Local Roots. Expanded Possibilities.

Sierra Central Credit Union and First U.S. Community Credit Union are planning to merge, pending regulatory approval and approval from First U.S. Community Credit Union members.
This announcement marks an exciting opportunity for two well-established, community-focused credit unions to come together in support of their members, team members, and communities.
What’s in it for you?

• More access and convenience
• Expanded products and services
• Continued relationships with the people you know and trust
• A stronger organization positioned for long-term success

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We’re growing to stay strong, stay competitive, and keep meeting your needs - now and into the future.

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This is about partnership. Two strong local credit unions are coming together to do more - for you and for our communities. Sierra Central Credit Union has proudly served Northern California for decades, building strong relationships through personalized service, financial strength, and a commitment to helping members achieve their financial goals. Through this proposed partnership, Sierra Central would build upon that legacy while gaining additional resources and capabilities to meet members' evolving needs.

Merging lets us:

• Strengthen our combined resources and expertise
• Expand member access and convenience
• Increase investment in technology and digital services
• Create additional opportunities for team members
• Enhance our ability to support the communities we serve

We share the same vision: helping members thrive. And together, we can go further than we could alone. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to serving members today while positioning the credit union for continued success in the future.

First U.S. is a great fit. They share similar values – community roots, member-first service, financial strength, and an emphasis on people. Like us, they’re all about doing right by their members and team members.

Originally founded in 1936 First U.S. now serves over 28,000 members across Northern California with 5 branch locations in the Sacramento region. By teaming up, we’ll grow to 23 locations, making it easier than ever to access the services you need - without losing the personal touch you love.

This proposed merger brings together two respected credit unions with complementary strengths, shared values, deep local pride, and a common vision for a stronger future.

Yes - 100%. Both boards are fully on board and excited about what this partnership means for members, team members, and the communities we serve. It’s a win-win.

Together, we’ll become a $2 billion credit union serving over 114,000 members across Northern California.

That scale means more resources, more innovation, and more support for members and team members. We’re combining the best of both credit unions – products, services, technology, and talent – while staying true to our mission and local roots.

This partnership would strengthen our ability to:

• Deliver exceptional member service
• Invest in technology and digital banking solutions
• Support and develop our team members
• Expand financial education and community outreach efforts
• Remain competitive in a rapidly evolving financial services environment

Most importantly, the member-first culture and community commitment that define both organizations would continue to guide the combined credit union.

Yes, absolutely! Both credit unions are committed to remaining member-owned and not-for-profit financial cooperatives. This merger will allow us to grow responsibly while staying true to our mission of putting members first.

No. This is not an acquisition. It is a merger between two strong local credit unions that share similar values and goals. We are combining our strengths to create even more opportunities for our members, team members, and communities. By coming together, we’ll be able to offer more products, services, and conveniences - while continuing to operate as a credit union owned by members.

This merger brings some exciting perks, including:

• More Locations: 23 branches across Northern California for added convenience.
• Enhanced Experience: Streamlined processes and better tools to give you even more personalized attention.
• Increased Innovation: More resources and combined expertise to develop products, services, and digital solutions.
• Stronger Communities: Greater investment in local outreach, financial education, and community support.
• Built for the Future: By combining our strengths, we’re creating an organization with greater capacity to invest in our people, technology, products, and services – ensuring we can continue meeting the evolving needs of our members and communities for years to come.

And don’t worry, our friendly, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff who serve our members every day will still be here to help you every step of the way.

For now, it’s business as usual! You’ll still use the same account number, access your accounts, use your checks, and enjoy the same great service you’ve always received.

As the merger moves forward, expect some exciting enhancements over time. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, with plenty of notice for any changes. And rest assured, our commitment to excellent service and putting members first will always be our top priority.

Your rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates will stay the same until the end of their current terms. Other products will adjust as usual, based on market conditions.

Yes! Your deposits will still be federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). You can find more info and use the NCUA insurance calculator at www.mycreditunion.gov/estimator.

We’re happy to have you as a member of both credit unions! For now, it’s business as usual - you can continue using your accounts as normal.

As we get closer to the merger date, we’ll keep you informed with clear updates and support you throughout the transition.

This merger brings exciting opportunities for our teams. Both credit unions are committed to maintaining a supportive, rewarding workplace. Team members will benefit from enhanced resources, career growth, and expanded support.

Equally important, both credit unions value the expertise, relationships, and dedication of their team members. The people who serve our members every day will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the combined credit union.

Shonna Shearson, First U.S. Community’s current CEO, will lead the combined organization. Ron Sweeney, Sierra Central’s CEO, will retire once the merger is approved and the credit unions become one.

The combined credit union will retain the name Sierra Central Credit Union. Maintaining the Sierra Central name reflects its long history of serving Northern California communities and its strong connection to members throughout the region. At the same time, the combined organization will benefit from the experience, talent, and contributions of team members and members from both credit unions.

Members can be confident that the commitment to service that have defined Sierra Central will continue to guide the organization moving forward.

We’re still in the early stages. To complete the merger process, we must receive approval from three sources: our Boards of Directors, our regulators, and First U.S. Community’s members.

Here’s an anticipated tentative timeline:

3^rd Quarter 2026: The boards of both credit unions will approve and sign a merger agreement.

4^th Quarter 2026: We will submit a merger application to the regulators for approval, before a First U.S. member vote can occur.

1^st Quarter 2027: Special Meeting for First U.S. member vote anticipated.

We anticipate completing the legal merger in the first half of 2027 with operational integration continuing through 2027-2028. Rest assured, we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the entire process.

The proposed merger requires the approval of a majority of the members of First U.S. Community Credit Union who vote on the proposal.

We’re committed to keeping you informed along the way. As the process continues, Sierra Central will share important notices, dates, and events. If you do have any questions, please contact our Voice of the Member team at vom@sccu4u.com.

This merger is about creating a credit union that’s even more capable of serving you and our communities. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we embark on this exciting journey together! We look forward to sharing additional updates as we move through the merger process.