TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – Sept. 14, 2021 – For the sixth consecutive year, Ascend Federal Credit Union has been recognized by American Banker as one of the top 50 best credit unions to work for in the United States. Ascend is the only Tennessee credit union listed six times since the survey and awards program’s inception in 2014, and one of only two Tennessee credit unions that made the list of organizations honored this year. (The list was formerly produced by Credit Union Journal, which is now part of American Banker.)

This year, Ascend was specifically recognized for its support of a strong company culture and response to recognizing employees as essential workers during the pandemic. Judges mentioned its Halloween dress-up event, which raised almost $4,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and milestone service anniversaries, including a commemorative gift of choice for employees.

“Ascend’s employees are a critical part of our goal to be the most loved financial institution in Middle Tennessee,” said Peggy Stubblefield, Ascend’s chief human resources officer. “We are honored to be included in this list again, and we continue to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of our team, our members and our communities.”

Ascend’s benefits include employee opportunities to support local fundraising efforts, 10 paid holidays through the year and tuition assistance. Additionally, Ascend pays for 100% of health coverage for employees, and 91% of employees are currently enrolled in the plan. The organization also offers 401(k) contributions that match 100% of an employee's contribution by the fifth year of participation, up to 10% of the employee’s annual salary.

The Best Credit Unions to Work For process includes submitting an in-depth employer benefits and policies questionnaire that details organizational policies, practices and demographics. Employees then provide feedback through an employee engagement and satisfaction survey, which consists of more than 75 statements to respond to, as well as demographic and open-ended questions. To qualify for the Best Credit Unions to Work For, companies must have a minimum of 15 employees and have been in business for at least one year.

For more information on the Best Credit Unions to Work For program, visit www.BestCreditUnionstoWorkFor.com.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 237,000 members and more than $4.1 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement and investment services from its 27 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, online banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

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