As we celebrate International Credit Union Day, it’s a wonderful opportunity for those of us who work in the movement to reflect on the profound impact credit unions have had—not only on our members but on us personally.
Credit unions are deeply rooted in my family’s history. I have vivid memories of growing up and seeing firsthand the difference a credit union could make in my family’s life. Whenever my dad needed a new car or truck for work, he would go to his credit union, sometimes needing a co-signer or two, to secure the loan. I remember the excitement of walking into the credit union with him, knowing we’d walk out with the funds to buy the vehicle he needed to support our family. Although I didn’t fully grasp what a credit union was back then, I understood that it was a place that helped us get something essential—reliable transportation—so my dad could continue working and providing for us.
My mother worked at a department store in Chattanooga, which had its own credit union, and she served on its credit committee. I always thought it was amazing that she played a role in deciding who could get a loan—helping families, just like ours, who needed financial support.
Looking back, I realize that credit unions have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, shaping not only my family’s financial health but also my understanding of community and cooperation. All these years later, they remain a fundamental part of who I am, both personally and professionally.
My career with the Tennessee Credit Union League began in 1983, and that’s when I truly started to understand the importance of credit unions. These are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that exist to serve members, helping them save money and lending to them in times of need.
I never imagined that my journey would lead me to the role of president and CEO of the League, nor did I expect that the League would introduce me to my wife, with whom I’ve shared my life since 1993. Credit unions have not only shaped my career; they have also impacted my personal life in the most meaningful ways possible.
As we celebrate International Credit Union Day under the theme of “One World Through Cooperative Finance,” let’s take a moment to think about the countless people credit unions have helped over the years—people just like us. Credit unions are a global force, with over 403 million members in 98 countries, and they have provided an effective alternative to traditional financial institutions. Yet, there are still 1.4 billion people worldwide who remain unbanked, and credit unions have the perfect model to serve underserved populations.
This International Credit Union Day, let’s celebrate not only the legacy of credit unions but also the bright future ahead as we continue to offer financial solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives across the globe.
Caption: Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, answers a phone call in this photo from the 1990s.
