family Christmas Special Dec. 15
Event features Santa, reindeer, holiday music, and launches LAFCU program to encourage reading among children
- LAFCU promotes Brian Tribell to new risk analysis position
LAFCU has created the position of risk analyst to augment the credit union’s risk management.
- LAFCU awards LCC scholarships to 3 women pursuing delayed careers
LAFCU has awarded college scholarships to three women who are pursuing education needed for careers that have been postponed by life circumstances.
- Governor appoints LAFCU’s Kelli Ellsworth Etchison to Michigan’s Black Leadership Advisory Council
The council was created to serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and develop, review and recommend policies and actions designed to prevent and eradicate discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.
- LAFCU wins national marketing, branding awards
Three LAFCU marketing and branding initiatives have been recognized in the 2020 MAC Awards, with one entry earning the top award in its category.
- LAFCU Shred Day Oct. 24 open to public
LAFCU is offering free document shredding to the public at the credit union’s Shred Day, Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to noon.
- LAFCU focuses on employee health; partners with On Target Living
LAFCU has partnered with On Target Living, a health and performance company, to provide virtual wellness resources for employees.
- LAFCU board names Ellsworth Etchison first chief diversity officer
LAFCU Board of Directors has appointed Kelli Ellsworth Etchison as the credit union’s first chief diversity officer. She will also continue as LAFCU chief marketing officer, a position she has held since 2015.
- LAFCU named a ‘2020 Best Credit Union to Work For’ in the nation
Fifty institutions made Credit Union Journal’s annual ranking of the Best Credit Unions to Work For in the nation, and LAFCU is one of the 50.
- LAFCU names Rob Boomershine as VP of lending
Boomershine has 14 years of experience in the financial services industry working for credit unions in positions such as loan officer, lending manager and branch manager.
- LAFCU names Jeremy Sampson as VP of facilities
Sampson’s new responsibilities include development and support of strategic initiatives involving the credit union’s 10 branches, such as building allocation, expansion and modification, research and profitability analysis.
- LAFCU's Patrick Spyke named Michigan Credit Union Professional of the Year
This Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual whose leadership and accomplishments in 2019 have bettered their organization and the credit union movement statewide.
- Credit Union introduces LAFCU Investment Services, names advisor
Investment options include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, retirement and college savings plans, and insurance products such as life and long-term care.
- LAFCU opens LCC scholarship applications for adult women
The Michigan credit union will award three $1,000 Lansing Community College scholarships to women pursuing education needed to enter or re-enter the workforce or to advance in their careers.
- Two credit unions unite to support food program’s soaring need
Two Lansing-based credit unions have joined forces to help meet the soaring need of feeding the hungry throughout Greater Lansing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.