Camille Thomas, new branch manager at America First Credit Union, addresses the many attendees at the credit union’s grand opening Friday, March 11. Garrison Wells/Observer

As we continue to grow with New Mexico, I’m sure other branches will come — Camille Thomas, branch manager

 

Address: 3400 NM-528E, Ste 103A

Lobby Hours
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

America First Credit Union has taken its first step in New Mexico by opening a branch in the Rio Rancho area market.

The nation’s sixth largest credit union, with a headquarters in Riverdale, Utah has 119 branches in Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada.

This is the first of what may be many branches coming to New Mexico. In the next year or two, America First plans to open a second branch in Santa Fe.

“Albuquerque, then Santa Fe,” said Camille Thomas, local branch manager. “As we continue to grow with New Mexico, I’m sure other branches will come.”

“We’re just now adding New Mexico to America First Credit Union,” she added. “In New Mexico, we haven’t had any presence whatsoever, so this is completely new.”

Thomas has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including VP, branch manager at Kirtland Federal Credit Union in Albuquerque before coming to America First.

“I wanted to go to a larger credit union,” she said.

America First has a reputation of developing deep relationships in the community it serves.

For instance, in Utah, the credit union paired with the Utah Jazz for a “Small Business Spotlight” contest.

The contest gives small businesses the opportunity of competing for a customized single-season sponsorship agreement with the Jazz valued at $200,000.

The winning business also gets to attend business and marketing strategy sessions with executives from the Jazz and the credit union.

In another promotion, the credit union awarded educators who are committed to teaching financial literacy with $5,000 grants.

“America First has a big focus as far as giving back to the community,” Thomas said. “We donate to charities, participate in food drives.”

In Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, she said, discussions are under way on the credit union’s connections with the community.

“There are going to be so many charities that we will donate to and participate with,” Thomas said. “We are determining now what charities to give to.”