I want to start by saying thank you.

Whether you’ve been with Freedom Federal Credit Union for decades, or whether you joined us more recently, your trust is something we never take lightly. Everything we do – every decision, every investment, every long-term plan – begins with that trust.

When I reflect on 2025, one word rises above all others: transformation.

This past year wasn’t simply another year of growth. It was a defining year that tested us, stretched us, and ultimately strengthened us.

In 2025, Freedom completed the merger with Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union. This was a milestone that represented years of careful planning, thoughtful due diligence, and intentional leadership. Mergers are often talked about in terms of size or scale, but this was about something far more important.

It was about strengthening our mission. It was about ensuring long-term stability. And it was about creating greater opportunity for members, employees, and the communities we serve.

We didn’t rush the process. We didn’t compromise our values. And we didn’t lose sight of who we are.

Instead, we brought two organizations together with care, respect, and discipline. Today, we stand as one united credit union, stronger and better positioned for the future.

At the same time, Freedom remained financially strong and well capitalized, even while navigating industry headwinds, regulatory pressure, and a rapidly changing economic environment.

That matters.

Because financial strength isn’t an end goal for us. Instead, it’s what allows us to serve members responsibly, invest thoughtfully, and stay committed for the long run. As always, the full financial story is detailed in our Annual Report, and I encourage you to review it.

But I want to be clear about this:

Success at Freedom is never just about numbers.

In 2025, our members trusted us with some of the most important moments of their lives – buying homes, financing vehicles, growing businesses, and planning for what comes next.

We welcomed thousands of new members. We expanded access to responsible lending. And we continued investing in products and services designed to meet people where they are, not where convenience or profit margins alone might lead us.

That is credit union philosophy in action.

Our impact also extended far beyond the walls of our branches.

Through the Freedom to Help Foundation and our community partnerships, Freedom supported dozens of local nonprofit organizations that are feeding families, educating children, supporting veterans, and strengthening neighborhoods.

These aren’t side initiatives. They are central to who we are.

We believe financial institutions should play a role in building stronger communities, not just serving them from a distance.

None of this happens without people.

To our employees: 2025 asked a lot of you.

You guided members through change. You supported new colleagues. You showed patience, professionalism, and empathy… sometimes in moments that weren’t easy or predictable.

I want you to know this: your work mattered, and it continues to matter.

You are not just employees of Freedom. You are stewards of its culture. You are the reason members stay. And you are the reason trust grows year after year.

To our Board of Directors and volunteers: thank you for your leadership, governance, and steady guidance. Your commitment ensures that Freedom remains mission focused, well managed, and accountable, today and into the future.

So, where do we go from here?

The answer is not simply “forward.”

It’s forward with purpose.

As we look ahead, Freedom is entering its next chapter from a position of strength: financially, organizationally, and culturally.

Our focus is clear.

We are investing in technology that improves access and convenience without sacrificing personal service. We are expanding products that reflect real member needs, not one-size-fits-all solutions.

We are continuing to build a workplace where people are supported, developed, and empowered to do meaningful work. And we are deepening our commitment to the communities that trust us to be more than just a financial institution.

Our Strategic Plan isn’t about chasing growth for its own sake.

It’s about growing the right way. It’s about strengthening relationships. It’s about financial empowerment. And it’s about staying true to our core values: integrity, service, community, and trust.

Most importantly, it’s about ensuring that Freedom remains exactly what its name implies. That is, a place where members have choice, opportunity, and confidence in their financial future.

As we move ahead, there will undoubtedly be change in the economy, in technology, and in our industry.

But one thing will not change.

Our commitment to you.

We exist to serve members. We exist to strengthen communities. And we exist to make a positive difference, one relationship at a time.

Thank you for being part of Freedom Federal Credit Union. Thank you for your trust. And thank you for believing in what this credit union stands for.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead.

Because at the end of the day, everything we’ve built – and everything we will build – comes back to one vision, one purpose, one Freedom.