First Credit Union has officially opened a new branch in Queen Creek, Arizona, marking its latest expansion into one of the fastest-growing areas in the Phoenix metropolitan region. The location was developed to serve both current and prospective members within a high-growth retail district.
The Queen Creek site is the first ground-up construction based on First Credit Union’s prototype branch model. This framework was created as a scalable kit of parts, integrating operational requirements, technology, marketing strategies, and member service elements into a repeatable structure intended for future locations. The design aims to balance personal service with technological efficiency and long-term adaptability.
Tom Gessel, Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at First Credit Union, stated that the opening reflects the organization's commitment to the growing Queen Creek community. He noted that the project was completed through a partnership with The Element Group, resulting in a space designed to support members while investing in the area's future.
Mac Erickson, Senior Account Executive at The Element Group, described the project as an example of how a thoughtful prototype model can support speed and consistency. He explained that because First Credit Union had previously invested in developing the model through earlier projects, the Queen Creek branch provided an opportunity to implement that strategy from the ground up.
Inside the branch, the layout supports a blended approach to service, combining human interaction with modern banking technology. The space is designed to meet members through personal consultation, self-service options, or a combination of both, rather than relying solely on a traditional transaction-focused model.
First Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, established in 1929. It serves over 46,400 members across the state and holds $783 million in assets. Unlike traditional banks, the credit union is owned by its members rather than shareholders. It offers member-priced products, free financial education, and complimentary money management tools. The institution is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
