Sun East Federal Credit Union is honored to be featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Credit Union Thought Leadership Forum, a groundbreaking feature that marks the first time the publication has dedicated a special forum to credit unions. 

The feature, published in the magazine’s August 2025 issue, provides Sun East with a prominent platform to share its vision and values, as well as showcase its commitment to community impact. By participating in this historic edition, Sun East joins other leading credit unions in shining a spotlight on the role these member-owned institutions play in driving local economic growth and delivering personalized financial solutions. 

Sun East President & CEO Debbie Cook, Vice President of Member Relationships & Service Jackie Belusko, and Vice President of Marketing & Growth Strategy Chelsey Fu collaborated with the magazine to share not only Sun East’s initiatives, but to also highlight how credit unions as a whole are well-positioned to help people achieve their financial goals.  

Here’s an excerpt from the article:  

“We’re growing with intention, not just ambition. It’s about doing better for our members. Every step we take is grounded in the belief that innovation should simplify life, not complicate it. 

Our focus is on building the right digital foundation to serve members better, both today and in the future. That’s why we’re introducing AI-empowered phone capabilities to make support faster and more intuitive, while upgrades to online and mobile banking are on the near-term roadmap to provide more personalized insights and easier navigation. At the same time, we’re evaluating and developing a seamless, mobile-friendly member application and a simplified loan process that removes unnecessary barriers. Behind these efforts is our investment in system automation platforms, a cornerstone of our digital transformation. This will enable us to deliver more timely, relevant communication and support, from personalized financial tips to proactive loan reminders. We’re also implementing self-service tools that give members more flexibility and control over their finances. Whether it’s Gen Z members seeking instant access or retirees planning for long-term stability, our digital experience is being built to meet members where they are and help guide where they’re going. 

These innovations aren’t about chasing trends, instead they’re about making life easier and more connected for the people we serve. 

Growth also means staying grounded in the communities we support. We meet people where they are, inside schools, hospitals, and local businesses, offering on-site services and financial education that makes a real difference. Whether we’re expanding into new markets or strengthening long-standing SEG (Select Employer Group) partnerships, our approach stays true to our core: to serve with heart, empower with tools, and always put people first.”

Click here to read the full article from the Philadelphia Business Journal.