BEAUMONT, Texas–Leadership changes have been announced at several credit unions.
In Beaumont, Texas, the $430-million Education First FCU has named Kevin M. Conn as its new president/CEO.
Conn succeeds Keith A. Brenek, who has retired after serving as president and CEO since 2008.
Conn joined Education First FCU as executive vice-president in 2015 and successfully steered Education First through Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, while continuing to provide crucial services to EFFCU members and operational relief to community partners, the credit union said
“Kevin is a visionary, and we look forward to his progressive leadership contributing to our continued growth,” said Brenek, “and I have full faith that under his direction Education First will flourish.”
Brenek, a Southwest Texas State and Southwest CUNA Management School graduate, joined Education First 12 years ago as chief operating officer. A former CEO at Beacon Credit Union in Houston, Texas, Brenek built his career in the financial services industry.
Brenek guided EFFCU through a period of growth that included a merger with SAFE Credit Union, the construction of a new administration building and addition of their fourth and fifth full-service branches (previously in-store retail locations), the credit union said.
“Keith has been a great asset to the credit union. His vision and experience in the credit union movement has been a key component for our growth,” said Charles Starcke, chairman of the board. “With [Keith’s] departure, we are excited to welcome Kevin M. Conn to the position of president and CEO.”
New CEO at NW Priority
Meanwhile, in Portland Ore., Mark Turnham, president/CEO of NW Priority Credit Union, has announced his retirement after 40 years of distinguished leadership and dedication to the credit union, its members and the credit union industry, effective Sept.1.
Named to succeed Turnham is CFO Julie Garren, who has worked with Turnham for more than three decades.
“I am honored that our board has allowed me to continue NWPCU’s philosophy and values,” said Garren. “It is a bittersweet moment, as I have worked with Mark for 33 years and we will all miss him a great deal. I am excited to continue the strong tradition of this credit union, moving forward into the future working with such a committed board of directors and an outstanding team who are dedicated to serving our membership.”
Added Board Chair Marie Mullins, “We appreciate Julie’s efforts in remaining focused as the CFO while working along with Mark to have a seamless transition in September. We look forward to the next chapter of NWPCU going forward as she accepts her new duties.”
A Start in Collections
Turnham’s career started at NWPCU on March 1, 1980, in its collection department. He was promoted to assistant treasurer and became president/ CEO in 1998, and became the longest standing president/CEO in its 92 years of history.
“Under Mark’s leadership, the credit union grew from $111 million to $270 million in assets,” the credit union said. “Mark wholeheartedly believes in credit unions and their philosophy of people helping people.”
During Turnham’s credit union career, he served on the Oregon Credit Union League Board (now NW Credit Union Association), Mt. Hood Chapter board, was president of his Western CUNA Management School for three years. Mark also received the Charlie Clark Award from CUNA Management School.
“This award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the graduating class. The faculty and classmates choose the recipient based on being an Honors student who best depicts the traits of loyalty, fidelity, leadership and service,” the credit union said.
Turnham also received the Distinguished Service Award – Professional of the Year from Credit Union Association of Oregon and CUNA’s Advocate of the Year Award, and served for more than 30 years on the Oregon GAC Committee.
“Mark has been a well-respected leader in the credit union industry throughout his career,” the credit union said. “Mark has been an invaluable mentor to the NWPCU staff over the years. He has always had an open-door policy; he welcomes the staff and members to come and talk with him anytime.”