About Us
Our Story
People Helping People - It's Who We Are, It's What We Do
On September 24, 2018, Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union changed its name to Pheple FCU. People helping people. That is what this credit union was about, is about, and will always be about. You are what matters. The people working inside of PHEPLE are just like those outside. Life happens to all of us, and we are here to help.
“Westmoreland Community” got us to where we are today, and Pheple is taking us to where we will be tomorrow. The name change was a big step towards our bright future. Pheple aids in the credit union’s growth. It allows us to welcome more people into our community. After all, we wanted something to accurately represent us. Who we are and what we stand for. People helping people. It’s as simple as that.
Here is where it all started, back in 1951. Bell of Pennsylvania Telephone Employees established Bellco Employees Federal Credit Union, servicing employees and their families. This credit union ran as a success for 53 years. In 2004, the name of the credit union changed to allow for great expansion and growth: Westmoreland Community Federal Credit Union. The charter changed to community with membership open to all individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Westmoreland County.
The rise did not stop there. Greater Greensburg Industrial Credit Union merged with us in 2007. In that same year, our Main office on Georges Station Road was renovated so that we could better service our members. Two years later, we opened a branch in Harrison City that still stands today.
In 2010, Greensburg Community Federal Credit Union merged with us. Our financial literacy program really took off in 2013 whenever the Warrior Cash Stash student branch was opened in Penn Trafford High School. One year later, Penn Trafford Elementary and Middle School’s Save Day Program began. We are passionate about our youth and their financial knowledge. Also in 2014, WESTCO Federal Credit Union merged with us and expanded our member base. In line with financial literacy, another student branch was opened at Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School named the Centurion Cash Stash.
2017 brought about Westmoreland Federal Employees Federal Credit Union merging with us. And the Save Day programs have not stopped yet. We have expanded the program to Mother of Sorrows School, Queen of Angels, and Mary Queen of Apostles.
In most recent news, we are Pheple FCU. We still hold strong to the same values and offer the same great products and services to each and every member. As we continue to progress, we want you to come along on the journey.
Mission and Vision Statement
People helping people - It’s who we are - it’s what we do
Mission Statement
We are dedicated to the financial well-being of our community.
Vision Statement
The “Pheple” vision is to be the financial partner for our members, our employees and the community by providing the tools, resources and solutions that promote financial independence.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Mission Statement
Pheple FCU is committed to providing a psychologically and physically safe environment where our key stakeholders – employees, members and volunteers – are valued, included, and respected for their individual and equal humanity, and where we provide opportunities, access and support to all.
Diversity: valuing the different dimensions that people possess in pursuit of a common purpose
Equity: transcending basic equality by allocating resources based on need instead of simple fairness
Inclusion: promoting an environment of individual and equal humanity, encouraging authenticity without judgement
Core Values
Inclusive: Promotes an environment of individual & equal humanity, encouraging authenticity without judgement.
Integrity: Promotes an honest and fairness approach toward our internal and external members.
Positive: Promotes and encourages an optimistic attitude toward internal and external members as well as our work environment.
Respectful: Promotes a courteous and considerate atmosphere for internal and external members.
Teamwork/Team: Promotes supporting each other to succeed and accomplish goals, while maintaining a compassionate environment for all.
Member Service Standards
Engage: By giving full attention to the member that you are waiting on by listening, interaction, and finding the best possible resolution to the member(s) needs as well as on a personal level to build a lifetime relationship.
Educate: Always teaching our members about product and services that will help improve their financial needs.
Respect: Treating all members alike regardless of their financial situation, WE DO NOT JUDGE.
Staff & Board
Staff & Board of Directors
Maria LaVelle
Chief Executive Officer
mlavelle@pheplefcu.org
Matthew Senkow
Chief Financial Officer
msenkow@pheplefcu.org
Linda Stein
Senior Vice President of Community Relations and Marketing
lstein@pheplefcu.org
Kathleen Birkos
Vice President, Lending
kbirkos@pheplefcu.org
Gretchen Davidson
Vice President, Operations
gdavidson@pheplefcu.org
Board of Directors
Chairperson - Kim Stawicki
Vice Chairman - Carl Bartolomucci
Secretary - Kathleen Ritenour
Treasurer - Dan Stevens
Directors
James Antoniono
Lyzona Marshall
Andrew Reese
Valen Tasser
Gregory Walker
Associate Directors
Jennielynn McClimans
Elizabeth McManus
Supervisory Committee
Chairperson - Dawnice Berg
J. Evan Bradbury
Ronald Hasnauer
Kathleen Ritenour