NORTH COAST, Calif. — On Wednesday, Community First Credit Union and Vocality Community Credit Union announced their intent to merge.

The two credit units said the merger will combine their strength, “optimize operational efficiencies, maximize value for members, be the employer of choice for its employees, and enhance community impact.”

Pending approval from the National Credit Union Administration, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and VCCU’s membership, the combined $965 million cooperative is projected to serve over 70,000 members through a network of 12 branches.

The merger, expected to be completed in 2025, has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors and leadership teams of both Community First Credit Union, or CFCU, and Vocality Community Credit Union, or VCCU.

Community First Credit Union was founded by local teachers in 1959 and today serves more than 60,000 local member-owners throughout the North Bay of California in Sonoma, Lake, Marin, Mendocino and Napa counties. It has $819 million in assets and has provided over $4 billion in local home and car loans since its inception.

Community First in its current form emerged from a merger with Mendo Lake Credit Union and Community First Credit Union which was completed in July 2017.

Vocality Community Credit Union was founded in 1980 by residents of Humboldt County and later expanded to serve over 9000 members from five counties including Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties.

Following the anticipated merger approval, CFCU and VCCU will continue to operate independently until the completion of the system integration process.

The newly combined organization will operate under the Community First Credit Union charter and name. Scott Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Community First, will continue as the combined credit union’s president and CEO.

Pat Neighbors, president and CEO of VCCU, will serve as chief strategy officer of the combined credit union.

“With this merger, we’re bringing together our strengths to build a more robust financial partner for our members and local communities,” said Johnson. “Our shared vision is to provide an exceptional digital banking experience, greater convenience and the innovative products and services our members expect. This merger is all about investing in our members’ futures, ensuring that we’re positioned to meet their needs today and tomorrow.”

“This collaboration with Community First Credit Union presents an incredible opportunity to expand the financial possibilities for our members,” said Neighbors. “Together, we’re combining decades of expertise and a mutual commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, access, and financial support. We’re thrilled to come together to create something exceptional for our members, employees, and local communities.”