2025 Annual Report

At Citadel Credit Union, 2025 will be remembered as a year marked by intentional growth and major milestones. Learn more about how we’re evolving in our annual review below.

Citadel Credit Union’s 2025 Annual Report

Growth means something different to everyone. For us, it’s more than expanding. It’s about being more meaningful in the lives of those we serve. This year, every step focused on strengthening what matters: our members, our communities, and the trust you place in us.

That focus came to life through our daily decisions. It showed in the ways we served our members, where we invested, and how we strengthened our foundation. We improved member experience by expanding access. We upgraded digital tools and reaffirmed our commitment to personalized service. At the same time, we increased our impact in the communities we serve. We supported more local initiatives, formed new partnerships, and created opportunities beyond the scope of financial services.

As we move forward, we stay committed to growing what matters most, together.

A Message From Our Chairwoman

Claudia Hellebush

 

“When I think about our growth in 2025, I think about impact – members placing their trust in us, employees bringing our mission to life, and communities benefiting from our commitment to service. That’s what growth means: stronger outcomes for members and communities.”

Claudia Hellebush, Chairwoman of the Board



2025 Milestones

2025 Citadel Milestones

Growing Member Value

Part of our growth is rooted in improving the daily experiences of our members. This year, we prioritized product growth, expanded branch locations, and supported more small businesses by increasing our lending capacity. From strengthening our flagship offerings to investing in our physical and commercial presence, each step was aimed at delivering more value where and how our members need it most. Citadel’s Net Promoter Score rose steadily from 58.62 in 2023 to 61.99 in 2024 and 66.81 in 2025, underscoring the impact of our continued focus on enhancing the member experience.

Flagship Product Growth

In March, we introduced Ultimate Growth Checking, a groundbreaking checking account with no monthly service fee, benefits that automatically accrue, and account information quickly accessible across all customer touchpoints. Since launch, the product has driven strong member adoption, deposit growth, and engagement.

How Members Responded:

  • 14,860 new UGC accounts opened
  • UGC members have approximately $111 million in balances, and 30% have a Citadel credit card
  • UGC represented approximately 18% of personal checking deposits
  • It earned a Net Promoter Score of 87.95 among new product users
  • Members benefited from UGC’s enhanced account features, including reduced fees, more credit card rewards, and increased earning potential

Citadel continues to make everyday banking simpler, more accessible, and more rewarding by offering products that evolve with our members' needs.

Expanding Our Footprint

This year marked a major milestone with the announcement of the location of our first Philadelphia branch. Located in Overbrook Park, the branch reflects Citadel’s growing presence in the city and our commitment to the nearly 17,000 members who live, work, study, and worship in Philadelphia.

With plans to open at least two additional Philadelphia-based branches over the next two years, we look forward to creating more environments that help bring our mission to life in meaningful, tangible ways.

Business Banking & Commercial Impact

Commercial Growth

Citadel continues to build momentum in business banking by deepening relationships, expanding deposit balances, and meeting strong demand for commercial financing. Our business banking portfolio grew across accounts, deposits, and loans in 2025, reflecting the strength of our member relationships and the breadth of our commercial capabilities.

  • Business accounts grew to 10,315, up 7.9% year over year
  • Business deposit balances increased to $357.7 million, up 11.6%
  • Commercial loan balances grew to $474.4 million, an increase of 14.6% year over year
  • Citadel closed 180 commercial loans year to date totaling $106.0 million
  • Lending activity was led by investor real estate and owner-occupied commercial mortgage financing, while also supporting businesses through lines of credit, equipment loans, vehicle loans, and business credit cards

Our new SBA lender certification improves our ability to support local business owners by providing flexible, government-backed financing options that expand access to capital. Through our “Open for Business” podcast and other initiatives, we further explored ways to help small businesses grow, hire, and strengthen our neighborhoods.

SBA & Small Business Support

Our new SBA lender certification improves our ability to support local business owners by providing flexible, government-backed financing options that expand access to capital. Through our “Open for Business” podcast and other initiatives, we further explored ways to help small businesses grow, hire, and strengthen our neighborhoods.

How Small Businesses Benefited:

  • $6.1 million in loans funded and approved under SBA programs
  • 15+ in additional SBA loans in the pipeline
  • Top industries served include hospitality, home improvement, dry cleaning, engineering, and specialty foods
  • Expanded leadership to support increasing demand

Citadel is redefining the business banking experience for a community-based, member-owned financial institution.

Expanding Wealth Management

In 2025, Citadel Wealth Management continued to evolve to better serve members’ changing financial needs. Our transition to Cetera Investment Services, LLC strengthened our ability to deliver personalized guidance, broader financial solutions, and a more seamless experience through a relationship members already know and trust. With a focus on comprehensive financial planning, transparency, and acting in our clients’ best interests, Citadel Wealth Management supports members across life stages, asset levels, and financial goals. With personalized service, innovative tools, and the support of more than 20 experienced professionals, we made it easier for members to pursue their long-term financial goals.

Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy

A classroom of students

Financial Literacy

Helping people build confidence with money remained a core part of our community mission in 2025. Citadel hosted nearly 30 financial literacy programs across Greater Philadelphia, equipping youth and adults with tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Highlights included a four-part financial literacy series for First Step Staffing’s reentry program, a workshop in partnership with Kennett Area Community Services, and homebuying workshops led by our real estate team for the Urban League of Philadelphia. Citadel also joined fellow credit unions in hosting financial reality fairs at Pottsgrove High School, Pottstown High School, and Phoenix Academy in Lancaster City.

Education
Education Education

Education

Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness

Community & Economic Development
Community & Economic Development Community & Economic Development

Community & Economic Development

Citadel Home Help

Community & Economic Development

In 2025, Citadel advanced community and economic development efforts by launching its Home Help Program, designed to expand access to homeownership in eligible Philadelphia County communities. Backed by a $6 million loan subsidy fund and offering up to $18,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified borrowers, the program reflects Citadel’s commitment to increasing access to affordable home financing in underserved neighborhoods. In 2025, Home Help supported 86 families with $1.5 million in grants and $17.9 million in home financing.

Download Citadel’s 2025 Financial Summary Report

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Growing Strength & Stability

For our members, our financial strength signals that we are a stable and trusted partner. This year, we continued to build on our firm foundation through thoughtful stewardship, responsible growth, and a long-term outlook, as demonstrated in the performance figures below.

Citadel's 2025 financials chart

 

Strengthening Our Team

Investing in Talent and Employee Experience

Citadel continued to invest in talent development, leadership growth, and a workplace culture that supports employees at every stage of their careers. In 2025, hiring increased by nearly 20%, bringing year-end headcount to 661. Through expanded opportunities to learn, lead, and grow, we continued building a team equipped to serve our members today and into the future.

Developing Talent and Leadership

  • Eric Skinner was named Chief Information Officer, succeeding Brian Berry, following his retirement after 16 years with Citadel. Skinner has been part of Citadel’s technology leadership team since 2013.
  • Donald Scala was named Chief Experience and Retail Officer, expanding his leadership to include both member experience and retail banking. Since joining Citadel in 2024 as Chief Experience Officer, Scala has helped drive member engagement, branch performance, digital growth, and service excellence.
  • Our Commercial Business Group nearly doubled with the addition of experienced relationship managers, directors, and lending specialists across Southeastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
  • We trained 148 new hires on Citadel’s products, systems, and services.
  • We completed a second Transformational Leadership program for director-level and above employees.
  • We welcomed 17 college interns, four of whom transitioned into full-time roles.
  • We launched a high school co-op program in partnership with the Coatesville Area School District.

Enhancing Employee Experience

Citadel also acted on employee feedback by enhancing benefits, expanding wellness resources, and fostering a workplace where employees feel supported both professionally and personally.

  • Added more health plan options.
  • Introduced HealthJoy and Cariloop, employer-paid benefits that help employees navigate health care decisions and caregiving responsibilities.
  • Formed our first Inclusion Council to help foster workplace belonging.
  • Launched Citadel Applause, an employee recognition program that celebrates achievements at work and beyond.
  • Introduced the Citadel Member Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding employee contributions.

Deepening Recognition

Citadel's 2025 Accolades Badges

In 2025, Citadel continued to earn recognition for its workplace culture and community impact. We were officially recognized by Great Place to Work for the seventh year, reaffirming our long-standing dedication to creating a culture where employees can thrive.

In addition, Citadel was named “Best Credit Union” in Montgomery County on the 2025 Happening List by Montco Happenings for the fourth consecutive year and received the Daily Local News 2025 Best of Chester County Reader’s Choice award for the third consecutive year.

Growing safely in a digital world message

Leadership

Citadel's 2025 Board of Directors

Board Officers & Directors

Claudia Hellebush, Chairwoman
Joseph A. Petsko, Vice Chairperson
Ravi S. Ganti, Treasurer
Philip A. Priolo, III, Secretary
Jennifer Frost, Member
Joseph R. Glace, Member
Madhav Gopal, Member
Jessica Schuler, Member
Glenn S. Soltis, Member

2025 Supervisory Committee

Supervisory Committee

Citadel’s Supervisory Committee is composed of volunteer members who ensure that Citadel’s financial strength is fairly represented. The committee oversees the internal and external auditors who ensure the credit union is functioning within the guidelines and policies set forth by all regulatory institutions. As an organization, Citadel benefits from the diverse backgrounds of our Supervisory Committee members; we’re able to be more productive and make decisions in a sound manner. This year the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) performed an annual examination and reported that Citadel is in good financial order and in compliance with federal regulations.


Brian O'Neill, Chairperson, Gary Rabik, Secretary, Chris Corgnati, Member, Heather Crowell, MemberCrystal Nguyen, Member

2025 Citadel Senior Leadership team

Senior Leadership

Bill Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer
Anand Solanki, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Aileo, Chief Human Resources Officer
Brian Berry, Chief Information Officer (retired in 2025)
Michael Desimone, Chief Lending Officer
Philip Faris, Chief Marketing Officer
Chris Palumbo, Chief Risk Officer
Sheri Perkins, Chief Wealth Management Officer
Courtney Rowan, Chief Digital and Transformation Officer
Donald Scala, Chief Experience and Retail Officer
Eric Skinner, Chief Information Officer (appointed in 2025)

Moving Forward with Purpose

Citadel is eagerly building on its momentum, both now and in the coming years. With a strong foundation in place, we’re ready for more strategic growth while continuing to make an everyday impact. These 2025 highlights demonstrate how we’re turning focus into action:

  • Introduced Ultimate Growth Checking to support members through all stages of their financial journeys, resulting in 14,860 new accounts
  • Announced the location of one of three planned branch locations in Philadelphia, opening more space for community connection and engagement
  • Grew our commercial banking division by becoming an SBA-certified lender, funding millions in loans, and boosting capabilities with expanded leadership and resources
  • Directed over $500,000 and extensive volunteer support to organizations working to strengthen local communities
  • Deployed over 30 Mobile and Online Banking enhancements, creating a digital banking experience that’s more intuitive and streamlined
  • Granted over 98% of our active online banking users access to credit scores, alerts, financial wellness tools, and personalized offers through our partnership with SavvyMoney
  • Launched personalized push notifications, creating a new channel for critical communications and resulting in the highest engagement rate of any digital channel at Citadel

We gratefully acknowledge our members, employees, and partners for your trust and support. You play an essential role in shaping what comes next, and we look forward to continuing to serve and grow alongside you.

Download Citadel’s 2025 Financial Summary Report

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