Merger Announcement –
Local Roots. Expanded Possibilities.
We’re excited to share our intention to merge with Yuba City-based Sierra Central Credit Union, bringing together two strong, locally focused credit unions with a shared commitment to members, team members, and the communities we serve.
Together, our combined credit union will serve more than 114,000 members through 23 branches across Northern California, giving members greater access to financial services, expanded resources and even more opportunities to achieve their financial goals.
What does this mean for you?
Our members can continue to expect the personal local service you know and trust. This proposed merger is about building on the strengths of both credit unions to create even more value for you, including:
- More access through an expanded branch network
- Enhanced products, services and technology
- Greater resources to meet members’ evolving financial needs
- Continued personal service from the people you know and trust
- A stronger financial foundation to serve members well into the future
There is nothing you need to do right now. As we move through the process, we’ll keep you informed, answer your questions and provide plenty of advance notice about any changes that may affect you.
We’re excited about what’s ahead and the opportunity to build an even stronger credit union together.
Watch the video below and read our Merger FAQs to learn more about the merger and what it means for you.
Merger FAQs
First U.S. Community Credit Union and Sierra Central Credit Union are planning to merge - pending regulatory and member approval.
This is a big step, and a positive one. We're bringing together two strong, local credit unions to do even more for our members, team members, and communities.
What’s in it for you?
- More access.
- Better services.
- Continued personal service from the people you know and trust.
We’re growing to stay strong, stay competitive, and keep meeting your needs - now and into the future.
This is about partnership. Two strong local credit unions are coming together to do more - for you and for our communities.
Merging lets us:
- Combine strengths
- Offer better tools for team members
- Expand our reach and community impact
- Invest more in innovation and service
We share the same vision: helping members thrive. And together, we can go further than we could alone.
Sierra Central is a great fit. They have similar values – building community, member care, financial strength, and an emphasis on people. Like us, they make decisions that center around members and team members.
Sierra Central Credit Union has a proud history of serving members, since their first branch opened in 1955 on Beale Air Force Base. Sierra Central now serves over 87,000 members across Northern California with 18 locations throughout Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Amador, Colusa, Plumas, Sierra, Yolo, Sacramento, Alpine, Modoc, and Tuolumne counties. 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 is a partnership built on shared values, local pride, and a vision for a stronger future.
Yes - 100%. Both boards diligently evaluated the proposed merger before making the decision to move forward. They’re excited about what this partnership offers for members, team members, and the communities we serve.
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 purpose and heart for community.
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 purpose 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 digital tools to give you even easier access to the financial solutions you want.
- 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, knowledgeable staff 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 with the same usernames and passwords; use your debit and credit cards and checks; and enjoy the same great service you’ve always received.
As the merger moves forward, expect some 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.
Both organizations are deeply committed to retaining team members and ensuring that the friendly faces our members know and trust remain in place.
Shonna Shearson, First U.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.
After the legal merger, First U.S. branches will be labeled as “First U.S. Community Credit Union, a division of Sierra Central” (or a similar designation) until the system conversion is completed.
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. members.
Here’s an anticipated tentative timeline:
3rd Quarter 2026: The boards of both credit unions have approved a merger agreement.
4th Quarter 2026: We will submit a merger application to the regulators for approval, before a First U.S. member vote can occur.
1st 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, First U.S. will share important notices, dates, and events. If you do have any questions, please email 90fdf1fef1f7f5fdf5fee4d0f6f9e2e3e4e5e3beffe2f7.
This merger is about creating a credit union that’s even more capable of serving you and our communities. Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this exciting journey together!