A Message from the CEO

Dear WCLA Credit Union Members:

First and foremost, thank you for your continued patronage of WCLA CU. You have many options of where and with whom to partner with concerning your business and banking needs. We take a great deal of pride in service of that partnership. I often say that we feel more like we’re in the logging and forestry business than the credit union business.

We are proud to report that WCLA CU was rated as the #1 Top Performing Credit Union in the US for 2024, as ranked by S&P Market Intelligence. They look at a number of financial and performance metrics to derive the rankings. To come in #1 in a field of 4,500+ credit unions is an esteemed reflection of the industriousness and commitment of you, our membership. We’re a small team here, and we’ll continue to provide the service you’ve come to expect. 

Our newly improved online banking system and mobile app are up and running. I am grateful for the hard work our staff put in to make the transition a smooth one. We appreciate everyone's patience and hope you are enjoying the upgrade.

We’re still offering extremely competitive deposit and loan rates. We will continue to support and participate in industry events that represent and grow the industry. 

If you haven’t already, check out the ‘Talking Timber’ podcast from the Pacific Forest Foundation & Pacific Logging Congress. Our VP of Lending, Casey Smith, was featured on the March 27 episode. He chatted with Diane Mettler about his journey to the credit union and what goes on here at WCLA CU. It’s a great listen and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Until next time,



Charles Thompson, President & CEO

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting in March — your participation helped make it a meaningful and productive event. Below is a link to the 2024 Annual Report.

Your deposits help fund loans for loggers.

9-month certificate at 4.30% APY* | 19-month certificate at 4.00% APY

Brandon Dunnaback, Sr. Loan Officer

After graduating high school in Brighton, MI in 2001, Brandon enlisted in the US Army to serve in the infantry. While in active duty, he served in the 3^rd US Infantry (The Old Guard) where he performed funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and ceremonies throughout Washington D.C. After completing Airborne School in 2003, he transferred to the 75^th Ranger Regiment where he served the remainder of his active duty at 2^nd Ranger Battalion out of Ft. Lewis, WA. During his time with 2^nd Ranger Battalion, he was deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2004.

After completing his active duty in 2006, Brandon moved to Austin, TX where he served 1 year in the Texas National Guard and worked full time working private security for Michael Dell of Dell Computers. While working for Dell he completed courses at Austin Community College before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he obtained a Liberal Arts Degree in International Relations and Global Studies in 2013. After completing his degree, he transitioned from security to mortgage banking with Quicken Loans in Detroit, MI in 2014. In 2015 Brandon moved back to the Olympia, WA area to start as a Commercial Loan Officer at WCLA Credit Union. Brandon has now been with WCLA CU for almost 10 years and was recently promoted to Senior Loan Officer. Brandon has a wife named Lauren from Shelton, WA, a 10-year-old daughter named Charlie, and a 7-year-old son named Wilder.

Memorial Day (Credit Union closed)

• Monday, May 26, 2025

Juneteenth (Credit Union closed)

• Thursday, June 19, 2025



*APY = annual percentage yield. APY assumes dividends remain on deposit until maturity. Fees may reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Stated APY effective 01/21/2025. $500 minimum deposit. New money not mandatory but highly encouraged! Offer subject to change without notice. Available to all WCLA CU & WCLA Members. Insured by NCUA.