President's Message - March 2026

A Foundation for a Future of Continued Growth and Innovation

As we celebrate Skyward Credit Union’s 85th anniversary, I’m proud to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made. From our beginnings serving Textron Aviation employees to becoming the financial institution of choice for all aviation professionals and their families, this milestone represents not just a look back at our past, but a foundation for a future of continued growth and innovation.

Aviation Honors Program Growth

Since launching the Aviation Honors Program in May 2025, we’ve seen tremendous success. With over 880 loans funded, totaling more than $15 million, and 195 new checking accounts opened, the aviation community is embracing the exclusive benefits we offer. Tailored specifically for aviation professionals, this program includes lower loan rates, mortgage credits, and cash incentives for high-yield share accounts. It’s further solidifying our connection to the aviation industry and positioning Skyward as the trusted partner for aviation families.

Innovation and Efficiency

As part of our commitment to enhancing the member experience, we’ve implemented key technological advancements. Our automated underwriting system, which launched in October, is already improving the speed and consistency of our loan decision-making process, while enhancing risk management. Additionally, our streamlined online deposit account opening process has resulted in a 31% increase in conversion rates, making it easier than ever for new members to join Skyward.

Operational Excellence and Member Experience

Skyward’s focus on operational excellence continues to yield positive results. This past quarter, we saw a 25% increase in transaction volume during the holiday season, driven by growing adoption of our digital and video banking services. At the same time, we enhanced call handling metrics and reduced wait times, ensuring that members receive the highest level of service. As we continue to grow, our priority remains on blending digital efficiency with the personalized service that has defined Skyward for the past 85 years.

Team and Leadership Developments

Our team is the backbone of Skyward’s success, and the past twelve months has been a year of significant growth and leadership development. We made several strategic additions to our leadership team, including Tim Dunham as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Aggie Tuxhorn as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, and Greg Woodyard as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. These leaders bring deep expertise in their fields and are crucial to driving Skyward’s continued growth and innovation.

We also welcomed Morgan Hawkins-Parrott as our Vice President of Consumer Lending Operations. With over 12 years of experience in branch leadership, portfolio management, and lending, Morgan is well-equipped to drive forward our lending initiatives and enhance member services.

This year, we were also proud to recognize the well-earned promotions of Bri Reese to Vice President of Audit & Compliance and Devin Gillihan to Vice President of Finance. Bri’s advancement further strengthens our compliance and risk management framework, while Devin’s expanded leadership role enhances the depth of our finance team as we continue to drive sustainable financial growth.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue to invest in our people, expand leadership at every level, and ensure every team member is equipped with the skills and resources necessary to help us achieve our goals. We understand that Skyward’s growth is directly tied to the development of our team, and we are excited to build on this momentum as we move forward.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on our 85 years of success, we remain focused on the future. This anniversary is a testament to the trust you’ve placed in us, and it’s an exciting time for Skyward Credit Union. We will continue to expand our services, enhance the member experience, and build lasting relationships within the aviation community.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we will continue to reach new heights.

Kevin Brittain
President & CEO
Skyward Credit Union