Mississippi and Tennessee Credit Unions
Stronger Together
Tennessee Credit Union League and Mississippi Credit Union Association Announce Plans to Pursue Merger
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., and JACKSON, Miss., (March 18, 2025) — The Tennessee Credit Union League (TCUL) and the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA) are excited to announce an intent to consolidate. The effective date of the merger shall be on or before December 31, 2025, subject to the approval of the governing bodies of both associations.
Since February 2023, the two organizations have had a successful strategic alliance that focused on leveraging staffing synergies in education, event support and shared branching services to benefit member credit unions in both states. The boards of directors of both TCUL and MSCUA unanimously approved expanding this alliance by signing a letter of intent to merge.
If approved, the merger will unite 187 credit unions into one trade organization led by Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League. Charles Elliott, current president/CEO of the Mississippi Credit Union Association, will serve as chief advocacy officer of Mississippi.
“We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to merge our two associations and build something truly new and dynamic for credit unions in Tennessee and Mississippi,” said Robinson. “This merger is not just about combining resources—it’s about creating a stronger, more innovative organization that will provide even greater support, advocacy and value to our member credit unions. From the very beginning, both boards and management teams were committed to ensuring that this was a true win-win for both states, always prioritizing the needs of the credit unions we serve.”
Collaboration is at the core of the credit union movement. By joining forces, the combined organization will offer greater economies of scale and improved efficiencies while providing Mississippi and Tennessee credit unions with an enhanced selection of products and services. Elliott also emphasized the advantages of the two organizations’ cultural similarities.
“A shared commitment to ongoing and enhanced credit union advocacy and support resources is always a top priority when combining leagues, but it is equally important that the organizations align on their culture, values and approach to fulfilling that commitment,” said Elliott. “Fred, the TCUL team and board demonstrate a vision and dedication to credit union philosophy and values that resonates with me, our membership, board and staff. Our associations are a great fit.”
Elliott added that while small credit unions are sometimes marginalized in league consolidations, ensuring ongoing support for these smaller institutions is a top priority for the CEOs in both states. He noted that TCUL and MSCUA plan to establish and fund a 501(c)(3) foundation to help support grant resources for small credit unions in both states.
The proposed framework provides for both associations’ memberships to be integrated into the new organization with no immediate changes to either state’s dues schedule. There are no plans for staff reductions. In fact, the combined organization plans for additional staffing, as the improved scale will allow for expansion.
For the 2023 990 filings, the Tennessee Credit Union League reported $7,780,934 in assets and the Mississippi Credit Union League reported $2,954,049 in assets.
About Tennessee Credit Union League
Formed in 1934, Tennessee Credit Union League is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit trade association for Tennessee credit unions. Their mission is to promote and support the success and advancement of credit unions in Tennessee by helping them meet their service and structural goals.
About Mississippi Credit Union Association
The Mississippi Credit Union Association (MSCUA) is the state trade association for 58 credit unions in Mississippi that provide financial services to more than 750,000 consumers who choose credit unions as their financial services partner. MSCUA advances its mission of Advocating Mississippi Credit Unions’ Success by being a premier source of advocacy, collaboration, and knowledge for its member credit unions.
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, will lead the combined trade association.
Fred has dedicated his entire 42-year career to the Tennessee Credit Union League, serving the last 12 years as its President. During that time, he gained firsthand experience working on both the nonprofit and for-profit sides of the organization. Before becoming President, Fred spent a decade as the League’s lead state-level lobbyist and also worked in its Education Department. In his late 40s, he balanced a full-time travel schedule with earning a bachelor’s degree in management.
Nationally, Fred has chaired the National Advocacy Fund and led the Political Involvement and Grassroots Committee for America’s Credit Unions (formerly CUNA). He served on the CUNA Board and now sits on the America’s Credit Union Transition Board. Currently the Southeast Regional Credit Union Schools Chairman, he also helped found the TRGroup, which advances efficiency and opportunities for credit unions across seven states. His leadership has been recognized with the Eugene H Farley League Leadership Award. Underpinning his work is a deep passion for helping individuals gain control of their financial futures.
Fred met his wife, Teresa, at the Tennessee League, and they have been married for 32 years. They share two cats and enjoy spending time with their two great-nephews. Outside of his professional role, Fred enjoys golfing and is a car guy. His commitment to the credit union movement remains as strong as ever, and he values the chance to collaborate with the devoted employees of the Tennessee Credit Union League and its subsidiaries.
Charles Elliott, CLE, CUDE, president and CEO of the Mississippi Credit Union Association, has worked in the movement since 1980 and as president and CEO since 1989. Through the collaboration, Elliott will serve as chief advocacy officer for Mississippi and advisor to the CEO for a minimum of two years.
Charles began his credit union career as a league consultant in January 1980. He later held the positions of director of education/public relations, director of consulting services, and executive vice president of the Mississippi CreditUnion League and League Services Corporation. Charles was appointed president/CEO of the Mississippi Credit Union Association in January 1989.
In 2020, Charles was re-elected for a three-year term on the board of directors of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) now America’s Credit Unions, the largest national trade association in the United States serving America’s credit unions.
In 2021, Charles was selected for a three-year term on CUNA Mutual Group’s now known as TruStage Select CU Council, a national member-based advisory team of credit union leaders who work with CUNA Mutual Group to serve small to midsize credit unions.
Charles is a founding member and current chairman of The Raiffeisen Group, LLC (TRGroup), a collaboration of six credit union associations whose goal is to utilize their collective strength to offer best-of-class products and services to their 745 credit unions.
Charles graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business Management from Mississippi State University. He is a Certified League Executive (CLE) and a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE). He has served as chairman of the Credit Union House Board of Directors, on the executive committee of the National Youth Involvement Board (NYIB) and on the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Volunteer Leadership Committee as well as other CUNA and American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) committees. He has also served as treasurer and chairman of the Mississippi Society of Association Executives (MSAE). He has served on the AACUL Political Involvement & Grassroots Committee.
Mississippi Senator Trent Lott appointed Charles as a delegate to President Clinton’s Summit on Retirement Savings in 1998. He was also appointed as a delegate to President Bush’s Savers’ Summit in 2002.
In September of 2005, on behalf of the Credit Union National Association, Charles provided his testimony to the members of Congress on the House Financial Services Subcommittee regarding financial institutions response to Hurricane Katrina. In February of 2006, he received the National Credit Union Foundation’s Anchor Award for his “extraordinary strength and perseverance in helping credit unions recover from the worst natural disaster in American history.” He has made dozens of presentations to credit union organizations across the country regarding Hurricane Katrina and disaster preparedness.
In 2008, Charles was inducted to the Credit Union House “Hall of Leaders.” The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) recognized him in 2006 with the President’s Award and in 2020 with the Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award, which honors a league employee who demonstrates visionary leadership at the state and national levels.
The Tennessee Credit Union League and the Mississippi Credit Union Association have entered into an agreement to form a joint association because we believe the Tennessee and Mississippi credit unions are stronger together!
Here’s a Q&A to help you better understand the benefits of the two organizations joining forces.
Why is the Mississippi Credit Union Association considering a merger with the Tennessee Credit Union League?
The Mississippi Credit Union Association and the Tennessee Credit Union League intend to merge to create a unified association that will enhance the collective impact, broaden member engagement and strengthen the overall mission and goals of both organizations. This merger will enable both state trade associations to more effectively and efficiently serve their respective members, promote credit unions, increase advocacy impact and improve the sustainability of both organizations.
What’s the timeline?
If approved by Mississippi Credit Union Association members, the effective date of the merger will be on or before December 31, 2025.
Who will lead the combined trade association?
Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, will lead the combined trade association. Robinson has worked at the Tennessee Credit Union League since 1983 and has served at the helm of the organization since November 2012.
Charles Elliott will serve as chief advocacy officer for Mississippi and advisor to the CEO for a minimum of two years.
What about the existing leadership and staff?
Both groups will jointly determine all other leadership positions and will reflect the strengths and contributions of both associations. There are no plans for staff reductions. In fact, the Tennessee Credit Union League plans for additional staffing as the improved scale will allow for expansion.
What about membership renewal and dues?
Both associations’ memberships will be integrated into the new organization. Current members will retain their status as members of the new entity. The merged association will retain each state’s current dues schedule for a minimum of two years.
What differences will Mississippi credit unions notice?
Everything that Mississippi credit unions enjoy today will continue in the new combined organization. However, there will be additional opportunities and gains for the Mississippi credit unions through the more robust services menu we have developed in Tennessee.
What are the benefits for Tennessee credit unions?
Through this collaboration, Tennessee credit unions will experience the benefits of the League’s improved financial strength, member service, operational improvements, industry influence and strategic positioning.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
We would love to hear from you. Please visit the Contact Us page for more information.
Membership Benefits
By joining forces, the Mississippi Credit Union Association and the Tennessee Credit Union League will create a unified association that will enhance their collective impact, broaden member engagement, and strengthen their overall mission and goals.
This collaboration will enable both state trade associations to serve their respective members more effectively and efficiently, promote credit unions, increase advocacy impact, and improve the sustainability of both organizations.
Because Mississippi and Tennessee credit unions are STRONGER TOGETHER
Strong Advocacy & Representation
- Representing 187 credit unions and 3.5 million members, ensuring a unified and influential voice.
- Expanding our advocacy reach with support from four U.S. Senators and 13 Congressional Representatives to champion credit union interests.
Expert Compliance Support
- Dedicated Compliance Hotline—Get direct assistance from industry experts on topics ranging from Bank Secrecy Act requirements to complex Regulation Z compliance.
- CU Policy Pro—Access a robust library of 200+ customizable policies designed to meet regulatory standards.
- InfoSight—Stay ahead of evolving regulations with a user-friendly platform offering summaries, checklists, FAQs, and essential compliance resources.
HR Resources & Support
- HR Hotline—Access employment law attorneys from Woods Rogers for expert guidance.
- HR Suite Plus—Ensure compliance with a real-time, attorney-reviewed employee handbook tailored to federal and state regulations.
- Comprehensive Policy Library—Stay up to date with workplace best practices, including remote work, social media, and cybersecurity policies.
Professional Development & Training
- Local networking & education through 11 regional chapters.
- Specialized roundtables for Young Professionals, Compliance Officers, Growing Credit Unions, and CEOs.
- Targeted training on key topics such as IRA management, Bankruptcy & Collections, Fraud Prevention, Board & Committee Leadership, and Leadership.
- Access to 250+ live & on-demand webinars covering essential industry topics.
- Annual Bank Secrecy Act Training to keep your team compliant and informed.
Talent Recruitment
- CreditUnionCareer.com—A job posting platform built exclusively for credit unions, helping you find the right talent efficiently.
Small Credit Union Development
- Now referred to as the Emerging Credit Union Program.
- Tailored resources and strategic planning for credit unions under $100M in assets.
- Staff Salary Survey insights for credit unions under $50M.
- Exclusive educational programs designed for credit unions under $10M.
Enhanced Member Services & Solutions
- Shared Branch Network—Expand your reach with access to 5,400+ branches nationwide, allowing members to bank conveniently while generating additional income for participating credit unions.
This collaboration marks a milestone for Mississippi and Tennessee credit unions. We know that you may have some questions and invite you to reach out.