We believe we are called to make a difference. While that may sound odd coming from a financial institution, it really isn’t when you consider that as a credit union, our financial cooperative is built on the philosophy of people helping people. As credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins stated, “Let it never be forgotten that a credit union is, above all else, an association of people, not dollars.” It is that association of people, and helping them, that has been our driving force since the very beginning.
“We’re not just in the financial business; we’re in the people business,” President/CEO Cathie Tierney says. “Every account we open, every loan we approve, every member we serve is an opportunity to change a life. And that’s what drives us — to help people create brighter tomorrows for themselves and their families.”
We’re in the People Business
While what we do and how we do things has changed dramatically over the years — our why has never wavered.
Our members bring the why every day. Whether pursuing a higher education, buying a home or vehicle, owning their own business, building their savings or planning for retirement — we’re here to find a way. Our story has been written by each and every member who has trusted us to help them with their financial well-being.
Early Seeds
Like many organizations, our history goes back even further than the 50 years we celebrate in 2025. The earliest seeds began in the 1950s when our founder, the late Maury Dresang, organized a credit union for the Outagamie County employees. “It’s people helping people,” Maury often said. “You encourage someone to save, and then you help someone else with a loan. That’s how it all begins.”
That initial spark that collected deposits from some members to make loans to others is essentially what we continue to do today — just differently. Maury’s work began out of the trunk of his car, with handwritten ledgers and handshakes. Today, we serve our members from 25 locations (and growing), by phone and with innovative online technology. And while the locations and tools we use to serve members today has certainly changed, why we serve our members hasn’t.
1975 – 50 Years Begins
Starting in the late 1960s, Maury’s expertise in the credit union space resulted in him being recruited to manage the credit unions of 11 other area employers. An entrepreneurial spirit, he took an innovative approach, operating the 11 credit unions from a single building, with a shared staff through the formation of the Appleton Credit Union Service Center located on Richmond Street in the early 1970s.
In 1975, Maury chartered a community-based credit union, creating the opportunity for anyone residing in the community to become a member, without the need to be connected to a specific employer. We honor the formation of the Appleton Community Credit Union as the beginning of what is now known as Community First.
Becoming Community First
In 1978 the 12 credit unions comprising the Appleton Credit Union Service Center came together in an historic merger to create the Appleton Area Credit Union. The credit union was renamed in 1983 becoming Community First Credit Union.
The name “Community First” was chosen to reflect the heart of what we do — putting our community of members and the communities they call home first. It’s a local focus that keeps us grounded in the people we are called to serve and the positive difference we can make right here in Northeast Wisconsin.
That unwavering commitment has shaped who we are today — with nearly 160,000 member-owners who proudly call Community First “my credit union” because they know this isn’t just a place to bank, it’s a place to belong and part of their community. Members proudly recognize the financial support and sponsorship we collectively provide to community efforts and local nonprofits that are uplifting lives and enhancing the quality of life. Our 600+ employees embrace the mission too, serving our members with care and compassion and sharing more than 24,000 volunteer hours in 2024 alone to make our communities a better place.
A Legacy of Leadership
Cathie Tierney’s extraordinary leadership since 1994 as the organization’s second CEO has defined Community First as a financial partner for members, a community supporter and an industry leader. Cathie’s ability to inspire our team and connect with our members goes beyond her role as a leader — it’s a reflection of her heart and passion for credit unions.
Under her leadership, we’ve grown from $155 million in assets to $6 billion, from 48,000 members to nearly 160,000, all while staying true to our mission of exceptional personal service. Cathie’s belief in practicing meraki — pouring heart, soul and love into everything we do — has created a workplace where purpose thrives and our mission comes alive.
Celebrating 50 Years and Beyond
This milestone belongs to all of us. To our member-owners, who believe in the power of the cooperative and the strength of community. To our dedicated employees, whose passion and commitment make every success possible. And to our partners and the communities that inspire us every day.
As we celebrate, we also look forward. “Together, we’re continuing to build something extraordinary,” Cathie says. “Something that lasts. Something that matters. When we put our members and our communities first, we all rise.”
1575 Dresang Way | Neenah, WI 54956
920-830-7200 | communityfirstcu.com
