One Vision. One Purpose. One Freedom.

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.

The Smile of a Clown

Every day, our members and teammates walk through our doors wearing what looks like confidence, calm, or even cheer. Sometimes, though, that expression is nothing more than the smile of a clown — a brave, outward appearance crafted to mask worry, grief, fear, or pain we cannot see.

Truth is, we rarely know what someone is carrying when they interact with us. A member may be facing financial stress, health concerns, or family challenges. A colleague may be navigating loss, exhaustion, or quiet anxiety. Yet both still show up — smiling, polite, composed — doing their best to move forward.

That’s why compassion and empathy are not just values here; they are responsibilities. How we listen, how we speak, and how we respond can either deepen someone’s burden or lighten it. A moment of patience. A kind tone. A willingness to truly hear someone’s story. These small acts of humanity often matter more than we realize.

At its heart, our work is about people, not transactions. When we choose empathy, we honor the dignity of every member we serve and every teammate we work alongside. By looking beyond the surface and extending grace to one another, we create a credit union culture where people feel seen, supported, and safe…even when the smile they wear hides more than it reveals.

Let us continue to serve with open hearts, remembering that kindness is sometimes the most meaningful service we provide.

Can We Matter?

When I write, my intent is to speak about the culture of Freedom, our purpose and, if possible, to inspire. I want members and employees to know that we are more than a bank, more than a financial institution. We are a partner; striving to serve and improve the lives of those with whom we come in contact in any way possible. Yet, I look around at the world and I wonder just how much we can do. What role can we play in making our community better, safer, and can that in turn create a better world? Can saving a member money, providing a loan for that first home, educating on how to budget, or providing employment that supports a family, make a difference and set people on a better path? Can that have a positive ripple effect? Can we matter? Tough questions and a grand idea to be sure.

I don’t know if financial institutions think about that a lot. Sure, commercials will say they do. Ads will pull at your heart strings to convince you they are more, but when you look at the profits, the growth, the mergers, etc., it’s easy to question the true motivation. Obviously any business must earn enough to pay their bills, pay their employees, and so on, but how much is enough? Freedom is a not-for-profit and, as such, our obligation is to take care of the same things as any business (infrastructure, salaries, products and services, etc.), but also take earnings and give back in a variety of ways; keeping fees down or eliminating them, maintaining competitive interest rates, reinvesting in the organization and supporting our community. Our earnings do not go to pay a Board of Directors; they volunteer for that role. Earnings do not go to stockholders to make a select few wealthy; they go to the membership. The best part is that how much we can give back is directly impacted by members themselves because the more they do, the more we earn and the more we give back. Seems simple, but it’s not.

See, we don’t believe, as some other financial institutions, in selling things to members they don’t really need or want. We have all the necessary products and services as any bank or credit union, but strive to give something more; a place you can count on and trust. A place that will meet member’s needs, but also talk to them, listen to them, and help them make the most out of their finances and decisions. It would be great if the world worked more like a credit union. Where people came together to support one another, do the things they do and use the things they use every day and, as a byproduct, help others as well as themselves. Where the greater good is placed above the individual. A member’s value at Freedom is not based on how much money they have on deposit or what position they hold in life. We don’t set out to offer the best products, rates or services for a select few. Our goal is to provide the best we can for all members.

Our mission is “to be a trusted partner by creating a culture of people helping people that meets the needs of our members and the communities we serve”. So, whether you’re an employee, a member, or both, if you want more out of your credit union, do more with your credit union. You’ll get more than you realize.

Mike