Education First announces change in leadership

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  • Keith A. Brenek is retiring from EFFCU as President and CEO. Kevin M. Conn has been chosen as the new credit union leader.
    Keith A. Brenek is retiring from EFFCU as President and CEO. Kevin M. Conn has been chosen as the new credit union leader.
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The Board of Directors of Education First Federal Credit Union (EFFCU) has announced the retirement of Keith A. Brenek, who has served as President and CEO since 2008.

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, 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).

Charles Starcke, Chairman of the Board, shared “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.” Starcke added, “With [Keith’s] departure, we are excited to welcome Kevin M. Conn to the position of President and CEO.”

Conn, who joined Education First FCU as Executive Vice-President in 2015, 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.

“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.”

Originally from El Paso, Conn received his B.S. from Park University in El Paso and has 19 years of experience in the credit union community. He is a 2014 graduate of Southwest CUNA Management School and a member of the Executive Committee Council of Cornerstone Credit League. He is also a former Board Member of the Sabine Area Chapter of Credit Unions and a 2017 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas.