First Credit Union, Chandler, Ariz., last week announced the death of Fred L. Kent, former president/CEO of the credit union.
Kent died Sept. 20. He was 67 years old.
Kent dedicated his entire career, more than 37 years, to the credit union movement. His charm, spirit and intellect combined with his passion for the credit union movement touched the lives of countless people who had the pleasure of working with him, the credit union said. He defended, supported and promoted credit unions to state and federal regulators and elected officials with an eye toward enriching the movement.
Kent began his career in the credit union movement as a federal examiner for the NCUA in 1975. Next, he served as general manager of J.L. Bammerlin Postal Federal Credit Union and later as assistant general manager for First Federal Credit Union after it merged with Bammerlin. Kent was president/CEO First Credit Union from 1988 until he retired in 2009 and subsequently served as chairman of First Credit Union’s board of directors.
Kent also served on the board of directors for the Arizona Credit Union League for 16 years, three of which were as the board's chairman.
In 2005, Kent was awarded the Very Outstanding Credit Union Person Award for his various accomplishments and involvement in the credit union movement by the ACUL.
Fred Kent is survived by his wife, Alletta, their children and their grandchildren.
