Members 1st Credit Union announces the passing of our Chief Financial Officer, Dean Birge, who passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 65.

Dean joined Members 1st Credit Union on January 29, 2018, bringing with him decades of experience in credit union finance and accounting. His extensive background included expertise in asset/liability management, product profitability, financial analysis, budgeting, investment strategy and management, vendor negotiations, fixed asset oversight, accounts payable, and the development of financial policies and procedures.

Over the past seven years, Dean played a pivotal role in strengthening the financial foundation of the credit union. Under his financial leadership, Members 1st experienced significant growth, with total assets increasing from $191.5 million to $354.9 million, and net worth rising from $18.9 million to $33.1 million. Dean was instrumental in guiding the organization through the financial challenges that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. His sound judgment and prudent investment strategies helped the credit union manage a shifting economic landscape—from periods of high loan demand and constrained liquidity to phases of deposit surplus and excess liquidity.

In addition to his day-to-day financial responsibilities, Dean made substantial contributions to the credit union’s long-term success by researching and applying for external grant opportunities, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding to support the mission and operations of Members 1st.

Dean’s legacy at Members 1st Credit Union is one of professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication. His leadership, wisdom, and strategic vision helped shape the organization’s financial health and positioned the credit union for continued success. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, our members, and the entire credit union community.

About Members 1st Credit Union
Members 1st Credit Union is a locally owned cooperative dedicated to improving the lives of our communities. Members 1st has five branch locations in Redding, Anderson, and Chico. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, owns land, or owns a business within Butte, Glenn, Shasta, and Tehama counties. For more information, visit one of our convenient branches, call (530) 222-6060, or visit m1cu.org.

Branch Locations
1380 Hilltop Road
Redding, CA 96003

1260 Pine Street
Redding, CA 96001

5020 Rhonda Road, Ste. H
Anderson, CA 96007

550 Salem Street
Chico, CA 95928

969 East Avenue
Chico, CA 95926

Contact
Josh Markle
jmarkle@m1cu.org
(530) 222-6060 x359