For the second year in a row, Consumers Credit Union has secured a spot on Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women™ list, a distinction that carries extra weight for an institution whose origins trace back to women banding together over a century ago. The recognition, announced October 28, 2026, places the Lake Forest, Illinois-based credit union in the small and medium category, underscoring that its workplace culture stands out even among its peers.
The annual list from Fortune Magazine highlights organizations that cultivate positive, engaging, and inclusive environments, while also fostering strong workplace cultures and high levels of employee satisfaction. For CCU, the honor is not just a badge of approval but a reflection of its foundational values.
“Being named a Best Workplace for Women is particularly meaningful for us because it reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Sean Rathjen, CCU’s chief executive officer. “Women helped build our credit union from the very beginning and continue to be a driving force behind our growth and success.”
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That history is not a marketing talking point; it is the literal origin story of the organization. In 1910, a group of immigrant women, faced with rising milk prices, formed a buying club to purchase food directly from farmers. That grassroots effort grew into a thriving co-op, which eventually paved the way for the official founding of Consumers Credit Union in 1930.
Beyond this latest accolade, CCU holds Great Place To Work Certified™ status and has piled up a series of workplace honors in recent years. Those include being named a Fortune Best Workplace in Chicago™ for 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as a Fortune Best Workplace in Financial Services & Insurance™ for the same three years. The credit union also made the Fortune Best Medium Workplaces™ list in 2025 and 2026.
Today, CCU is a major player in Illinois’ financial landscape. With $4.6 billion in assets and more than 290,000 members, it stands as the state’s fifth-largest credit union and operates its largest branch network. The institution’s philosophy remains rooted in community, guided by the belief that while nobody needs banks on every corner, everyone needs people who are in their corner. More information about CCU’s products, services, and membership is available at myconsumers.org.
From Fortune Magazine. © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune is a registered trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and is used under license. Fortune Magazine and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Consumers Credit Union.
Diane Oldenburger-Henning
Consumers Credit Union
+1 877-275-2228
Why it matters: This recognition is more than a morale booster; it signals to current and prospective employees—and to the broader industry—that a company founded by women over a century ago continues to prioritize the inclusivity that drives its success. As businesses across sectors compete for talent, CCU’s consistent workplace accolades provide a tangible benchmark for what a supportive culture looks like in the financial services sector.
