Michael Mercer is a statesman, visionary leader and distinguished supporter of the credit union and cooperative movements. He spent his career “connecting the dots” between credit unions, cooperatives, cultures and institutions all with the goal of improving the financial lives of working people. As the president and CEO of Georgia Credit Union Affiliates for over 35 years, he championed financial products and services that meet the needs of working-class members. These include vehicle loans for low-credit score borrowers, small value personal loans, and saving programs, mortgages and checking accounts with low fees and small minimum balance requirements.
During his 40-year career, Mike chaired the boards of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), American Association of Credit Union Leagues and National Cooperative Bank (NCB). An advocate for credit unions, Mike is credited with securing the support of then Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich for the Credit Union Membership Access Act. The bill’s passage ensured the survival of the credit union movement after the Supreme Court ruled against a broader interpretation of the Federal Credit Union Act.
Mike was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Poland-Georgia Credit Union Partnership Program over 25 years ago. Thanks to this program, Polish credit unions were able to draw from the experience of U.S. credit unions. The Poland-Georgia partnership became a model for other international league partnerships. For his leadership, Mike was awarded the “Order of the Knights Cross” in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of the Polish Credit Union system. This is the highest Polish governmental award available to non-Polish citizens.
Michael Mercer
Former President & CEO
Georgia Credit Union Affiliates
Induction Ceremony
Commemorative Video
Congratulatory Videos
Congratulatory Listings
On behalf of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), congratulations to Mike Mercer for his outstanding service and dedication to the cooperative movement over the last nearly 40 years.
Congratulations, Mike Mercer, on this well-deserved recognition and induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame! A heartfelt thanks for dedicating your career to creating meaningful financial solutions and championing financial products and services that meet the needs of working-class credit union members.
Mike, congratulations on this much-deserved recognition. Your leadership has inspired so many people in the credit union movement, and we would not be where we are today without your thoughtful, passionate, and dedicated work. Thank you for decades of championing our members!
Delta Community congratulates Michael J. Mercer on his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Mike is a tireless champion of credit unions who has contributed to our success by fostering strategic thinking, cooperation and a constant focus on the consumer.
Hank Halter, CEO, and Staff
Congratulations, Mike Mercer! You’ve been a true visionary behind the credit union movement in Georgia and beyond throughout your decorated career. It was a pleasure to work with you and we couldn’t imagine a more deserving candidate for this honor.
Congratulations on your induction, Mike. The credit union movement and cooperatively formed businesses across the globe face a brighter future for your irrepressible leadership and hard work. Keep doing your (cooperative business model evangelist) thing!
Congratulations to Michael Mercer on his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame! As a seasoned credit union industry leader and change agent, his focus on the cooperative spirit has never faltered and we are grateful for his dedication.
Marshall Boutwell and Peach State Federal Credit Union
Congratulations, Mike. You played an instrumental role in ensuring credit union members and the movement continued to thrive. You embraced the cooperative ideals and championed member interests in Atlanta, on Capitol Hill and throughout the world.
Bill Cheney and the SchoolsFirst FCU team
Congratulations to Mike Mercer upon your well-deserved recognition and induction into the 2020 Cooperative Hall of Fame for your decades of service to Georgia’s Credit Unions.
All the Best,
Your Friends at Georgia United Credit Union
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The NCBA CLUSA members and staff congratulate Mike Mercer on his induction into the 2020 Cooperative Hall of Fame. We applaud you for your dedication to the cooperative movement.
CoBank congratulates Michael Mercer on your induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Your service to the Credit Union community both in the United State and Poland has laid the foundation for improving the financial lives of working people.
Congratulatory Messages
We are thrilled that Mike will be honored this year with induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Mike truly has spent his entire working life promoting credit unions and the cooperative form of finance.
- Timothy Bridges, Executive Vice President, CFO, Associated Credit Union