Summit Credit Union
| Company type | Credit union |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1935 |
| Headquarters | Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, USA |
Key people | Kim Sponem (CEO) |
| Total assets | $7.9 billion USD |
Number of employees | 947 |
| Website | summitcreditunion.com |
Since its inception in 1935, Summit Credit Union has operated as a member-owned financial cooperative, managing assets totaling $7.9 billion and serving more than 273,360 members through a network of 58 branches throughout Wisconsin. Under the leadership of CEO Kim Sponem, who has been at the helm since 2002, the credit union transitioned from its earlier identities as CUNA Credit Union and Great Wisconsin Credit Union into a prominent regional financial entity.
In 2025, Summit was honored for the fifth year in a row as a Top Workplace USA by USA Today and received repeated accolades as a Top Workplace in both Madison and Milwaukee from local media outlets. Additionally, it was featured on Forbes’ roster of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions and recognized by Newsweek among the Best Credit Unions nationwide. The organization’s dedication to promoting financial literacy is evidenced by multiple Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards.
History
Kim Sponem brings over twenty years of executive experience to his role as CEO, guiding the credit union through significant transformations including its rebranding phases from CUNA Credit Union to Great Wisconsin Credit Union and ultimately to Summit Credit Union.
Originally founded on September 17, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin by CUNA, Inc., CUNA Credit Union was created to advance the credit union movement while offering broad financial services. Its distinctive charter permitted serving employees of credit unions and state leagues across the country.
The credit union’s first office was located in the Filene House, where early proponents Thomas Doig and Roy Bergengren championed access to credit union products for workers who otherwise lacked borrowing options within their own organizations.
Shortly after establishment, CUNA Mutual became a sponsoring partner, providing insurance and additional services. Membership eligibility expanded over time to encompass various credit union organizations such as WOCCU, CUES, and Filene.
In 2005, the credit union adopted the name Great Wisconsin Credit Union before assuming the Summit Credit Union identity in 2008 following a merger with the former Summit Credit Union (formerly State Capitol Employees Credit Union). Despite these changes, it retained its original charter and membership base.