About Us
Helping you achieve your version of financial success.
About us? It's actually all about you.
When you're a member of CommonWealth One, you matter. Your financial dreams, goals and journey become our priority. That's the difference you'll find here.
Members are part-owners
Our not-for-profit status benefits you
Rates designed for maximum value
Attentive, personalized service
Two Strong Histories. One Shared Future.
On July 1, 2026, Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union officially came together to form a stronger organization under the CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union name.
Our combined organization brings together decades of financial strength, community commitment, and member-focused service to better serve more than 57,000 members throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Shenandoah Valley.
While our name is CommonWealth One, our foundation is built on the proud histories of two successful credit unions united by a common purpose: helping people achieve financial success while strengthening the communities we call home.
Our Story
Every great organization has a story. CommonWealth One traces its roots to 1944, when Army Air Force Annex #1 Federal Credit Union was established at Gravelly Point in Washington, D.C., to serve military personnel during World War II. Over the decades, it expanded to serve thousands of members across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the Shenandoah Valley.
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union built its own legacy first by serving teachers and students as Arlington Teachers Federal Credit Union, and later expanding to serve county employees as Arlington Virginia Federal Credit Union and ultimately serving the community at large as Arlington Community Federal Credit Union.
On July 1, 2026, these two organizations combined and adopted the CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union name – bringing together the best of both organizations while honoring the history that shaped each of them.
Today, we're building on those legacies as one stronger credit union focused on serving members for generations to come.
Member-Owned. Member-Focused.
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we're owned by our members – not shareholders.
That means every decision we make is driven by what's best for the people we serve. Instead of maximizing profits for outside investors, we reinvest in our members through competitive rates, lower fees, innovative products, and exceptional service.
Our success is measured by the financial well-being of our members and the strength of the communities we serve.
Stronger Together
Today, CommonWealth One proudly serves:
- 57,000+ members
- $1.1+ billion in assets
- 10 branch locations
- Communities throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and the Shenandoah Valley.
While our operational integration will continue over the coming months, our commitment remains unchanged: delivering exceptional experiences, trusted financial guidance, and lifelong relationships.
Our Commitment
For You. For Life.
It's more than a tagline – it’s our promise.
Whether you've been a member for decades or joined us through our merger, you'll continue to find the same commitment to personal service, financial expertise, and community involvement that has defined both organizations for generations.
Together, we're creating an even stronger future – for our members, our employees, and our communities.
- Rupert J. Jennings, III, Chairman
Rupert Jennings has been a member of CommonWealth One for over 40 years. He joined the credit union while working for the Federal Government at the Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served for over 33 years, retiring from a senior position in the Office of the Chief Counsel in 2014. Mr. Jennings was recruited to join CommonWealth One’s Board of Directors in 1999 and has served on the Board continuously since that time.
- John F. Knight, Vice Chairman
John Knight has served on the CommonWealth One Board since 2000, currently serving in the role of Treasurer. His past roles include Vice-Chairman and various committee roles. Mr. Knight graduated with honors from James Madison University with a double major in Accounting and Management. He is a Certified Public Accountant and held the positions of Internal Audit Manager, Assistant Controller, Controller, and Assistant Vice President for Finance at JMU. Mr. Knight is presently retired and holds a faculty Emeritus Finance from JMU.
- Mark Angel, CPA, Treasurer
Mark Angel is the Associate Vice President of Finance at James Madison University, and he's been an integral member of the University's finance team for the past 13 years. mark brings a wealth of accounting operations experience and has served in Controller, Director and accounting management roles. Mark holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia.
- George McAndrews, Secretary
George McAndrews has been a member of CommonWealth One since it merged with the Alexandria Employees Credit Union (AECU) in 2003. George joined AECU as a member in 1992, when the City of Alexandria hired him as an Assistant City Attorney. He worked in the City Attorney Office for 29 years, retiring in January 2022. While a member of AECU, he served on its Supervisory Committee for eight years. The Board appointed George to CommonWealth One's Supervisory Committee in 2013. He chaired the Committee from 2015 until January 2022. George joined the Board in May 2022.
- Mary L. Summers
Mary Summers is a long-time member of CommonWealth One and joined the Board of Directors in 1992. She is a past Chairman and currently serves on the Human Resources and Technology Committees. Mrs. Summers retired from federal service in 2016 as a Deputy Associate CIO for Corporate IT Services. She currently provides leadership and advisory services for not-for-profit and inter-government organizations.
- Dr. Linda M. Thomas
For the last 6 years, Dr. Thomas has been the Dean of the Graduate School and past professor and head of the School of Integrated Science at James Madison University. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and has her Law Degree from the University of Miami. She received her doctorate at Georgia Tech.
- Phil Caldwell
Phil Caldwell is the Director for Adult Services/Executive Director Alexandria Community Services Board at City of Alexandria, Virginia. Phil is a licensed clinical social works who provides support for the Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Developmental Disability programs in Alexandria. He is responsible for implementing State and Federal initiatives across the service system.
- Ronald F. McCray, Chairman
- Jessie L. Horneber, Secretary
- Marvin T. Isom
- Ashley Comer
Click here to view our credit union Bylaws.
What's Your Journey?
I was initially drawn to CommonWealth One by the convenience of JMU's on-campus branch and positive feedback. The credit union has significantly impacted my life, providing support during major events like buying a house and welcoming a child.
Member Since 1994
CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with branches in Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, VA and Washington D.C.