This year is the 90th anniversary of the Erie Federal Credit Union. It has a rich history — and tonight we share what it has grown into. This is the building that started it all.
The Erie Federal Credit Union was originally located inside the original public library in Erie, which is now part of the Federal Courthouse complex. The credit union’s administration building now looks like this.
It is situated inside the former Glenwood Elementary School off Peach Street a place even a former Glenwood student now works at.
Brian Waugaman is the CEO. He stated that, “It pays homage to obviously our original charter membership, because we were originally chartered as the Erie School Employees Federal Credit Union.” That was in 1936.
Waugaman stated, “We had 46 original members. They deposited $241 of their own money for the initial deposit.” There are currently 81,000 members and more than $800 million dollars in assets.
The growth is also seen in the 220 employees across 10 different locations in Erie and Crawford Counties, helping people with everything from loans to daily finances.
Chris Cortes is the Chief Operating Officer. He stated, “They want the drive‑thru access, they want to be able to come in and come out and be able to do their deposits, where some other members also want the technology, and they want to be able to go on Easy Money Manager, which is our online banking platform.”
Cortes oversees the branch and back‑office operations, all the way to remote services and training.
The old kindergarten space at Glenwood School is now the community room — a space where the Erie Federal Credit Union offers programs not only for members, but the community as well. Programs that deal with wealth management, home buying, and other financial lifestyle needs.
The community is in view —and not just inside EFCU buildings, but at very visible places
like Presque Isle. Just ask Presque Isle Partnership’s Executive Director, Jon DeMarco. He stated,
“That really is something we’ve seen throughout the years — a relationship with the Erie Federal Credit Union has just grown and blossomed into more than just a contribution.”
The A‑OK Team —standing for Acts of Kindness — are credit union members helping to beautify the state park annually and support other area efforts from a non‑profit, community‑based institution that exists for its members.