MARQUETTE, Mich. | The Embers Credit Union Board of Directors announces that Tom Blake, President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire on October 1, 2027, after 26 years of dedicated service to the organization. David Black, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Blake as CEO, continuing the credit union’s commitment to its members, employees, and communities throughout the Upper Peninsula.
When Blake took the helm in 2001, the credit union consisted of a single location with 25 employees, $69M in assets, and 11,000 members. Since then, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, growing through organic growth, expanded membership eligibility, mergers, and an increased range of financial services. Today, the credit union operates in 9 locations with 150 employees, $631 million in assets, and almost 34,000 members.
“Tom has helped shape this credit union into what it is today,” said Mark Canale, Chairperson of the Embers Credit Union Board of Directors. “Over 26 years, he has led this organization through tremendous change, building a stronger and more capable credit union. His legacy is about much more than financial growth. Embers delivers an extraordinary level of service to its members, focuses on making a difference in our communities, and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for the last several years. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Tom for his years of leadership and the lasting impact he has made.”
During Blake’s tenure, he thoughtfully led a careful evolution of the organization’s identity and membership. In 2006, the credit union became U.P. Catholic Credit Union, expanding its reach to Catholic parishioners throughout the Upper Peninsula. In 2010, membership eligibility expanded to include anyone who lived, worked, or worshipped in the Upper Peninsula. In 2018, the organization adopted the name Embers Credit Union, reflecting its broader membership and its connection to the region it serves and paving the way for strategic mergers that expanded the credit union’s geographic footprint and strengthened its ability to serve communities in the UP. In 2019, Embers completed its merger with Upper Michigan Community Credit Union, followed closely in 2020 by a merger with Delta County Credit Union. In 2022, Embers added the five Upper Peninsula-bordering counties in Northern Wisconsin to its territory.
Under Blake’s leadership, Embers also expanded its lending capabilities and strengthened its role as a financial partner for local businesses. The credit union has developed a significant commercial lending and business services operation, helping businesses finance real estate, equipment, expansion, and other needs that support their growth. Embers holds more than $170 million in commercial loans and lines of credit, reflecting the importance of business lending to its overall portfolio.
“Tom has always understood that a credit union needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves,” Canale said. “He has positioned Embers to serve more people and make a greater impact across the Upper Peninsula. Those accomplishments provide a strong foundation for the future.”
The Board has selected Black as Blake’s successor following a planned leadership transition process. Black has been with Embers for 10 years and currently serves as EVP/COO, working closely with Blake and the leadership team on strategic priorities, operational growth, and the continued development of the organization.
During his decade with Embers, Black has played a critical role in facilitating the credit union’s growth, guiding its operations, and building a winning culture. His broad expertise in financial services, familiarity with the organization’s history, and understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the credit union position him to build on the progress made during Blake’s tenure.
“David has been an important part of our leadership team for the past 10 years,” Canale said. “He knows our people, our members, and the communities we serve. He has been involved in the work that has brought Embers to where it is today, and we are confident he will continue building on that foundation. The Board is excited about the future of Embers under David’s leadership.”
Blake will remain CEO through the fall of 2027, allowing time for a thoughtful transition and continued progress on the credit union’s strategic priorities. The Board looks forward to recognizing his many contributions as he approaches retirement.
As Embers prepares for its next chapter, its commitment remains unchanged: to spark opportunities and light up the communities it serves. The Board thanks Blake for 26 years of leadership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the organization under David Black.
Embers is a member-owned, full-service financial institution serving communities throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. With more than $630 million in assets, Embers helps individuals, families, and businesses spark financial opportunities through modern financial solutions backed by the personal service of a local credit union. At its core, Embers is committed to helping their members thrive, and the communities they serve grow stronger.
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