Serve on the Board: A Leadership Opportunity for UToledo Alumni and Retirees
When it comes to institutions that quietly shape UToledo campus life, few have a history as deeply rooted in service as The University of Toledo Federal Credit Union (UTFCU). For more than six decades, the UTFCU has operated with a simple but powerful purpose: to serve the financial needs of the UToledo community while staying firmly member-focused.
This mission resonates deeply with the Credit Union’s current Board Chair, Thomas Trimble, whose connection to UToledo began long before stepping into a leadership role. After completing a graduate degree in Pennsylvania, Trimble accepted a position in the Student Union at the University of Toledo, advising student organizations and supporting campus programming.
“It was an opportunity to do exactly what I wanted to do,” they shared. “It was a great fit — at an institution that immediately made me feel at home.”
From Member to Board Chair
Already a UTFCU member and familiar with its staff and leadership, stepping into volunteer leadership felt like a natural next step. In 2014, an opening on the Board of Directors became available and Trimble was selected to serve.
Today, as Board Chair, the role is less about individual authority and more about stewardship.
“Credit unions are intentionally nonprofit financial institutions owned and led by their members,” Trimble explains. “The Board is simply a team of members focused on how we can best provide services that ensure long-term success and meet the evolving needs of our members.”
A Credit Union Built for the UToledo Community
Founded on March 24, 1964, by just 13 members under the name T.U.T. Federal Credit Union, UTFCU was created to serve University of Toledo employees. Over time, its reach expanded to include Medical College of Ohio employees, students, alumni, retirees, and their immediate family members.
Today, UTFCU manages roughly $100 million in assets, small by industry standards, but intentionally positioned to be nimble, responsive, and personal.
Membership is straightforward, a simple $5 deposit opens the door and once you’re in, you’re in for life. “Once a member, always a member,” Trimble noted.
Even those who move away from Toledo retain access through online banking and a nationwide credit union ATM network.
An Open Invitation to Get Involved
UTFCU is currently recruiting for two Supervisory Committee positions, offering alumni, retirees and members an accessible entry point into volunteer leadership.
“This committee is a great starting place,” Trimble said. “You don’t need to be a financial expert – accuracy, attention to detail and curiosity go a long way.”
The Supervisory Committee reviews closed accounts, credit purchases, branch audits, and annual financial audits, and meets monthly with a flexible schedule. Members also have opportunities to engage directly with auditors and NCUA examiners, gaining valuable insight into credit union operations.
For those looking to get involved or simply learn more, the path is easy. Members can reach out directly to a branch location, text (419) 534-3770, or email UTFCU@utoledo.edu.
Check out UTFCU’s latest newsletter.
