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About AAEC
At AAEC, we believe in "people helping people"
It's more than a motto, it's the foundation of everything we do.
Our mission is to enhance the financial well-being of our members by providing high-quality, ethical, and affordable financial services. We are committed to building strong relationships, fostering financial education, and supporting the growth of our communities through trust and collaboration.
Our Vision is to be the trusted financial partner that empowers members to achieve their full potential in their financial journey. To provide an innovative, ever-changing product portfolio to meet member needs, to inform, and to educate.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, we exist to serve our members, not to generate profits for shareholders.
Whether you're opening your first savings account, buying your dream home, or planning for the future, we're here to support you—every step of the way.
AAEC History
Founded in 1955 by a group of educators who believed in the power of financial cooperation, we've grown into a trusted financial partner. Arlington Area Education Community (AAEC) Credit Union started out serving a handful of education employees and has since grown to serve a wide community of members.
Now anyone who lives or works in our geographical area defined by the Illinois/Wisconsin border on the north, to US 90/US39 on the west, to US 80/US 294 on the south, to US 294 to IL 19 (Irving Park Rd) to Lake Michigan on the east, is able to take advantage of our services.
Our Staff
President/CEO
Rachel Noltner
Loan Department
Rhonda Haenszel — Manager
Flor Villalta — Loan Officer
Dylan Mikes — Loan Officer
Luke Hulsebosch — Loan Officer
Office Staff
Kristin McElmeel — Manager
Fatima Espinosa — Head Teller
Jassmine Alberto - FT Teller
Humera Khan — PT Teller
Yami Chaudhari — PT Teller
Deyan Spasov — PT Teller
Accounting/Back Office
Lori Calcara — Manager
Jaylin Johnson — Processor
Our Board
Kelley Zerfahs — Board Chair
Tom Adam — Vice-Chair
Scott Gustafson — Treasurer
Bill Timmins — Secretary
Seema Kurup — Board Member
Nancy Milne — Board Member
Eric Swanson — Board Member
John Meyers Jr. — Board Member
Jan Phillips — Board Member
If you are interested in joining our board, please contact Rachel at AAEC.
Highlights & Events
7.0%* APR Personal Loan (1 or 2 years) - Effective 9/1/25 - 12/31/25. *Annual Percentage rate. Rates as low as.
Rate subject to change w/o notice. Loan approval subject to AAEC underwriting guidelines. No AAEC rewrites.
.70% Mortgage Rate Discount - Includes purchase & refinance
1% off Auto Refinance Rates - 1% discount on your existing auto loan rate
3.99% APR -15 Month Visa Balance Transfer Special - Effective 10/1/25 - 12/1/25 & is valid for new & existing cards
October 3
Harmony Fest Arlington Heights
AAEC will be at the Fest on Friday night (10/3). Stop by to say “Hi” & to hear about our specials! Located in Harmony Park on Vail & Campbell.
October 7
Celebration of Hope - Rolling Meadows Hope Fund
The Hope Fund is a program created collaboratively by the City of Rolling Meadows Human Services Department and the Police Department. It serves as the nonprofit arm of the City. Each year, the Human Services Department find themselves in tough positions as they attempt to find resources to alleviate the financial hardships that come about after a crisis.
