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News

2026 Annual Meeting

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We held our annual business meeting on April 28th at 5:30pm. Fun door prizes were given out and the highlight of the night was our annual scholarship announcement.

We were thrilled to award a total of $23,000 in scholarships. Rhea Cutchins and Owen Bailey both received a $5,000 John A. Glasgow Scholarship, Adin Brown received the Charles A. Wrenn Scholarship in the amount of $3,000, the $3,000 James C. Copeland scholarship was awarded to Cooper Bass, Andrew Hinson and Cole Hewett both received a $1,000 Robert T. Petty Scholarship, Isabelle Melbye received the Bronco Federal Credit Union for $3,000, and Ryan Ferrell and David Cuthbertson were awarded $1,000 Bronco Federal Credit Union Scholarships.

If you were unable to attend, we invite you to read through our minutes and look at our 2025 snapshot to see what Bronco’s year was like.

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2026 Notice of Election of Directors

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Three members of the Bronco Federal Credit Union Board of Directors have regular three-year terms that expire at the Annual Membership Meeting, April 28, 2026. There is a resume/biography at the bottom of this page for each nominee. The Nominating Committee has nominated the following for election to three-year terms expiring in 2029:

Travis Parker
Nathan Sawyer
Zak Wade

Other nominations for the Board of Directors may be made by petition in accordance with Article V, Section 1 of Bronco Federal Credit Union’s Bylaws. The Nominating Committee will provide an approved petition and biographical information sheet upon request. Please contact Holly Ledbetter for forms. Each petition submitted must contain a minimum of 200 signatures of credit union members in good standing. The candidate’s biography and statement of qualification must accompany a completed petition. Each nominee must be in good standing with the credit union, must be at least 18 years of age, and must certify in writing that he/she is agreeable to the nomination and will serve if elected. Incomplete, incorrect, and petitions received after the deadline will not be given consideration.

All petitions must be received no later than the close of business on March 18, 2026. Petitions should be sent to:

Secretary, Board of Directors
Bronco Federal Credit Union
135 Stewart Drive
Franklin, VA 23851

Nominations by petition along with those of the Nominating Committee will be posted in the credit union offices on March 23, 2026.
An election by ballot will only be conducted if there is more than one nominee for each position filed. A member must be at least 16 years of age to vote. There will be no nominations taken from the floor at the Annual Membership Meeting in accordance with Article V, Section 2 of the Bylaws.

Duties of Directors
Credit Union directors are volunteers. The primary responsibilities of credit union directors are to set policy, plan the credit union’s direction, make sure the credit union maintains its sound financial condition and keep communication open to educate members on services. The best interests of the members guide all decisions.

Expectations of Directors

  • Attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings
  • Attend meetings of Board committees
  • Attend scheduled Planning Sessions
  • Participate in organizational development and training activities
  • Attend Virginia Credit Union League meetings as appropriate
  • Represent the credit union to the community

Travis Parker
Travis Parker serves on Bronco Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors and is the Director of the Upward Bound TRIO program at Camp Community College, helping first-generation, college-bound high school students prepare for success in college. He is also the Interim Athletic Director at Camp Community College. A 1985 graduate of Southampton High School, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Howard University, as well as a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from Cambridge College in Chesapeake, Virginia. Travis is a John Maxwell Team certified coach, speaker, and leadership trainer. In addition, he serves as head football coach and head track & field coach at Southampton High School, mentoring student-athletes on and off the field. His dedication to education, leadership development, and community service makes him a valuable member of Bronco’s Board.

Nathan Sawyer
Nathan Sawyer is a lifelong resident of Suffolk, Virginia, and has spent more than 25 years building and managing local businesses in the Western Tidewater area. He attended Paul D. Camp Community College and is a founding member of both RepairTech Industrial Contractors and Bluewater Rentals; he later became a managing member of Cole Fence after purchasing the business with his partners. In his day-to-day role as a project manager at RepairTech, Nathan prepares cost estimates, orders materials, staffs and manages project teams, oversees budgets and schedules, and ensures projects are completed to meet customer expectations. As a managing partner, he also helped lead RepairTech in achieving and maintaining ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement. He previously served on the Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors for seven years, including time as treasurer. Nathan also believes strongly in supporting youth athletics and has coached softball for about 12 years at the recreation, travel, and high school levels, helping young people learn hard work, teamwork, and responsibility. His hands-on business experience, community involvement, and commitment to local youth make him a strong asset to Bronco’s Board.

Zak Wade
Zak Wade is a proud Christian, husband, and father of two, and a native, lifelong resident of Southampton County. He is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Modeling and Simulation Engineering. Zak works as an Information Technology Specialist with Hampton Farms and has built a strong technology background through previous roles at Paul D. Camp Community College, Catalogic Software, and IBM. His technical expertise, deep local roots, and commitment to faith, family, and community make him a thoughtful representative of Bronco’s members.

News

Bronco Federal Credit Union Announces the Appointment of Chantal Dalton as Member Business Services Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Franklin, VA — Bronco Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantal Dalton as Member Business Services Manager, effective February 2, 2026. Based primarily in Bronco’s Franklin branch, Chantal will serve business members throughout the credit union’s full field of membership.

Chantal brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services, having worked in the industry since 2007. Prior to joining Bronco Federal Credit Union, Chantal served as a Relationship Banker at BB&T (now Truist) and as a Branch Manager at Farmers Bank, where she developed strong expertise in business account services, relationship management, and supporting small business owners through every stage of growth.

In this role, Chantal will support and grow Bronco Federal Credit Union’s business services by working closely with local business owners to understand their needs and provide thoughtful financial solutions. With a focus on relationship-building and long-term success, Chantal will help strengthen Bronco’s commitment to serving small businesses and supporting economic growth throughout the communities it serves.

In addition to her professional background, Chantal brings a unique perspective as a small business owner. Since 2018, she has owned and operated Old Cart Critters, a traveling petting zoo business. This hands-on experience gives her a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities local business owners face.

“I am honored to serve our business members and work alongside them as they grow and succeed,” said Chantal. “Building trusted relationships and supporting the community I serve is something I truly value, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that in this role.”

“We are excited to welcome Chantal to the Bronco Federal Credit Union team,” said Mike Kenzie, Chief Executive Officer. “Her deep understanding of business accounts, commitment to relationship-driven service, and personal experience as a small business owner makes her a strong advocate for our business members. As we continue to grow our business services, Chantal will play an important role in helping our members thrive and strengthening the communities we serve.”

For more information, please contact:Ashley Covington
Marketing and Training Specialist
Bronco Federal Credit Union
757-569-3719
ashley.covington@broncofcu.com

About Bronco Federal Credit Union
Bronco Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Franklin, Virginia, committed to providing trusted financial services and supporting the communities it serves.

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New Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction

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Recent federal legislation, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill, introduced a new potential tax benefit for members who purchase a new vehicle and finance it with an auto loan.

Important reminder: Bronco Federal Credit Union does not provide tax advice. Eligibility and tax treatment can vary. We strongly encourage all members to consult a qualified tax professional.

What Is the New Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction?

Under the new law, eligible taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $10,000 per year in interest paid on a qualified vehicle loan when filing their federal income taxes.

This deduction applies to new, personal-use vehicles purchased within the eligible timeframe. This deduction is in effect for tax years 2025 through 2028.

Basic Eligibility Guidelines

You may qualify for the deduction if all of the following apply:

  • Vehicle Type: Car, SUV, pickup truck, minivan, or motorcycle that is originally purchased and used by the taxpayer
  • Vehicle Use: Personal use only (not for business or commercial use)
  • Loan Date: Loan originated on or after January 1, 2025
  • Weight Limit: Vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 14,000 pounds
  • Final Assembly: Vehicle must have undergone final assembly in the United States (Vin Lookup).

Additional income limits and phase-outs may apply.

Income Limits to Be Aware Of

The deduction is subject to income thresholds:

  • Single filers: Phase-out begins at $100,000 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)
  • Joint filers: Phase-out begins at $200,000 MAGI

The deduction gradually decreases as income increases and phases out completely above the maximum limits set by the IRS.

This deduction may be available to both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers. A tax professional can help determine how this applies to your tax return.

A tax professional can help determine how this applies to your specific situation.

What You’ll Need at Tax Time

If you qualify, you may need:

  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the qualifying vehicle
  • Information on interest paid during the tax year
  • Any tax documents provided by your financial institution

Interest Paid Information: Your total interest paid year to date for your qualifying vehicle is found on your December statement or under the specific loan account(s) in online banking.

Bronco Federal Credit Union will provide applicable loan information as required, but members are responsible for proper tax filing.

Final Reminder

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. This page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice.

Always consult a qualified tax professional to confirm eligibility and understand how this deduction may apply to your individual tax situation.

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Preparing for Homeownership: What You Can Do Now

For most people, homeownership is a long-term goal, not something that happens overnight. Whether you’re hoping to buy your first home next year or simply thinking about it as a future possibility, preparing early can help you feel more confident and less stressed when the time comes.

The good news? You don’t need perfect credit, a huge down payment, or a “right” market moment to start preparing. Here are a few simple steps that can help you move closer to homeownership, at your own pace.

1. Know where you stand

Before focusing on interest rates or home prices, it’s helpful to understand your personal financial starting point. This includes your credit, income, monthly budget, and existing debt.

Knowing where you stand doesn’t mean committing to buying a home right away. It simply gives you clarity and clarity creates options. If there’s room for improvement, understanding that early allows you to make gradual changes over time, rather than feeling rushed later.

At Bronco, our team can help you walk through these basics and answer questions in a low-pressure conversation, so you know what steps might make the biggest difference for you.

2. Start building a home fund

Saving for a home often includes more than just a down payment. Closing costs, inspections, and having an emergency cushion after you move in are all important to consider.

Starting a dedicated “home fund” savings account can make this process feel more manageable. Even small, consistent contributions, especially when set up as automatic transfers, can add up over time.

This approach allows you to prepare without straining your budget and helps turn a big goal into something more achievable. Whether you plan to buy soon or years from now, having savings set aside gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

3. Learn your mortgage options

Mortgages can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been through the process before. Taking time to learn about different loan options early can help remove uncertainty and build confidence.

Understanding basics like fixed-rate mortgages, down payment requirements, and specialized options such as lot or construction loans, allows you to make informed decisions when the time is right. Learning doesn’t mean committing; it simply means being prepared.

Our mortgage team is here to explain your options in clear, simple terms and help you understand what might work best for your situation.

Meeting you where you are

Homeownership looks different for everyone. You may be preparing to buy your first home, thinking about a second home, or considering a move that better fits your needs as you plan for retirement. Wherever you are in the process, the path forward doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Preparing early helps you make thoughtful decisions on your own timeline without pressure. It gives you the space to ask questions, explore options, and move forward when it feels right for you.

At Bronco Federal Credit Union, we’re here to meet you where you are and support you through every stage of homeownership. Whether you’re just starting to plan or ready to take the next step, our team is here to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

Ready to start the conversation? Reach out to our mortgage team when you’re ready. We’re happy to connect by phone or set up a time that works for you.

Mortgage loans are subject to credit approval. Terms, rates, and conditions may vary based on individual qualifications and are subject to change. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend.

News

Bronco Federal Credit Union Promotes Kelsey Moore to Chief Lending Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Franklin, VA — Bronco Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelsey Moore to Chief Lending Officer (CLO). Moore will assume the role following the retirement of Pam Lease, who served Bronco Federal Credit Union for 28 years with dedication and leadership.

Moore has been with Bronco for 10 years, serving in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility throughout the credit union. Most recently, she served as Lending Manager, where she helped lead day-to-day lending operations and was pivotal in the credit union’s 25% loan growth in 2025—the second-strongest year of loan growth in the past 20 years. Supporting that level of growth required strong execution and teamwork, including keeping processes moving, ensuring consistency, and helping the lending team meet member needs during a high-volume year.

“Kelsey’s leadership and steady approach were major contributors to our ability to serve members through an exceptional year of growth,” said Mike Kenzie, President/CEO of Bronco Federal Credit Union. “She combines strong lending knowledge with a genuine care for people—our members and our staff. She’s earned the trust of the organization, and I’m excited to see her step into this role.”

As Chief Lending Officer, Moore will lead Bronco’s overall lending strategy and operations and will also oversee the credit union’s collections function, ensuring a balanced, end-to-end approach to portfolio performance, member support, and continuous improvement. Her focus will include building on Bronco’s momentum while continuing to strengthen consistency, processes, and performance as the credit union grows.

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Lending Officer,” said Moore. “Bronco has always been committed to helping members reach their financial goals, and I’m excited to continue building on that mission. I’m especially grateful to Pam, not only for her years of service and the strong foundation she helped create at Bronco, but for her guidance and support throughout my time on the lending team. I truly would not be ready for this opportunity without her mentorship. I look forward to leading our teams forward and continuing to deliver an exceptional experience to every member.”

Bronco Federal Credit Union serves members throughout the region with a mission to provide an exceptional experience to every member and a vision to be our members’ lifetime financial partner.

About Bronco Federal Credit Union
Bronco Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Franklin, Virginia, committed to providing trusted financial services and supporting the communities it serves.

News

Build Your Savings Playbook

Saving Is Easier When Your Money Has a Game Plan

Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. At Bronco Federal Credit Union, we believe saving is easier when your money has a game plan. That’s why we offer a variety of savings tools designed to help you build a strategy that works for your life, your goals, and every stage along the way.

Think of it as your Savings Playbook. Different plays for different situations, all working toward a stronger financial future.

The Foundation: Regular Savings

Every financial game plan starts somewhere. A regular savings account is the foundation of your playbook, giving you a safe place to build emergency funds, plan for upcoming expenses, or simply get into the habit of saving consistently.

Stay Organized: Sub-Savings Accounts

Sub-savings accounts allow you to organize your money by goal. Whether you’re saving for a new TV, vacation, home improvements, or future plans, sub-savings help you stay organized. This is one of the easiest ways to turn good intentions into real progress.

Gain Momentum: Money Market Accounts

As your savings grow, you may be ready for a strategy that helps your money work a little harder. Money market accounts are designed for higher balances while still keeping your funds accessible. They’re a great next step when you’re building momentum toward larger goals.

Plan Ahead: Christmas Club

The holidays come every year but they don’t have to come with financial stress. A Christmas Club account helps you set money aside throughout the year so you’re prepared when the season arrives. It’s a simple way to plan ahead and enjoy the holidays with confidence. You can also use this for other expenses such personal property taxes. 

Play the Long Game: Custodial Accounts

Custodial accounts are designed for saving on behalf of a child or dependent. Whether you’re planning for future education expenses or simply want to start building savings early, custodial accounts help you focus on long-term goals that matter most.

Lock in Your Strategy: Certificates & IRA Certificates

Certificates (also known as share certificates) are a great option when you have money you don’t need immediate access to and want a predictable savings strategy. With fixed terms and set rates, certificates help you lock in your plan.

For retirement-focused savings, Traditional IRA and Roth IRA certificates offer a similar approach while supporting long-term retirement goals. Both options are valuable plays in a well-rounded savings playbook.

Start Early: Buzz Club for Kids

Good saving habits start young. Our Buzz Club savings accounts are designed specifically for kids 12 and under, helping families introduce the concept of saving early and make it fun and rewarding. It’s a great first step toward lifelong financial confidence.

Let’s Build Your Savings Playbook Together

No two members have the same goals and that’s why your savings strategy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your approach, Bronco Federal Credit Union is here to help you build a savings playbook that works for you.

Stop by a branch to talk with a Bronco team member to explore your options.

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A Better Loan Experience Begins Here

Bronco FCU’s new digital lending experience is built to feel less like paperwork and more like possibility, and take less than five minutes to complete! With just your phone number and a few quick taps, the system pulls in your information, shows you real pre-qualified offers and gets you on your way in minutes. No digging for documents. No guessing games. Just clarity, confidence and a smoother path forward.

Whether you’re dreaming about a new car, tackling a project or looking to refinance something you already have, everything you need now lives in one simple, friendly portal. You can even see potential savings with our loans versus other lenders, because we want you to keep more money in your pocket, not theirs.

The best part? You’ll be able to apply for multiple loans at once, and your info stays saved for 30 days. So if life throws you a curveball (or a great opportunity), you’re ready.

This is lending made for real people with real goals. Fast. Friendly. And built to help you move forward with confidence.

Ready to meet the future of borrowing?

Get Started

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Bronco Around Town – October 2025

With autumn everyone at Bronco keeps busy all over town with holiday preparations, raising money for a good cause, and connecting with our members. Here are October’s highlights.

Fall Festival
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day in Downtown Franklin for this year’s Fall Festival on October 4th! The streets were filled with friendly faces, laughter and plenty of hometown spirit. Bronco team members had a blast meeting community members and visitors. Everyone lined up to play a round of Plinko for fun prizes, with our money-roll stress relievers stealing the show as the fan favorite.

National Night Out
On October 7th, Bronco proudly joined forces once again with the City of Franklin Police Department and the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office for National Night Out. It was an evening full of community connection and learning, as we shared information about Bronco’s services, especially our Buzz Club account for the kids! We’re always honored to support this event and help strengthen the bonds between our members, neighbors and local heroes.

Pink Friday
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—and to help shine a light on the importance of early detection and treatment advancements—our Bronco team went all-in on pink on Friday, October 17th! From shirts to smiles, we proudly showed our support for a cause that touches so many lives.

Trunk or Treat with Early Childhood Western Tidewater
On October 24th, we joined Early Childhood Western Tidewater for a Hocus Pocus-themed Trunk or Treat! More than 500 visitors stopped by our booth, where we shared treats, smiles, and a friendly reminder that saving with Bronco isn’t scary at all.

Locals Choice Awards Celebration
October 29th was a night to remember! Our team celebrated big wins at the Suffolk News-Herald Locals Choice Awards, where Bronco was honored as Best Local Credit Union, Best Financial Institution and Best Home and Auto Loan Provider. We’re deeply grateful to our members and community for your continued trust and support.

Halloween Fun
No tricks here, just treats and plenty of Bronco spirit! Our team got into the Halloween mood with costumes, laughs and a whole lot of fun.

News

Go Digital: Add Your Bronco Card to Your Mobile Wallet

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and security go hand-in-hand—especially when it comes to how you pay. If you haven’t started using a mobile wallet yet, now’s the perfect time to make the switch—and yes, you can use it with your Bronco debit or credit card!

What Is a Mobile Wallet?

A mobile wallet is a secure app on your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet that stores your credit and debit card information digitally. Instead of carrying your physical card, you can make payments directly from your device using services like:

  • Apple Pay®
  • Google Pay™
  • Samsung Wallet™

Your mobile wallet can be used in-store, online, or even in apps, making purchases faster and more seamless.

How Does It Work?

Once you add your Bronco card to your mobile wallet (don’t worry—it’s easy!), your device uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to securely transmit your payment information at checkout.

Just hold your phone or watch near the payment terminal, authenticate the transaction (usually with a fingerprint, face ID, or passcode), and you’re done. No need to swipe, dip, or type in card numbers.

Why Use a Mobile Wallet?

Enhanced Security

Mobile wallets offer more security than physical cards:

  • Your actual card number is never shared during transactions.
  • Payments are encrypted and often require biometric or passcode verification.
  • If your phone is lost or stolen, your card info stays protected and can be remotely wiped—unlike a physical card that can be used until it’s reported lost.

Ultimate Convenience

  • Leave your wallet at home—you can pay with your phone or watch wherever mobile payments are accepted.
  • Perfect for contactless checkouts, whether you’re grabbing coffee or shopping online.
  • Easily access your Bronco card without digging through your bag or wallet.

Compatible With Your Bronco Card—and Easy to Set Up!

You can add your Bronco FCU debit or credit card to your mobile wallet in just a few clicks—right from the Bronco FCU App. Whether you’re using Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Wallet™, the process is simple and secure.

Here’s how:

  1. Log in to the Bronco FCU App.
  2. Tap on your card and look for the “Add to Wallet” or mobile wallet option.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete setup.

That’s it! Your card will be ready to use on your phone or smartwatch wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Ready to Go Contactless?

Using a mobile wallet isn’t just a trend—it’s a safer, smarter, and simpler way to pay. If you need help adding your Bronco card to your mobile wallet, stop by any branch or give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through it.

Go contactless. Stay secure. Shop with ease.
Add your Bronco card to your mobile wallet today!

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