Northern California-based Sierra Central and First U.S. Community Credit Unions Announce Intent to Merge to Create a $2 Billion Credit Union
Yuba City and Sacramento, California – September 3, 2026 – Sierra Central Credit Union and First U.S. Community Credit Union have announced their plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and a membership vote.
When completed, the merged credit union would exceed $2 billion in assets, operate with more than 300 employees at 23 branches across Northern California, and serve more than 114,000 members.
Sierra Central, headquartered in Yuba City, would be the continuing entity.
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.
“At First U.S., our purpose has always been to help people build better lives through trusted financial guidance and genuine relationships," Shearson said. "By bringing together two strong, community-focused credit unions, we're creating an organization that's better equipped to serve our members today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. This is about honoring what makes each organization special and building an even stronger future together."
Sweeney agreed. “This is a partnership, both organizations are uniting under a shared vision to better serve our members and communities,” he said. This merger brings together the talents, expertise, and resources of both organizations. The combined presence in Northern California creates exciting growth opportunities, and together we can deliver more innovative solutions and enhanced member experiences than either organization could achieve alone.”
The effective legal date (LD1) is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 with operational integration continuing through 2027-2028.
Layoffs are not anticipated due to the merger as both credit unions value and are committed to retaining talented employees. “People are key to our success,” Shearson said.
As member-owned cooperatives, and under the guidelines of the National Credit Union Administration, full merger approval is contingent upon First U.S. member approval. As the process moves forward, both credit unions will provide information to their respective memberships via their websites, and other applicable communication channels.
About Sierra Central Credit Union
Since opening its first branch at Beale Air Force Base in 1955, Sierra Central Credit Union has remained committed to helping members achieve financial success through trusted guidance, personalized service, and comprehensive financial solutions. Today, with more than $1.5 billion in assets and approximately 86,000 members, Sierra Central is one of the largest community-based credit unions serving Northern California. From a first checking account to retirement planning and every milestone in between, the credit union provides the products, services, and expertise to support members throughout every stage of their financial journey.
Headquartered in Yuba City, California, Sierra Central proudly serves the North State through 18 branch locations across Yuba, Sutter, Butte, Glenn, Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Amador, Colusa, Plumas, Sierra, Yolo, Sacramento, Alpine, Modoc, and Tuolumne counties. Guided by its mission to serve members and communities through personal financial guidance as a trusted community ally, Sierra Central continues to build lasting relationships that strengthen the financial well-being of the people and communities it serves. Sierracentral.com
About First U.S. Community Credit Union
Founded in 1936, First U.S. Community Credit Union has $545 million in assets and serves over 28,000 members in twelve counties throughout Northern California. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, First U.S. offers personal and business financial services with a member-centric approach, to enhance members' financial wellbeing. Firstus.org
Media Contact: Jessica Richardson
Phone: (734) 552-5192
Email: jrichardson@almfirst.com