Commemorating Women’s History Month, PSECU highlights the importance of women in the founding of Pennsylvania’s largest credit union
HARRISBURG, PA (March 1, 2018) — During Women’s History Month this March, PSECU is paying tribute to the women who played an integral role in founding what is today Pennsylvania’s largest credit union with more than 430,000 members and over $5 billion in assets.
PSECU was founded by 22 state employees who decided to take control of their finances and make a better life for themselves and their families. They pooled their money, and with just $90 – equating to roughly $1,646 today – they started the credit union.
Of those 22 founders, several were women, based on a review of historical documents.
“By reviewing historical documents such as our official ledger book and the minutes from our first credit union meeting, we know that several women were involved in the founding of PSECU,” said Barb Bowker, PSECU’s Vice President of Marketing and Membership Development.
PSECU continues the legacy that its women founders initiated. Today, approximately 68% of PSECU’s more than 850 employees are female. Women also continue playing strong roles on the credit union’s Board of Directors and executive leadership team.
“In the 1930s, women had fewer career options than they do today. That’s why it is so amazing to look back and see that even from PSECU’s start in 1934, women played an important role,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “It’s an honor to say that women helped form our credit union and make us who we are today.”
A photo of PSECU’s Board of Directors in 1935.
About PSECU
Opened in 1934, PSECU was founded by 22 ordinary people who pooled $90 and made an extraordinary commitment to each other: To create a financial institution where collective resources benefit all members. Today, PSECU continues that legacy as Pennsylvania’s digital-first credit union, with $8.5 billion in assets, an economic impact of over $700 million, more than 590,000 members, and a convenient anytime, anywhere banking model. For more information about PSECU, visitpsecu.com. PSECU has been recognized as a Best-In-State Credit Union by Forbes, a Best Credit Union by GOBankingRates, a Best Bank by Money.com, and one of America’s Best Banks by Newsweek. View its Year In Review to learn how PSECU contributes to the greater good.
