Horizon Credit Union to merge with Embark of Great Falls

Spokane Valley-based Horizon Credit Union has announced it will merge next year with Embark Credit Union that is based in Great Falls.

The merger is subject to regulatory and member approval, but the expanded organization would grow to $1.8 billion in assets with 31 branch locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

“We are excited to partner with such a well-established credit union in the local Great Falls community,” Horizon CEO Jeff Adams said in a news release.

“Our mission to improve the financial and personal well-being for more people in more places positively complements the mission and values of Embark Credit Union.”

Current Embark CU President and CEO Deb Evans will be retained to manage that financial institution’s current market in the new organization. Adams will become president and CEO of the combined organization.

Both organizations plan to keep all employees as part of the merger, the release said.

Jason Kunz, Embark board chair, said Horizon’s mission and values match with Embark.

“It is these values, as well as their commitment to continue to support the Great Falls community on a local level, that not only meshed with Embark’s existing level of services, but also shined in enhancing the opportunities for technology improvement and growth,” Kunz said.

Founded in 1947, Horizon has more than 100,000 members with 29 branch locations across four states.