2026 Annual Meeting – President’s Message

Throughout 2025, Metro Credit Union remained focused on delivering meaningful value to our members, strengthening our communities, and investing in the long-term success of our organization. By staying focused on members and what they need, Metro saw growth in both deposits and commercial loans. Commercial loans increased by 8.0%, reaching over $603.1 million, while total deposits rose slightly to $2.6 billion, a 0.5% increase. Additionally, Metro Credit Union positioned itself for continued growth in 2026 by reducing its outstanding borrowings. It was a year defined by steady progress, intentional innovation, and a continued commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
One of the most impactful member-focused enhancements in 2025 was the launch of Metro Perks, a new benefits program designed to help our checking account members save more every day. Through Metro Perks, more than 38,000 eligible checking members gained access to discounts, protection services, and everyday savings opportunities – delivering potential annual savings of up to $1,200 per member. This program reinforced our commitment to offering tangible value beyond traditional banking products.
In support of our mission to advance financial empowerment, Metro expanded access to financial education and support resources in 2025 by introducing new partnerships and tools for our members, including free access to Greenlight, a family finance app that helps children and teens build strong money habits; expansion of the Metro Assistance Portal (MAP) powered by Starlight, which connects individuals and families with essential resources and services and unlocks more than $2 million in savings for members; and a pilot partnership with Penny Finance, which provides Metro members and employees with free, accessible online financial planning – regardless of income or experience.
Internally, 2025 was marked by continued focus on leadership development and organizational strength. Metro welcomed new leaders and celebrated promotions across the organization, reinforcing our belief that investing in our people directly enhances the service we provide to our members. These leadership appointments strengthened operational continuity and positioned the credit union for future growth.
Throughout the year, we remained steadfast in our commitment to the community, contributing $297,785 in donations and sponsorships, providing $40 million in flexible and innovative lending options, and investing more than $14.6 million in community impact financing.
Eager to create opportunity for members at all stages of life, we also disbursed more than $7.6 million in new education loans to more than 204 students; provided 50 affordable car loans as part of our ongoing partnership with Second Chance Cars; and disbursed $201.8 million to help members purchase homes, including 108 home loans to first-time homebuyers.
In addition to providing affordable financing options, Metro proudly awarded $18,000 in scholarships to deserving high school students through Metro’s annual Scholarship Program, offering valuable financial assistance and encouragement as they embark on higher education or vocational training. This ongoing commitment underscores our dedication to empowering our members and their families through education.
Recognizing that a strong foundation in financial education is essential for long-term financial success, we conducted 170 in-person and virtual financial wellness seminars tailored to our Metro@work members.
In 2025, the Metro Credit Union Foundation continued to support nonprofit organizations focused on community development, affordable housing, and financial wellness, awarding $100,000 in grants to 10 organizations serving low- to moderate-income populations and strengthening the communities we call home.
Metro employees gave back in other ways, too – donating 113 pounds of Halloween candy to Operation Troop Support; filling and delivering 30 food baskets to the Reading Food Pantry as part of Metro’s Thanksgiving food drive; providing holiday gifts to 75 local children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program; and building 15 beds and collecting 260 books for bedtime stories that were donated to the Coalition for the Homeless’ A Bed for Every Child program. We’re also proud that Metro employees volunteer on 55 non-profit boards and committees throughout the area that impact low-to moderate-income communities.
In 2025, Metro received ongoing recognition for our accomplishments, being recognized in Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions ” for the second year; receiving a gold medal in Banker & Tradesman “Best of 2025” Awards, earning the top spot in the credit union category for the second consecutive year; being named a top charitable contributor by the Boston Business Journal for the sixth consecutive year; receiving a Diamond Award from the Marketing & Business Development Council of America’s Credit Unions for the second consecutive year; and earning an “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) rating from the Massachusetts division of banks for the fifth consecutive year. This recognition reflects the trust our members place in us and the dedication our employees demonstrate every day.
Despite a busy and award-winning year, we enjoyed several employee events, including monthly lunches and breakfasts, Metro’s Fenway Park Opening Day celebration with hot dogs and ballpark snacks, Pi Day with local pies, and National Ice Cream Day with the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck. We also returned to Canobie Lake for the third time for our annual summer outing and celebrated the holidays together at the Royal Sonesta in December.
As we reflect on 2025, I am deeply grateful to Metro’s Board of Directors, our devoted members, our community partners, and—most importantly—our exceptional employees. Our collective dedication and shared commitment to our mission continue to drive Metro forward.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a stronger, more inclusive future while delivering the products, services, and support that matter most to our members.