State Employees’ Credit Union is a purpose-driven organization with a mission that is strong, steadfast, and clear:
To be the trusted provider of financial services to every eligible member and to enhance the quality of their lives and financial well-being while maintaining our fiscal strength.
Our mission serves as the steady compass, ensuring that we keep members at the center of all we do and move in a direction that allows us to best meet your needs now and in the future. As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, our mission of service is built upon trusted relationships, the longstanding philosophy of People Helping People®, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact for our members and the communities in which we live.
SECU has approximately 3,000 member-volunteers serving on branch Advisory Boards, the Board of Directors, and various Board Committees. Each volunteer plays a vital role in advocating for our membership and gathering valuable feedback that guides us in carrying forward SECU’s mission. I am honored to serve as your Board Chair and to work alongside so many wonderful volunteers who are putting the SECU Difference into action.
Over the past fiscal year, there has been much to celebrate for our cooperative. I am pleased to share a few key highlights in my report.
As a member-centered organization, we prioritize giving you more value with affordable products and offerings, competitive savings and lending rates, and low or no-fee services to keep more money in your pockets, more breathing room in your budgets, and your goals within reach. Financial empowerment leads to financial success, which is why education is a key component of SECU’s service to members and our communities. During the past year, more than 161,000 youth and adults participated in one of 2,200 financial education events hosted by SECU, helping individuals and families gain greater financial confidence and a stronger financial future.
As we work to provide you more value, we also focus on our delivery channels, ensuring you have convenient access to your Credit Union regardless of how you want to be served – in person, by phone, or online. With 275 branches across the state and in all 100 counties, personalized support from people who care is never far away. Over 1,000 CashPoints® ATMs provide convenient access in your community or as you travel statewide. SECU is also as close as a phone call anytime, day or night, with 24/7 Member Services Support. And in late spring, we debuted the new and improved Member Access digital banking platform and BillPay system. You asked for more online tools, easier navigation, and a seamless experience across all devices, and SECU delivered. Thousands of employees dedicated countless hours to planning and preparing for the implementation. They also delivered a cascade of member communications to help all of us get ready. I applaud the team’s hard work, and I hope you are taking advantage of all the new online financial tools and enhancements.
The excitement continued into the spring and summer as statewide member appreciation celebrations brought us together in honor of a major cooperative milestone – the three-million-member mark – which we officially reached in July! My fellow Board members and I enjoyed meeting many of you during these gatherings and at events like our regional MemberConnects, where we have been learning more about how we can best support you. Hearing testimonials of how SECU has made a difference in your lives inspires us and keeps us motivated and excited for what we hope to accomplish for you in the future.
Speaking of inspiration, I want to take a moment to highlight our member-funded SECU Foundation. Thanks to your generosity and support, more than $24 million was dedicated to projects across North Carolina bringing the Foundation’s collective commitment to over $352 million since being established in 2004. Your funding is helping students achieve educational dreams, providing support to non-profits delivering critical services statewide, and making a transformative impact for our neighbors and communities. Your Foundation is a true difference-maker and another exceptional example of the cooperative spirit of People Helping People.
Reflecting on the past year, my overall feeling is gratitude – for the work that has been accomplished, the milestones reached, and the memories made along the way. I am excited for what the future holds as we continue to advance our mission in the work we do to enhance the quality of your financial lives. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your families. It truly is a privilege!
Sincerely,
Stelfanie Williams
Chair, SECU Board of Directors
