It’s not your parents’ credit union. Nor is it just any credit union.
Over the past four years, True Sky Federal Credit Union (TrueSkyCU.org) has invested heavily in technology that is making banking easier, faster and more convenient for its members, as well as giving members more options and control over how they manage their finances.
The new technology also addresses critical security upgrades to address various and ongoing cyber security threats.
“At True Sky, we recognize that banking needs are constantly evolving, so in 2020 we began a complete overhaul of our technology framework to better serve both current and potential members,” said Alex Michaud, True Sky senior vice president and chief information officer.
'Engine’ and Customer Service Upgrades
“First and foremost, we upgraded our core account processing system—essentially the ‘engine’ that drives all member account activities. This switch allows us to process transactions faster, streamline internal workflows and ultimately provide a more personalized experience for our members.
“We also implemented new online and mobile banking platforms, carefully integrating added functionalities to give members a truly convenient, user-friendly experience,” Alex added.
“Whether it’s depositing checks, transferring funds, paying bills or monitoring account activity, members can manage their finances from anywhere, at any time, with greater ease and security.”
Another major step forward, Alex notes, has been the rollout of Interactive Teller Machines, which combine the convenience of an ATM with the personalized service of a live teller. The ITMs offer extended service hours, and members can speak directly to a True Sky associate via video link to handle virtually any transaction they could at a branch.
“Ultimately,” he added, “every one of these investments—modernizing our core, enhancing our digital platforms and introducing ITMs—reflects True Sky’s commitment to meeting you wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that’s in-person at one of our branches, online through your smartphone or computer, or even just by picking up the phone.
“We believe that by embracing innovation and staying agile, we can deliver the best possible financial solutions to our members now and into the future.”
Keeping Data Secure
Asked about how the credit union has addressed the issue of keeping sensitive member information secure, Alex stated, “Security is at the heart of everything we do at True Sky.”
“We allocate a significant portion of our technology budget to safeguarding member data, and we have rigorous systems in place to protect against cyber threats,” he explained.
“Our critical systems are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we’re regularly audited to ensure compliance with industry-leading security standards. We also stay proactive by partnering with cybersecurity experts, deploying advanced threat detection tools, and continuously testing our defenses to stay ahead of emerging risks.”
Pretty impressive, but that’s only the start.
“Technology alone isn’t enough—we believe informed members are our first line of defense,” Alex said. “That’s why we invest in comprehensive education around the latest fraud and phishing techniques, empowering our members to identify and avoid potential scams.
“By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with ongoing community education, we strive to create a secure banking environment where our members can have peace of mind every time they manage their finances.”
Meaningful Innovation
With the significant technological advances implemented over the past four years, some businesses might call it done, at least for a time. But the leadership at this credit union isn’t willing to sit on its laurels, basking in customers’ praise (though they are happy to receive it!).
“At True Sky, we believe that meaningful innovation is about anticipating our members’ needs before they even arise,” said Vice President of Innovation Stefy Tomlin.
“Our Innovation Department constantly analyzes data and trends to understand how our members prefer to bank, and then seeks out the cutting-edge solutions that will best serve them—whether it’s through developing new digital channels or perfecting in-person experiences.”
Currently, Stefy said, they are rolling out video banking services accessible through any internet-connected device, which will make it easier than ever for members to connect with a knowledgeable True Sky representative from wherever they are.
“We’re also integrating member-facing AI tools designed to provide quick answers and assistance—offering 24/7 access to information and reducing wait times for routine inquiries,” she said.
“Beyond our own walls, we collaborate with leading industry think tanks across the country, sharing insights and testing emerging technologies. These partnerships help us stay at the forefront of financial innovation, ensuring that our services not only keep pace with evolving member expectations, but also set new standards for convenience and personalization.
“In short, our focus to become a ‘technology company with purpose’ is about blending human expertise with the latest technology so our members can enjoy secure, efficient and personalized banking experiences—today and in the years ahead.”
The technological upgrades implemented by the credit union in the past few years also will be used by True Sky to create efficiencies and open up new avenues to grow and thrive, Stefy said.
“By leveraging advanced data analytics and member-focused AI tools, we’re able to understand our members’ needs more deeply and deliver products and services that genuinely resonate,” she explained.
“That better alignment between what we offer and what our members want fosters loyalty, attracts new membership and ensures True Sky can continue to invest in cutting-edge solutions.”
And as True Sky grows, so does its ability to support the communities it serves.
“Healthy growth means we can invest in local branches, hire more talent and contribute resources to neighborhood initiatives—ultimately fueling the economic vitality of the areas around us. By empowering our members to manage their finances securely and efficiently, we help build stronger, more financially confident communities for everyone,” Stefy said.
Supporting Smaller Credit Unions and the Surrounding Communities
Supporting smaller credit unions and the surrounding communities “is deeply woven into True Sky’s core identity, which is grounded in the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said CEO Sean Cahill.
He explains: “Smaller credit unions often have fewer resources to invest in technology and infrastructure upgrades, making it harder for them to compete with larger financial institutions. By lending a hand—whether through shared services, collaborative partnerships or strategic guidance—True Sky helps these credit unions thrive so they can continue providing critical financial services to their local communities.
“We feel that small credit unions, serving very specific subsets of the community are the lifeblood of the credit union ‘movement’. Rising technology costs and competition from larger credit unions are threatening their existence. In 2024, True Sky opened its new state-of-the-art data center. One of the purposes for this building is to be able to provide affordable technology solutions to these smaller institutions, therefor prolonging their ability to provide valuable services to their membership.”
On a broader level, True Sky is heavily invested in each community it serves. The credit union currently has branches serving a large part of the OKC metro and Cleveland County, and beyond: Oklahoma City (four locations), Norman, Edmond, Newcastle, Mustang, Midwest City, Yukon, Chandler and Davenport. That’s not counting the shared service centers.
“We’ve built a food bank on 23rd Street, partnered with New Bethel Baptist Church to create a community center for their patrons, and donated a building in Davenport, Oklahoma, to support a Head Start program. Through the True Sky Foundation, we also contribute annually to the Children’s Miracle Network to support pediatric health care,” Sean noted.
“These are just a few examples of how we channel resources into projects that make a positive impact—nurturing not only the financial well-being of our members but also the overall health and vitality of the neighborhoods we serve.”
It’s a win-win situation.
“Ultimately, when we lift up smaller credit unions and invest in community initiatives, everyone benefits,” Sean explained. “Local economies grow stronger, essential services reach those who need them most and the overall cooperative spirit of ‘people helping people’ continues to flourish.”
The Bottom Line
“Our technology investments bring tangible benefits for the credit union’s members on multiple levels,” Sean said.
“The most immediate impact is greater flexibility,” he explained. “Whether they’re depositing checks through their phone, using an Interactive Teller Machine for extended service hours or chatting with a representative via video banking, they have more control over how—and when—they manage their finances.
“This convenience goes hand-in-hand with a more seamless, personalized experience, helping people save time and focus on what matters most in their lives.”
True Sky may not be your parents’ credit union, but they may want to join.
Learn more at TrueSkyCU.org.