Three Awards, One M1 Culture
What makes a great place to work? At Members First Credit Union (M1), we think it starts with the people.
This year, that belief has been recognized in three meaningful ways. Members First Credit Union has been named one of Michigan’s Best Places to Work by Crain’s Detroit Business, one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For for the fourth consecutive year, and one of the Best Places to Work for Women in the United States, certified by Best Companies Group.
Three awards. Three different perspectives. One thing in common: our culture.
A workplace where team members can grow
Crain’s Detroit Business recognized M1 as one of Michigan’s Best Places to Work on its 2026 list.
The recognition celebrates employers that create strong workplace experiences. Honorees are selected based on employer-provided information about workplace practices, programs and benefits, along with feedback from employees about their experience, engagement and satisfaction.
For M1 team members, opportunities for growth, flexibility, connection and a strong sense of belonging are some of the things that make working here special.
“Being named one of the Best Places to Work in Michigan is a reflection of the incredible people who make Members First what it is,” said Carrie Iafrate, President and CEO of Members First Credit Union. “We want our team members to know they matter, that their work has purpose and that they have a place to grow. When our people are thriving, that joy carries through to our members and communities, too.”
A culture our team believes in
For the fourth year in a row, M1 was also named one of American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For.
Employee feedback plays an important role in the recognition, and our team had plenty to say.
93% of M1 team members are willing to go above and beyond to help the credit union succeed, while 92% would recommend M1’s products and services to a friend.
Team members also highlighted M1’s strong culture, commitment to creating thriving communities, sense of belonging, flexibility and opportunities for growth.
"Members First allows people to be themselves. Knowing that I can come to work and be my most authentic self is the best feeling."
Creating space for everyone to thrive
M1 was also recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for Women in the United States by Best Companies Group, highlighting M1 as a workplace where women feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow.
That recognition reflects the ways M1 works to create an employee experience that supports the whole person from leadership development, mentorship and continuing education to career advancement and workplace flexibility.
"At Members First, we believe people do their best work when they have a sense of purpose, know they belong, and have opportunities to grow," said Marcie Long, Chief Experience Officer. "That belief shapes how we think about the employee experience. We want our team to find meaning in their work, build careers they are proud of, and know that what they do makes a difference for our members and communities.
That can look different for everyone. Flexible schedules, Wellness PTO, floating holidays, family and parental leave, dedicated mother’s rooms for nursing parents and celebrating important life moments together are just some of the ways M1 puts that belief into practice.
“Creating a great place to work is more than one program or benefit, added Marcie. It is intentionally building a culture where people feel trusted, supported, and valued."
Three awards. One reason to celebrate.
While each recognition looks at the workplace from a different perspective, they all point to something M1 has believed for a long time: when our team members have the opportunity to thrive, everyone benefits.
Our employees bring their talents, ideas and purpose to work every day. They support one another, serve our members, volunteer in their communities and help create the thriving communities M1 has been part of for 90 years.
As we celebrate 90 years of joy, these awards give us another reason to celebrate not just where we work, but who we get to work alongside.
Here’s to the culture we’ve built and the journey ahead.
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