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.
Uniting 187 Credit Unions
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.”
Creating Greater Economies of Scale and Improved Efficiencies
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.”
Supporting Small Credit Unions
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.
For more information, please visit the Merger Resource Center.
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.
