ORNL FCU 75 Years

I am privileged to write the introduction for this important publication commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of ORNL Federal Credit Union. Over the course of this time, the credit union has developed a proud reputation for helping our members and the communities we serve. This book includes so many great examples of how the credit union executes on the original vision of “people helping people.” From the very beginning, ORNL FCU was built on shared values and core beliefs; ideals that remain constant to this very day. The credit union has survived through wars, pandemics, recessions, leadership changes, regulatory threats, and competitive pressures because the institution is resilient, and members are loyal to the organization. Growing from $50 in assets and ten members in 1948 to assets over $3 billion and a membership of 190,000 in 2023, the founding members would be proud of ORNL FCU’s history. Their legacy lives on today as the credit union continues to help the East Tennessee community thrive. With the support of board members, employees, and members, I am confident ORNL FCU will continue to thrive well into the future. This book was a labor of love for those involved in the production. Employees had the opportunity to scour through the archives, contribute to the content, speak with former employees and board members, and research the credit union’s evolution. I hope you enjoy the history, the photographs, and the memories contained in this book as much as we enjoyed organizing the materials.

We appreciate your membership and we look forward to the next seventy-five years— and beyond.

Colin D. Anderson CEO, ORNL Federal Credit Union

4 | 75 YEARS ORNL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION