First Financial of Maryland Federal Credit Union marked twomilestones in April: its 60^th anniversary and joiningthe credit union billion dollar club.

The state's fourth largest credit union had $973 million assetsat the end of 2012 before joining the list of 197 other creditunions that have moved into the 10-figure range, according toCallahan & Associates data.

The Lutherville, Md., credit union has achieved those milestonesby sound business practices and member service that supports astrong membership base, said Frist Financial FCU's president/CEO,Rob Windsor.

“In today's competitive, financial marketplace, we areespecially proud to have reached the $1 billion mark as wecelebrate 60 years of service to our membership. Without theleadership of our Board of Directors, a dedicated professionalstaff and most importantly, a loyal membership, neither of theseaccomplishments could have been possible,” Windsor said.

First Financial serves more than 58,000 members online andthrough nine branches and includes as its members employees,students and parents of the Baltimore and Carroll County PublicSchool systems as well as the employees of many private schools,colleges, hospitals and businesses in Baltimore and Carrollcounties.

Its public service activities include five student-run high school branches and the donation of more than$1 million to help children through its KidsFirst Fund, which isfunded by a portion of member purchases made with a First FinancialFCU Visa credit card.