Suncoast Credit Union merger approved by Launch Credit Union members

TAMPA and MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. (Aug. 26, 2026) – Launch Credit Union members have approved the proposed merger with Suncoast Credit Union following a 45-day voting period conducted earlier this summer, the credit unions announced today. With approval from Launch members, both boards of directors and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the merger will take effect Sept. 1, 2026, with the combined organization operating under the Suncoast Credit Union name.

Founded in 1934 and 1963, respectively, Suncoast Credit Union and Launch Credit Union share a long-standing commitment to serving their members and strengthening the communities they call home. Today, both organizations are recognized as leading financial institutions guided by similar values and a member-first philosophy.

Launch Credit Union currently serves more than 86,000 members across Florida’s Space Coast and operates 17 branches in Brevard and Volusia counties. Upon completion of the merger, the combined credit union will serve more than 1.5 million members and manage over $22 billion in assets.

Of the Launch Credit Union members who cast a ballot, 79.5% voted in favor of the merger. Regulatory requirements call for approval by a majority of voting members.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter as Launch Credit Union members become part of Suncoast Credit Union,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Together, we’ll continue investing in innovative products, enhanced services and meaningful community impact while remaining focused on our mission of helping our members achieve financial success.”

Johnson will lead the combined organization, and Joe Mirachi, CEO of Launch Credit Union, is retiring following the merger.

“This is an exciting day for our members and our organization,” Mirachi said. “Our members’ approval reflects confidence in a partnership that positions us to deliver even greater value while preserving the member-first philosophy that has guided Launch Credit Union for more than 60 years. We’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us and look forward to the opportunities this new partnership creates.”

While the merger will legally take effect on Sept. 1, the integration process will continue over the coming months and members will not experience immediate changes to their accounts or day-to-day services.  Operational Day One—when members and employees are fully operating under the Suncoast umbrella—is expected in summer 2027.

Launch Credit Union will operate as Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union, during the transition period while both organizations work to integrate operations.  Members will be notified well in advance of any changes and provided with the information and support needed to ensure a smooth transition.

What the merger means for members, employees and our communities

• Services: Launch members can continue using their current accounts, branches, services and digital platforms during the transition period.

• Branches: During the transition period, Launch and Suncoast will continue operating on separate systems, and members should continue conducting transactions through their existing credit union's branches, digital banking platforms and service channels. No branches will close.

• Member Benefits: The merger will create opportunities to expand products and services, enhance technology, increase access to financial resources and provide additional value and convenience for members. A special dividend of up to $15 million will be paid to qualified Launch accounts before the effective date of the merger to demonstrate the commitment to putting members first and honoring that legacy.

• Employee Engagement: The merger will not result in job losses and will create new opportunities for employees to grow, develop their careers and contribute to the expanded organization. Employees will continue to play an essential role in serving members and supporting the communities they serve.

• Community Support: Together, the credit unions are committed to strengthening communities across Florida. As a part of that commitment, $5 million will be invested in nonprofit organizations and school districts throughout Florida’s Space Coast, furthering their mission to positively impact the communities they serve around the state.

To view a short video from Suncoast Credit Union president and CEO Kevin Johnson, click here.  To access b-roll of both credit unions, click here. 

More information is available on the following web pages:  Suncoast Merger Page and Launch Merger Page.