A Message from Our CEO: Why Credit Unions Should Consider Skyline Financial federal credit union as Their Merger Choice
4/3/2025
Hello to my fellow credit union CEOs and Board of Directors,
I have the privilege of serving as President and CEO of Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union since 2021. I’m reaching out to start an open and transparent conversation with credit unions in our field of membership that may be considering their next chapter of identifying merger choices.
At Skyline Financial FCU, we offer two strategic paths forward:
- Maintaining your institution’s name, identity, and history
- Or fully merging under the Skyline brand.
Our goal remains the same in both scenarios—preserving the legacy of what you’ve built while ensuring long-term stability for your members and employees.
At the heart of every credit union, it’s the people, the dedicated staff serving members day in and day out - who make the difference. If your team has been the backbone of your institution, they deserve the opportunity to continue the credit union's mission with confidence.
Over the past four years, my team and I have transformed Skyline Financial Federal Credit Unionto a position of financial and operational strength. We have successfully navigated economic uncertainty, liquidity challenges, and evolving regulatory demands that often make it difficult for smaller credit unions to thrive, and we did it at $39M in assets and eight employees. Through resilience, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment, we have not only stabilized but flourished, and we are ready to extend that strength to those looking for a secure path forward.
Our approach is straightforward: no sales pitch, just the facts. Merging is a significant decision, and I won’t sugarcoat the challenges that come with it. What I can promise is that Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union is built on people, not profit. Your members, employees, and the legacy of your credit union matter.
If you’re open to a real conversation, I would welcome the opportunity to sit down and explore what the future could look like together.
What Skyline Offers Your Members
By joining Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union, your members will gain access to a comprehensive suite of financial products and services designed to enhance their banking experience, including:
- Convenient Banking Access
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at our Waterbury branch
- Online and mobile banking services
- Remote check deposit
- Tele-banking and bill pay services
- ACH transfers and wire services
- Text or email communication options with staff
- Expanded Account & Savings Options
- Checking accounts and money market accounts
- Regular savings, share certificates, and IRA savings options
- HSA checking accounts
- Club accounts for vacations, holidays, and special occasions
- Credit & Loan Solutions
- Personal loans, secured and unsecured lines of credit
- Visa credit cards, secured and unsecured options
- Auto, motorcycle, camper, boat, ATV, and jet ski financing
- Mortgage loans, HELOC, and second fixed mortgage loans
- Student loan marketplace access
- Business savings and checking accounts
- Business lines of credit and merchant services
- Financial Wellness & Member Support
- Credit score monitoring with real-time updates
- Financial education resources through Skyline 101
- Bilingual services in English and Spanish
- Access to materials, forms, and disclosures in both Spanish and English
- Compatibility with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
- Text alerts for balance updates and text-to-pay mobile payments
At Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union, we believe in strengthening the financial future of both our members and our employees. If you’re considering the next steps for your credit union, let’s talk. I’d love the opportunity to discuss how Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union can help secure and grow what you’ve built.
Let's thrive together.
Cooperatively yours,
James A. Higgins, MBA, CUDE
President & CEO
Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union