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SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union joined CASBO to boost brand awareness across California, particularly for its expanding TPA services. According to Darin Ditmar, the biggest challenges were geography and time.
“Relationships are extremely important to SchoolsFirst, and face-to-face contact is key to building them. CASBO enables us to do that efficiently and connect with nearly every local education agency in the state,” he said.
CASBO’s statewide events provided a streamlined way to engage decision-makers and reinforce the organization’s commitment to service.
Results and ROI
Since becoming a CASBO partner, SchoolsFirst has experienced increased visibility and a strengthened reputation.
“We’re still surprised to meet school employees who haven’t heard of us. That shows how vital these events are,” Ditmar noted.
Over the past five years, the CASBO partnership has generated a significant number of new leads. SchoolsFirst onboarded a record number of districts by the end of 2024 and expects to exceed that milestone in 2025.
“Compared to other associations and conferences, CASBO has delivered an excellent return on investment,” Ditmar said. “The access to our target audience and key decision-makers is noteworthy.”
Positioning as a Sector Leader
While SchoolsFirst is well-known as the largest credit union serving school employees, its TPA services had less recognition prior to the CASBO partnership. Through consistent engagement and increased visibility, the organization is now positioned as a leader in the sector.
Community Building and Trust
Ditmar emphasized the enduring relationships formed through CASBO—with clients, peers, and CASBO staff.
“There’s a unique camaraderie in this community,” he said. “We’re all focused on improving outcomes for students and districts, and that creates real opportunities to learn and grow together.”
He also underscored the importance of trust and credibility.
“Our values align with CASBO’s—service, excellence, professionalism, and innovation. Their advocacy work reinforces their credibility and helps us build trust across the state.”
Advice for Future Partners
Ditmar encourages new partners to approach CASBO with a service-first mindset.
“When we started, someone told me, ‘Build relationships and serve without an agenda. Everything else will follow.’ That was good advice then—and it still is.”
For SchoolsFirst Plan Administration, the CASBO partnership has delivered more than exposure. It has created a pathway to growth, trust, and leadership in California’s education community. Through this relationship, the organization continues to advance its mission and support the professionals shaping California’s public schools.
About SchoolsFirst Plan Administration
SchoolsFirst Plan Administration has served California’s school employees and their families for more than four decades. As the largest credit union in the state, and the largest in the nation focused exclusively on education, the organization provides expert third-party administration services for retirement plans. These include 403(b), 457(b), 401(a), Roth plans and 3121 FICA alternative plans.
Since expanding its charter in 2017, SchoolsFirst has extended its services beyond Southern California and now partners with more than 400 school districts and county offices of education statewide. Their work centers on helping education professionals plan confidently for the future.
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