USF Credit Union’s Innovative Use of AI Helps Uncover Estimated $6M in Taxpayer Savings

County Clerk Victor Crist Honors USF CU With Outstanding Service Award

TAMPA, Fla. – A volunteer team from USF Credit Union (USF CU), using secure AI technology and rigorous human review, helped Hillsborough County uncover a surprise estimated $6 million in savings for taxpayers.

Earlier this year, Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Victor Crist requested assistance from USF CU to help evaluate the county’s banking service agreement. A team of ten USF CU employees used a secure AI platform to analyze more than 1,200 pages of documentation and produce a detailed 100-page review.

However, the credit union emphasized that the project’s success was driven by its people. Every AI-generated score, reference, and citation was carefully verified by USF CU staff to ensure accuracy, fairness, and integrity.

“USF Credit Union exists to serve its members and community, and this project reflects that mission at its best,” said Richard “Rick” J. Skaggs, President & CEO of USF Credit Union. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for applying their expertise – and emerging technology – in a way that delivers real, measurable value for Hillsborough County residents.”

Based on USF CU’s findings, Hillsborough County made a significant change in its banking relationships, resulting in an estimated $1 million in annual savings- or $6 million over six years.

To recognize the team’s contribution, Crist presented USF CU with a 2025 Outstanding Service Award and honored President & CEO Rick Skaggs along with the 10-member volunteer team at the credit union’s New Tampa branch.

This effort stands as a modern example of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”- demonstrating how innovation, expertise, and community service can come together to support better government outcomes and meaningful taxpayer savings.

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About USF Credit Union (USF CU)

Membership at USF CU is open to everyone looking for reimagined banking with purpose!

USF Credit Union is a full-service financial institution committed to providing exceptional financial services to its members. Believing in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” USF CU strives to be the most influential financial partner in its members’ lives. For more information and to join the credit union, please visit USFCU.com.