Submitted
Suncoast Credit Union and Launch Credit Union are pleased to announce plans to merge, subject to regulatory approval and a Launch Credit Union membership vote. The strategic partnership brings together two healthy, member-owned financial institutions serving communities across Florida, strengthening their ability to support members and communities well into the future.
For decades, cooperative credit unions like Suncoast and Launch have delivered value through competitive loan rates, meaningful dividends, and a deep commitment to community support. As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, this merger reflects a proactive and intentional step forward – one that builds on existing strength to better serve members, support employees, and expand positive impact in the communities where both organizations operate.
The effective date of the merger is expected to be late 2026, with full operational integration extending into 2027. There will be no job losses and no branch closures because of the merger. Following completion, the combined organization will hold more than $21 billion in assets, serve approximately 1.4 million members, and employ almost 3,000 people across 96 branches throughout Florida.
Kevin Johnson, current President/CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, would lead the combined credit union following the merger. Joe Mirachi, current President/CEO of Launch Credit Union, plans on retiring after the merger is completed.
“This decision is rooted in our commitment to members, employees, and the communities we serve,” said Kevin Johnson, President/CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “With Launch Credit Union we found an ideal partner that shares our values, financial strength, and commitment to employees and communities. Together we’re ensuring the members we serve today—and those we’ll serve in the future—benefit by Growing Together Coast to Coast.”
From the perspective of Launch Credit Union this merger reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy. “Our organization is strong, and this merger is a choice to grow from that position of strength,” said Joe Mirachi, President/CEO of Launch Credit Union. “Bringing our two credit unions together allows us to invest further in our employees, deepen service to our members, and extend our cooperative mission and invest more in the communities we serve.”
Following the merger, the combined organization will operate under the Suncoast Credit Union name, uniting both memberships under a single brand while preserving a shared commitment to service, trust, and community impact.
“This partnership expands our reach across Florida from coast to coast, creating powerful new opportunities for our teams to make a meaningful difference in more members’ lives,” said Gary Gresham, Suncoast Credit Union Board Chair.
Both Boards of Directors are fully aligned and unanimously support the proposed merger, recognizing the powerful opportunity it creates to amplify value and deliver greater impact for members, employees, and the communities they serve.
“This partnership represents a thoughtful and strategic step forward for our members, our employees, and the communities we proudly serve,” said Hollimarie Montijo, Launch Credit Union Board Chair. “Launch has always operated from a position of strength, and joining with Suncoast allows us to build upon that foundation in a way that expands opportunity while honoring our cooperative values. Together, we are creating a stronger, more resilient credit union—one that will continue to deliver exceptional service, invest deeply in our people, and enhance the financial well-being of members across Florida for generations to come,” she added.
As member-owned cooperatives governed by the National Credit Union Administration, final approval of the merger is contingent upon a vote of the Launch Credit Union membership. As the process moves forward, both credit unions will continue to share timely and transparent information with their respective memberships through their websites and other communication channels.