News

UK Federal Credit Union has been recognized as a Best-in-Class Employer in Gallagher’s 2024 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey. This recognition underscores UKFCU’s excellence in implementing effective strategies for managing people, benefits and HR programs. UKFCU was selected for its comprehensive approach to strategically investing in benefits, compensation and the employee experience — all aimed at supporting the health, financial confidence and career growth of its employees while maintaining a sustainable cost structure.

Gallagher’s Best-in-Class Employer designation helps current and prospective employees understand and appreciate an organization’s workplace culture and people strategy, which are crucial differentiators in today’s competitive labor market.

“I am incredibly proud of our team at UK Federal Credit Union for their dedication and hard work, which has led to us being named as a Gallagher Best-in-Class Employer,” said Ryan Ross, UKFCU President & CEO. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing the best conditions for our employees to thrive, and will inspire us continue doing what we can to attract and maintain the talented individuals that our members deserve.”

As a U.S. Best-in-Class Employer, UKFCU earned points based on its performance in several key areas:

· Planning horizons for the benefits and compensation strategies

· Extent of the wellbeing strategy

· Turnover rate for full-time equivalents (FTEs)

· Completion of a workforce engagement survey

· Use of an HR technology strategy and its level of sophistication

· Difference in healthcare costs over the prior year

“UKFCU recognizes the crucial link between people’s wellbeing and organizational success,” said William F. Ziebell, CEO of Gallagher's Benefits & HR Consulting Division. “When employees enjoy their work, appreciate their benefits and feel connected, the organization thrives — boosting positivity, retention, performance and overall prosperity. That proactive people strategy helps make UKFCU a Best-in-Class Employer.”

About the Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis

Gallagher's U.S. Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis profiles statistically significant attributes of top-performing midsize (100-999 FTEs) and large employers (1,000 or more FTEs). Data from Gallagher’s 2024 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey was interpreted to identify participants that excel in optimizing employee and organizational wellbeing.

About Gallagher

Gallagher (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

The Board of Directors for UK Federal Credit Union (UKFCU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Ross as the next President & CEO. Ross’s first day serving the members of UKFCU will be October 14, 2024.

“During our extensive and thorough nationwide search, the Board of Directors understood what type of leader was needed to help deliver exceptional service to our members and growth opportunities for the organization and employees,” said Tyler Gayheart, Board Chair. “When speaking to Ryan, the Board could very quickly recognize his deep history and understanding of Credit Unions and member-centric ideologies that maintain our unique position and appeal to Central Kentuckians. We were also impressed by his vision and commitment to innovation and providing value to our members. The Board is excited to see Ryan lead UKFCU for many years to come.” 

Ross has a proven track record of success leading Credit Unions of various sizes with his most recent assignment of bringing transformational growth to Soarion Credit Union, formerly Air Force Credit Union in San Antonio, TX. He will leverage his 16 years of experience in the financial services industry to reinforce the Mission and Vision Statements of UKFCU with the goal of creating value for UKFCU’s more than 107,000 members.

“I’m honored to be named as President & CEO of an organization with such an impressive and long-standing reputation in the community,” stated Ross. “Community is an incredibly important concept within the Credit Union movement, and while my first official day is weeks away, I’m eager to engage and connect with Lexington and surrounding areas including: members, Preferred Partners, the University of Kentucky, and our local schools. I’m looking forward to identifying opportunities to collaborate and help bring growth to all corners of Central Kentucky.”

In Mr. Ross’s previous leadership roles, he has spent time in Florida and Texas.  He’s excited to introduce his wife and daughter to Lexington and the natural beauty of Central Kentucky, and the many amenities and experiences Kentucky offers.

UK Federal Credit Union (UKFCU) has been proudly serving the University of Kentucky and Central Kentucky since 1937 and now has more than $1.50 billion in total assets. UKFCU is a full-service financial institution offering a wide assortment of products and services; including checking and savings accounts, mortgage, auto, and commercial loans, and investment services.