TULLAHOMA, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2023 – For the eighth consecutive year, Ascend Federal Credit Union has been recognized by American Banker as one of the top 70 best credit unions to work for in the United States. Ascend is the only Tennessee credit union listed eight times since the survey and awards program’s inception in 2014, and one of only two Tennessee-based credit unions that made the list of organizations honored this year.

In recognizing Ascend for its exceptional workplace, judges praised a new staff feedback initiative that helped the company enhance its training and professional development programs, which has resulted in a 46% internal promotion rate. Judges also cited Ascend’s partnership with Middle Tennessee State University which provides employees with an 18% tuition discount to maximize cost savings for furthering their education.

“Since Ascend was founded 72 years ago, our company has strived to foster a culture that values our employees and invests in their personal and professional growth,” said Peggy Stubblefield, Ascend’s chief human resources officer. “We are humbled that our employees must agree because their responses to survey questions resulted in Ascend making this prestigious list for eight consecutive years. It also underscores their belief that Ascend has created a truly unique work environment that empowers all employees to excel and provide exceptional service to the members and the communities we serve in Middle Tennessee.”

Ascend’s benefits include tuition assistance, opportunities to support local fundraising efforts and 10 paid holidays. Additionally, Ascend pays for 100% of health coverage for employees, and 90% 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.

###