UT FCU CEO Dies at Knoxville Home

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- UT Federal Credit Union CEO Tom Adelman has died of an apparent heart attack on June 3. He was 47 years old. Before taking the lead at UT Federal Credit Union in 2003, Adelman served as executive vice president of finance and administrative services at San Diego-based First Future CU for some six years. Prior to that he worked as a CFO at U.S. Community Savings Bank and International Savings Bank. He believed strongly in credit unions and left a long established career in traditional banking to do what he said was "his part for the world." A man who according to friends and co-workers "had a story for just about every occasion", Adelman's leadership and vision helped UTFCU increase assets to more than $123 million in 2004 and become the fifth largest credit union in Knoxville. Adelman also helped to open a new branch in Memphis and oversaw an overhaul that included a new logo, new philosophy and construction of a new 21,000 square-foot main office slated to be completed next spring. "The credit union was very important to Tom. He was a strong leader who helped us to see the great potential lying within our organization," UTFCU EVP/CFO Debbie Jones said. "His leadership and vision have given us the map to move forward and we are blessed to have a loyal and dedicated staff and board of directors who will ensure the credit union continues to meet the goals he laid out for us." UTFCU Board Chair Betty Gissel added, "Tom was very dedicated to the credit union philosophy and movement. UTFCU and the entire credit union community have lost a great leader and advocate." Jones has been appointed acting CEO until the board decides how or when to permanently fill the position. Adelman is survived by his wife Linda and three children. At press time a Relief Fund was being established to help defray college costs for his children. -mdigiovanni@cutimes.com