Ascend Federal Credit Union and LGE Community Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge
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Tullahoma, Tennessee — Ascend Federal Credit Union and LGE Community Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and a vote by LGE members. The planned partnership brings together two member‑owned credit unions with long histories of serving people, strengthening communities, and building relationships rooted in trust.
Both organizations approach this decision with a shared sense of responsibility. Celebrating 75 years of service, each organization has been guided by the principle of people helping people, and this planned merger reflects a thoughtful step forward in continuing that mission — while remaining grounded in the values and service cultures that define each credit union.
“This partnership is rooted in responsibility and care,” said Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union. “By coming together, we can strengthen our ability to support members and communities while staying true to the principles that have guided us for decades.”
Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan echoed that perspective. “Both organizations share a deep commitment to member‑first service and community impact,” Jernigan said. “This planned merger allows us to build on those strengths with intention, ensuring we continue to serve people with clarity, care, and purpose — today and into the future.”
If approved, the combined organization would serve more than 390,000 members across Tennessee and Georgia, with over $7 billion in assets, approximately 950 employees, and more than 40 branch locations. While Ascend and LGE currently serve different geographic regions, the organizations view their markets as complementary. By combining resources and expertise, the credit unions expect to enhance long‑term stability, share best practices, and better support members across a broader footprint.
Together, the credit unions will be better positioned to support long‑term stability, invest thoughtfully in products and services, and continue meeting members’ evolving needs.
Both organizations are committed to retaining all employees to capitalize on talent and preserve the service experience members rely on.
Following completion of the merger, the combined organization would retain the Ascend Federal Credit Union name, with Matt Jernigan serving as president and CEO. Chris Leggett would transition into an executive role with the combined credit union.
The merger’s expected legal effective date is late Q4 2026/early Q1 2027, with systems integration extending into 2027. As member‑owned cooperatives governed by the National Credit Union Administration, final approval is contingent upon regulatory review and a vote by LGE members. Both credit unions are committed to communicating openly with their respective memberships as the process moves forward.
About Ascend Federal Credit Union
With more than 265,000 members and assets surpassing $4.7 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is Middle Tennessee’s largest federally chartered credit union. Headquartered in Tullahoma, Tenn., the not-for-profit financial institution is dedicated to empowering its members through comprehensive financial services, including personal banking, loans, retirement planning, and investment solutions. The Ascend network consists of 28 branch locations and is complemented by over 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide and a feature-rich digital banking platform. Ascend's commitment extends beyond the concept of traditional banking, with a strong focus on financial education and significant community investment. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
About LGE Community Credit Union
Named one of America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 by Newsweek and one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025 by Forbes, LGE Community Credit Union connects metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia to best-in-class financial products, expert advice, and personalized service. As a not-for-profit credit union with $2.3 billion in assets, LGE serves more than 125,000 members and is guided by a strong commitment to delivering a better financial future. Since 2010, LGE has given back over $3 million to local nonprofit organizations and individuals in need through the LGE Community Outreach Foundation. Federally insured by NCUA.
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