About Us

Established in 1953, Encompass, then Steel Parts, Credit Union has evolved from a desk drawer in Walter York’s office inside Steel Parts Corporation to the 27th largest out of 157 credit unions in the state of Indiana, and in the top 20% of credit unions nationwide. In the beginning, Walter wanted to help out his fellow workers at the factory, with a passion for helping people as his only motivation. These grassroots beginnings built the foundation for today’s success, and over the following 25 years, growth was not necessarily a motivating factor. However, once the credit union began adding select employee groups in the community, Walter saw the opportunity before him and capitalized on the occasion.

In 1986, Dee Henry assumed the managerial duties and directed the credit union through the toughest financial challenges in its history. The explosive growth had led the credit union into a trying time, but Dee and the staff persevered and emerged a financially solid and stable company, with a focused and controlled plan for continued growth. She oversaw the credit union grow from $5 million to nearly $60 million in assets before retiring in 2003.

Nickel Plate Industrial Credit Union, founded in 1951, approached the management and board of Steel Parts FCU about the possibility of a merger in 2000. Virgil Humphrey had assumed leadership of Nickel Plate in 1976 from its founder Roy Reed. Initially started for the railroad workers, Nickel Plate saw growth over the years through the city employees and industrial park in Frankfort. With long-standing roots in Frankfort and Clinton County, Nickel Plate was a small but financially stable credit union that offered enormous potential, and the merger was official in 2001. Just before merging, Steel Parts FCU obtained a community charter, opening up all of Clinton County for eligibility into the credit union to go with the Tipton County charter already in place.

Management long ago made the observation that small credit unions were slowly fading away and that the future of the credit union industry was in growth, technology, and a full complement of financial services for its membership. This led to the decision to be positioned as a financially stable leader in its market in order to maintain its operations for as long as possible. Competition, a rapidly changing economy, and industry changes all influence the daily decision-making and strategizing of the credit union, with a forward-thinking focus that is constantly looking for growth opportunities.

Don McElfresh became the CEO in January 2004, and undertook the transitioning of the credit union from a small-to-medium size institution to a large credit union, and made numerous operational and policy changes in order to continue the success that Steel Parts FCU was accustomed to, before turning the CEO position over to Matt Lambert in January 2008. The seamless evolution was a testament to the leadership before them, and to the people associated with the credit union throughout its history.

In 2009, in order to better reflect the open membership and future potential growth, Steel Parts changed its name to Encompass Credit Union and continues to offer the same service that has enabled such tremendous success over the last nearly 60 years. In 2018, Encompass was granted an expansion of their community charter to include Howard County and opened their corporate office in downtown Tipton.

It feels good to belong, to be a part of your community, to have the people you bank with know you and remember your name. But those aren't the only reasons to become a member of Encompass Credit Union. Because we're a not-for-profit institution, we can offer our members lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings.  You also get all the popular services and conveniences you get from a for-profit bank but without all the fees banks charge. You get checking for Personal and Business Accounts, Online Banking, mobile app with Remote Deposit, Electronic Bill Paying, Certificates, Overdraft Protection, Personal and Business Loans, Mortgages at competitive rates, and so much more. Plus, when you join, you become an actual owner in one of the most secure financial institutions in the area. As a member and owner, Encompass Credit Union answers directly to you. At Encompass Credit Union, we’re community-minded… just like you.

Becoming a member is quick and easy. Any person who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Tipton, Clinton, or Howard County, Indiana is eligible to join. Spouses, children, and parents of eligible persons are also eligible. In addition, any business or organization in Tipton, Clinton, or Howard County, Indiana is eligible for membership. If you are eligible for a business membership, your employees will be eligible as well. Once you join, you can enjoy the benefits of membership even if you move away. To become a member, simply open a savings account with a minimum deposit of $5 at any of our branch locations. If you have questions about becoming a member, please call us at 800-675-8852 or, stop by any branch and talk with us. We'll be glad to help.

Board of Directors

• Greg Sottong, Chair

• Kevin Sullivan, Vice Chair

• Susie Fitzgerald, Secretary

• Kirk Retherford, Treasurer

• Jeff Hardesty, Director

• Don McElfresh, Director

• Dan Richter, Director

• Evan Smith, Director

• Richard Tragesser, Director

Supervisory Committee

• Terry York, Chair

• Kathi Heard, Member

• Patrick Henderson, Member

Executive Management

• Matt Lambert, Chief Executive Officer

Management Team

• Scott Day, Vice President Lending

• James Davis, Vice President of Strategic Risk

• Josh Frawley, Chief Financial Officer

• Leslie Robinson, Internal Auditor

• Waber Terhorst, Vice President IT