Virginia Credit Union's Chris Shockley Recognized by Virginia Business Magazine

Virginia Credit Union President/CEO Chris Shockley has been recognized by Virginia Business in the publication’s prestigious "Virginia 500" listing of the commonwealth's most influential leaders in business, government, politics, and education.

Following VACU’s successful merger last August with Roanoke-based Member One Federal Credit Union, the member-owned financial cooperative now boasts 1,100 employees serving 493,000 members, with a 38-branch network that stretches across much of Virginia.

"I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team of talented, caring, and committed professionals at VACU who work each day to serve our members and support our communities," said Shockley. "I appreciate the opportunity to share this recognition with our staff, our Board volunteers, and our leaders, knowing that together we’ve built a world-class organization that’s member- and mission-focused."

VACU has marked a number of notable accomplishments this past year under Shockley’s leadership:

• The credit union is celebrating its third consecutive Exceptional Workplace Award from Gallup, which in 2025 was awarded to only 70 organizations worldwide.
• VACU contributed $2 million last year in financial support, as well as in-kind contributions, to aid community partners, area schools, and local nonprofits.
• VACU's nationally recognized and award-winning financial education programs reached more than 105,000 students and adults with money management lessons last year.
• VACU has been one of the commonwealth's top mortgage lenders since 2019, funding 2,825 loans in 2024 that totaled over $550 million. This lending was supported by more than $1.2 million in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and closing cost credits of more than $500,000 to help members buy homes.
• The credit union continues to invest in the success of its members and communities by growing its branch network. VACU opened a third location in Fredericksburg in late 2024, and it has new branch locations in progress in Blacksburg and Chesterfield County.
• Understanding the importance of small businesses and their impact on local economies and employment, VACU originated $193 million in business and commercial loans in 2024, with its commercial loan portfolio now topping $950 million.