People First Credit Union welcomes new Chair JJ Carey

New Chair Elected to People First Credit Union Board of Directors 

People First Credit Union Welcomes JJ Carey as New Chair

People First Credit Union has announced the appointment of JJ Carey as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. JJ was recently elected by his fellow directors and will lead the board as the credit union continues to grow and serve more than 42,000 members across Abbeyleix, Athy, Portlaoise and Stradbally.

JJ brings a strong commitment to the co-operative values that underpin the credit union movement and a deep appreciation for the role community-based financial services play in supporting individuals, families, local businesses and voluntary organisations.

Welcoming his appointment, People First Credit Union wishes JJ every success in his new role as the organisation continues to strengthen its services, invest in local communities and build on the trusted relationships it has developed with members over generations.

Read JJ's address here; 

“A chairde,

It is a profound honour to have been elected Chair of People First Credit Union that has been serving the people of Abbeyleix, Athy, Portlaoise and Stradbally for generations. I am deeply grateful to my fellow Directors for their confidence, and to our members for the trust they continue to place in their Credit Union.

People First Credit Union is much more than a provider of savings and loans; it is a living expression of co-operative values, placing members and their communities at the centre of every decision. With over 40,000 members and a dedicated team across our four branches, I believe we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support financial wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity for individuals, families, community groups and local enterprises.

In a world with so much uncertainty at present, my strategic focus as Chair is clear: to safeguard the long-term stability and sustainability of People First Credit Union while continuing to innovate and grow in response to members’ needs. This means strengthening our digital and in-branch services, expanding our support for community organisations and social enterprises, and ensuring that every product we offer reflects our core purpose of putting people first.

It also means upholding the highest standards of governance, risk management and compliance so that members’ savings are always protected and the Credit Union remains robust for future generations.

Central to this vision is a continued commitment to community impact. Through initiatives such as our Community Fund and community lending, People First Credit Union will deepen its role as a partner to local clubs, charities and voluntary groups, helping them to deliver projects that enrich community life across our common bond.

I want to pay warm tribute to our management team and staff whose professionalism, empathy and local knowledge underpin the quality of service members experience every day, whether at the counter, on the phone, or online. I also wish to sincerely thank my fellow volunteer directors and committee members, past and present, whose stewardship and dedication have shaped the strong, modern credit union we are privileged to lead.

Finally, to our members: thank you for your loyalty, engagement and belief in the co-operative difference. Your continued support is the foundation on which we will build the next chapter of People First Credit Union’s story.

Together, as members, volunteers and staff, we will continue to put people first, strengthening our credit union and the communities it serves for many years to come.”

People First Credit Union continues to play an active role in supporting financial wellbeing and community development across its common bond, providing savings, loans and a range of financial services to its growing membership base."