Vernon and Daniel discuss how Orion’s commitment to community development has transformed communities, and the strategies he used to turn around distressed financial institutions. Daniel Weickenand, CEO of Orion Federal Credit Union Appears on Everything Co-op Under Weikenand’s leadership, Orion has grown to become the largest credit union in west Tennessee with more than 72,000 members and nearly $1 billion in assets. Originally from Houston, Texas, Daniel has more than 25 years of credit union experience and demonstrated expertise in turning around distressed financial institutions. Since joining Orion in 2010, he has led the company’s success through competitive products, state-of-the-art branch locations, and a significant commitment to community through support for local organizations including the Levitt Shell, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Shelby Farms Park, and many more. Orion was one of the first corporate partners to invest in developing the Memphis Edge District by relocating its headquarters to the former Wonder Bread factory in 2019 after a complete renovation of the space. Daniel earned his MBA and BBA in Accounting from UT San Antonio. He is a trusted industry professional and a member of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) Board. He has also been a board member for local organizations including the Levitt Shell, Memphis in May, and the Regional One Foundation, among many others. In 2018, Daniel was named CEO of the Year by Inside Memphis Business magazine. Founded in Memphis in 1957, Orion currently has 10 locations in Shelby County, Tennessee and recently expanded to Little Rock, Arkansas. Daniel embodies Orion’s vision, “To be the leading source of financial independence in the communities we serve.” In his own words, Daniel Seeks to keep as much money in the pockets of his members.
