Desert Financial Credit Union Achieves Top Spot as Best Workplace in Phoenix
In a remarkable achievement, Desert Financial Credit Union has been honored as the No. 1 Best Place to Work in the extra-large business category by the Phoenix Business Journal for 2025. This accolade highlights the credit union's strong dedication to fostering a positive workplace environment, as determined by honest employee feedback. With a workforce that has expanded to over 1,300 members, Desert Financial's commitment to maintaining a spirited culture has proven essential as they navigate significant growth. Jeff Meshey, the president and CEO, expressed immense pride in the recognition, stating it holds special significance because it reflects the sentiments of the team. He noted, "We've evolved from a medium-sized organization into a large one, and what stands out is how we have successfully retained and expanded our workplace culture rather than diluted it. Our employees feel supported, and their commitment is evident in how they serve our members daily."
The evaluation process for this prestigious award involved confidential employee surveys administered by Quantum Workplace, allowing team members to voice their perspectives on what makes Desert Financial unique. The feedback indicated that core values—Team Mindset, Personal Drive, Passion to Help, Big Thinking, and Change Readiness—are genuinely embodied within the work experience. The survey revealed that a remarkable 95% of employees reported being engaged or highly engaged in their roles, with the word 'supportive' frequently cited to describe the workplace culture. Additionally, around 80% of employees felt recognized and valued, while 82% believed the leadership prioritizes its people as the most important resource.
Desert Financial Credit Union goes above and beyond to support its employees, offering more than 70 unique perks aimed at enhancing overall workplace satisfaction, professional development, and work-life balance. One exemplary initiative is 'InvestED,' launched in collaboration with Arizona State University in 2020. This program empowers eligible full-time employees to enroll in over 200 educational programs, including various undergraduate and graduate degrees—tuition costs covered upfront. Graduate programs can receive funding of up to $10,500 per year. This commitment to education not only enriches employees' professional skills but also reinforces Desert Financial's dedication to helping its workforce thrive.
Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, Meshey reiterated that it enhances the credit union's ability to attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for meeting the ambitious objectives set for the next decade. "We're honored by this recognition and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team for making our workplace the best. We also appreciate the Phoenix Business Journal for bestowing this meaningful award upon us," he shared.
Beyond the workplace accolades, Desert Financial has made substantial contributions to the community in the past year. In 2025, the credit union donated $2.3 million to support local nonprofits, education initiatives, and community volunteer programs throughout Arizona. The organization encourages its team members to participate in community service, collectively committing over 16,000 hours of volunteer time, which exemplifies Desert Financial's promise to elevate the communities it serves while living out its mission of shared success.
With a legacy of more than 85 years in the industry, Desert Financial currently serves over 500,000 members and manages nearly $9 billion in assets. The credit union operates 50+ locations across Arizona and offers highly-rated digital banking services to its members. Furthermore, in 2025, members benefitted from $16 million through the Member Giveback Bonus, underscoring the cooperative spirit of the credit union. As the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University and the banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics, and the NAU Alumni Association, Desert Financial remains at the forefront of community engagement. For those interested in learning more about the credit union or exploring career opportunities, visit jobs.desertfinancial.com.
The evaluation process for this prestigious award involved confidential employee surveys administered by Quantum Workplace, allowing team members to voice their perspectives on what makes Desert Financial unique. The feedback indicated that core values—Team Mindset, Personal Drive, Passion to Help, Big Thinking, and Change Readiness—are genuinely embodied within the work experience. The survey revealed that a remarkable 95% of employees reported being engaged or highly engaged in their roles, with the word 'supportive' frequently cited to describe the workplace culture. Additionally, around 80% of employees felt recognized and valued, while 82% believed the leadership prioritizes its people as the most important resource.
Desert Financial Credit Union goes above and beyond to support its employees, offering more than 70 unique perks aimed at enhancing overall workplace satisfaction, professional development, and work-life balance. One exemplary initiative is 'InvestED,' launched in collaboration with Arizona State University in 2020. This program empowers eligible full-time employees to enroll in over 200 educational programs, including various undergraduate and graduate degrees—tuition costs covered upfront. Graduate programs can receive funding of up to $10,500 per year. This commitment to education not only enriches employees' professional skills but also reinforces Desert Financial's dedication to helping its workforce thrive.
Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, Meshey reiterated that it enhances the credit union's ability to attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for meeting the ambitious objectives set for the next decade. "We're honored by this recognition and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team for making our workplace the best. We also appreciate the Phoenix Business Journal for bestowing this meaningful award upon us," he shared.
Beyond the workplace accolades, Desert Financial has made substantial contributions to the community in the past year. In 2025, the credit union donated $2.3 million to support local nonprofits, education initiatives, and community volunteer programs throughout Arizona. The organization encourages its team members to participate in community service, collectively committing over 16,000 hours of volunteer time, which exemplifies Desert Financial's promise to elevate the communities it serves while living out its mission of shared success.
With a legacy of more than 85 years in the industry, Desert Financial currently serves over 500,000 members and manages nearly $9 billion in assets. The credit union operates 50+ locations across Arizona and offers highly-rated digital banking services to its members. Furthermore, in 2025, members benefitted from $16 million through the Member Giveback Bonus, underscoring the cooperative spirit of the credit union. As the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University and the banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics, and the NAU Alumni Association, Desert Financial remains at the forefront of community engagement. For those interested in learning more about the credit union or exploring career opportunities, visit jobs.desertfinancial.com.
Topics General Business）
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