Katie BaileyPenAir Credit Union , located in Pensacola, Florida, and Fort McClellan Credit Union, located in Anniston, Alabama have announced plans to merge. The proposed partnership brings together two member-owned credit unions with nearly 165 years of combined service. These credit unions share a commitment to helping people improve their financial well-being, strengthening communities, and delivering exceptional service.
Subject to regulatory approval and a vote of eligible Fort McClellan Credit Union members, the combined organization will serve more than 155,000 members through 22 locations and growing across Alabama, Florida, and Virginia. The merger represents a significant chapter in the history and legacy of both Fort McClellan and PenAir Credit Union. Leaders from both organizations say the proposed merger is about far more than size. It is about bringing together two strong credit unions that share similar values, a people-first philosophy, and a long history of serving their communities.
“Fort McClellan Credit Union is an exceptional organization with a proud history of service and deep roots in the communities it serves,” said Lee Morgan, president and CEO of PenAir Credit Union. “As we got to know the Fort McClellan Credit Union team, it became clear that we share the same beliefs about what a credit union should be. We both believe in putting people first, investing in our communities, and helping members improve their financial well-being. This partnership allows us to build on those shared values while creating new opportunities for members, employees, and the communities we serve.”
Fort McClellan Credit Union has served members in Northeast Alabama for more than 70 years, building a strong presence in Anniston and the surrounding communities. Through the proposed merger, Fort McClellan Credit Union members would gain access to PenAir Credit Union’s expanded products and services, technology and digital banking capabilities, broader network of locations, additional financial resources, and maintain the personal service they know today.
Fort McClellan Credit Union President and CEO, Angela Smith, said the decision to move forward was driven by a desire to enhance opportunities for members while preserving the personal service and local relationships that have defined Fort McClellan Credit Union for more than seven decades.
“For more than 73 years, Fort McClellan Credit Union has been a part of the lives of our members and the communities we call home,” Smith said. “As we considered the future of our credit union, we were intentional about finding a partner that respected what we have built and shared our commitment to people. We found that in PenAir Credit Union. This partnership allows us to preserve the relationships and community connections that make Fort McClellan Credit Union special while opening the door to even greater opportunities for our members and employees.”
For members, the proposed merger is expected to create meaningful opportunities, including access to a larger branch and ATM network, extended service channels including PenAir Credit Union’s virtual branch, expanded business and wealth management services, and additional resources to support members’ financial journey. The partnership also includes significant commitments to Fort McClellan Credit Union employees and members, including employee retention initiatives, expanded benefit opportunities, and a special member dividend for eligible Fort McClellan Credit Union members prior to the legal merger.
Following regulatory and Fort McClellan Credit Union member approval, PenAir Credit Union would become the continuing credit union. Lee Morgan will continue serving as president and CEO of the combined organization, and Angela Smith will serve as President, Fort McClellan Division during the integration period, helping provide continuity and leadership as the organizations come together. The legal merger is currently anticipated during the first half of 2027, with operational integration continuing through 2027 and into 2028. Until that time, members should continue banking as they do today. Additional information, including important dates and details about the member vote, will be communicated directly to Fort McClellan Credit Union members as the process progresses.
Leadership from both credit unions agree, this partnership and merger creates something special and exciting. The merger will not only preserve two great legacies but create a future of opportunity with even more capability to serve, support, invest, and enhance the lives of our members and communities. To learn more about the merger, visit www.PenAir.org/FMCU.
