By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
REGION – Christopher Hendry has been leading the charge as President and CEO of IC Federal Credit Union for approximately seven months. But he is no stranger to the institution and the communities it serves.
Hendry has been a Credit Union Board Member for six years and was previously the Senior Director of External Affairs for UMass Memorial Health Alliance in Leominster, Clinton and Fitchburg, where he guided philanthropic and community-benefit programs among his many responsibilities.
Changes to enhance the member experience
A credit union, by definition, is a member-owned non-profit. As such, a credit union takes profits and invests them back into the operation of the institution. That allows IC Federal Credit Union the opportunity to “pass along higher rates on deposits and lower rates on loans to members.”
IC Federal Credit Union currently has approximately 33,500 members, with branches in Marlborough, Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminister and Ayer.
Recently, there have been several changes in progress including technology upgrades, which represent the institution’s largest investment.
Members and visitors to the website will see a rebranded design and additional information with changes to online banking services to make the experience more intuitive, easy to navigate and secure as more customers conduct their banking from computers and phones.
An online banking application for kids is in development.
Always keeping members in mind, IC Federal Credit Union branches will be undergoing a construction redesign, so the experience looks and feels the same no matter what location a member is using and finds most convenient.
Increase in philanthropic efforts
IC Federal Credit Union lives by the motto, “The ideal time to give back to our communities is always.”
According to Hendry, the credit union has been investing approximately $170,000 per year in organization and student scholarships.
They have donated to a variety of organizations including Marlborough Community Cupboard, St. Vincent de Paul, the YWCA of Central MA, Loaves and Fishes and Our Father’s House.
They are continuing to further look at giving back through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
The aforementioned new website design makes it even easier for members to join IC’s “Charitable Giving Program” by providing a list of causes, locally and nationally, that a member would like to support with either one-time or recurring donations.
There for members through every stage of life
The personal relationships all the staff develops with their members have been key to the longevity and continued high level of service IC Federal Credit Union is able to offer.
Many members have been with the institution for generations. Staff is there whether a member is looking for a first car loan, preparing for a birth of a child/grandchild or securing rates for a home mortgage.
Given the size of the Credit Union, they are able to develop long-lasting relationships and trust.
Becoming a member is easy
Individuals who live, work or worship in Middlesex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk or Worcester Counties can become a member of IC Federal Credit Union. This includes spouses of individuals who passed away while members, credit union employees, members of their immediate families and organizations of such individuals.
CEO and staff set a high bar
As IC Federal Credit Union continues to give back to the communities they serve, their contributions are not simply financial.
Many staff members volunteer in local organizations and are raising their families near the branches where they work every day.
Hendry has served on the boards of many local organizations, including NewVue Communities, the Arc of Opportunity and the Fitchburg Art Museum. He has lived in the area for 20 years and has specifically been in Leominster for six years with his wife and two children.
For more information visit iccreditunion.org
