Credit Unions: A Community Asset at Home and Abroad

Credit Unions are a community asset at home and abroad: Irish Credit Union in St Canices Kilkenny Ireland

Credit Unions are a community asset: Irish Credit Union marked in GaelicI was recently in Ireland and while there were many amazing sights, there was one recurring thing that caught my eye. It seemed as though on every road I traveled and in every town I visited, there was a credit union. They were at the heart of the community. Maybe not as easily detectable in a big city like Dublin, but town after town there was a credit union like these, some with the name entirely in Gaelic.

It reminded me how relevant and important a local credit union is to its members and the community.  Sure they provide the financial services, products, etc. one could need, but a credit union is much more. Credit unions represent you, the members who own it.  They employ local people, make local decisions and support local businesses and communities. While the physical locations may not always be on main street like the ones pictured, rest assured that for Freedom, the hometown pride and commitment is as strong as if we were right next door to your local sweater shop, toy store or pub.

Mike

CEO Image

Meet Freedom’s President and CEO

Mike MacPherson has over 35 years of experience in the financial industry, including more than 12 years with Freedom before becoming President/CEO in 2016. Born and raised in Baltimore County, Mike is a graduate of Mt. St. Joseph High School and Towson University. Mike now resides in Harford County, which he has called home for over 30 years.

He likes to blog because it helps him connect with members on a human level. He says, “It’s not just about what products we offer; it’s about what we stand for, why people should join, and spreading the credit union message with greater reach and purpose. If we want people to understand our culture, that we are trying to be something special, we need to give them the insight from a personal viewpoint, not just as a business.” He believes passionately in our community, our employees, our mission of giving back, and providing members with financial products and services that lead to their success.